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The Order Matters: Why Effort Before Reward Changes Everything | 158
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What if the secret to motivation, energy, and focus wasn’t about doing more… but about doing things in the right order?
In this transformative episode of Manders Mindset, host Amanda Russo is joined by Andy West, author of Dopamine Mountain, to explore why effort before reward changes everything. Through her journey with bullying, addiction, depression, and chronic fatigue, Andy discovered that dopamine isn’t just about pleasure, it’s about balance, timing, and learning to do the hard but not extreme things first.
Together, Amanda and Andy unpack how small daily choices can rewire your brain, why the order of effort and reward is the missing key to motivation, and simple tools to break free from craving cycles. Andy also shares how journaling, affirmations, and micro-wins helped her rebuild optimism and self-worth after years of struggle.
This conversation is for anyone who’s felt stuck in burnout, brain fog, or endless loops of craving and is ready for a new way forward.
🎙️ In this episode, listeners will discover:
🌊 Why dopamine is a wave, not a switch and how to ride it
💡 The difference between effort, reward, and burnout
🛑 A simple tool to interrupt cravings and reset your brain
📚 How books by Louise Hay and Eckhart Tolle shifted Andy’s mindset
⚡ Why “hard but not extreme” actions create lasting growth
📝 The power of journaling, affirmations, and micro-wins in rewiring mindset
⏰ How the order of your daily tasks impacts motivation and energy
⏰ Timeline Summary:
[2:14] – Andy’s childhood, bullying, and early struggles with self worth
[10:48] – Depression, suicidal thoughts, and the turning point with Louise Hay
[19:33] – Addiction, dopamine “wanting vs. liking,” and how she broke the cycle
[28:15] – Chronic fatigue, anhedonia, and learning to reset her brain chemistry
[37:42] – Why effort before reward changes everything
[48:06] – Journaling, affirmations, and reframing optimism
[56:29] – The “hard but not extreme” principle in action
[1:03:50] – Practical steps for using dopamine to fuel growth
To Connect with Amanda:
Schedule a 1:1 Virtual Breathwork Session HERE
📸 Instagram: @thebreathinggoddess
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📱 Instagram: @MandersMindset
👥 Join the Manders Mindset Facebook Community HERE!
Chapters
1. Introduction to Andy West (00:00:00)
2. Early Life and Overcoming Depression (00:06:18)
3. Drug Use and Recovery Journey (00:10:42)
4. Understanding Dopamine's Role (00:17:47)
5. Hard But Not Extreme Approach (00:27:02)
6. Structuring Your Day for Success (00:34:37)
7. Building Focus Through Practice (00:42:57)
8. Practical Tips and Final Thoughts (00:50:42)
9. Key Takeaways and Action Steps (00:58:54)
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