Author
Vlad Tudorie
Let’s start with something radical: What if that young adult glued to video games for 18 hours a day isn’t lazy but highly capable?
What if that so-called “addiction” is really a neurodivergent brain trying to meet its dopamine needs the only way it knows how?
This isn’t just a theory. It’s a pattern we’re seeing more and more at Serenichron—especially in our conversations with leaders like resilience coach Beth Penfold. Many of her clients, particularly those with ADHD or autism, show intense hyperfocus. And it turns out: what looks like a liability in traditional environments becomes a massive asset when correctly channeled.
Video games are known to stimulate the brain’s reward system by releasing dopamine, which creates a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. This mechanism is particularly relevant for individuals with neurodivergent conditions, such as ADHD, who often have atypical dopamine regulation. Studies have shown that gaming fulfills the brain’s need for instant gratification and unpredictability, which can explain why some individuals may engage in prolonged gaming sessions.
Frequent video game players exhibit increased grey matter volume in the ventral striatum, a region associated with reward processing. This suggests that gaming may lead to adaptive neural changes, potentially reflecting how a neurodivergent brain seeks to optimise its reward system.
Why Gamers Make Amazing Entrepreneurs
Gamers don’t just play. They strategize. They grind. They join guilds, optimize resources, master rules, and level up over time. Sound familiar?
Running a business is surprisingly similar. The best entrepreneurs:
- Obsess over improvement
- Adapt quickly to feedback
- Thrive in high-stimulation, high-reward environments
- Stay immersed in complex, evolving systems
In other words: many gamers have already been training for entrepreneurship. They just didn’t realize it yet.
The shift begins when the reward system changes from digital loot to real-world outcomes. But that only works if they can move from junk dopamine to earned dopamine.
Earned Dopamine vs Junk Dopamine
Beth explained it perfectly:
“There’s increasing evidence in neuroscience that earned dopamine is actually more impactful and better for your nervous system than easily got dopamine.”
So what’s the difference?
- Junk dopamine is quick, shallow, and endless (scrolling, snacking, gaming on autopilot)
- Earned dopamine is meaningful, fulfilling, and builds over time (creating something, finishing a task, helping a client)
The goal isn’t to cut off dopamine-seeking behavior. The goal is to redirect it toward something productive.
Rewiring the Game: Habits That Work
Here are a few tools we recommend to clients trying to rewire their routine:
1. Gamify Your Workflows
- Set clear goals, visible progress bars, and streak trackers
- Create rewards (small treats, breaks, points systems)
- Treat every day like a level to beat, not a chore to survive
2. Body Doubling for Accountability
Body doubling means working alongside someone else—in person or virtually—to stay focused.
This taps into social cues and shared presence, even if you’re not working on the same thing. It’s especially effective for ADHD brains.
3. Flow State Planning
Identify your high-focus windows and protect them.
- Block distractions
- Work in sprints (25-90 mins)
- Use tools like music, time-boxing, or environment changes to trigger flow
Final Thought: It’s Not Laziness. It’s a Signal.
If you or someone you know seems “addicted” to games, ask: what need is this meeting? Is it structure? Challenge? Reward? Connection?
The brain is seeking something real. Instead of shaming the behavior, channel it into something that earns dopamine, builds confidence, and creates value.
That’s how gamers become founders. That’s how hyperfocus becomes a superpower. That’s how we build businesses that work with our brains—not against them.
So if this resonates with you—if you see the potential in your own hyperfocus, but need help turning it into momentum—we’re here for it.
