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IS SUCCESS GENETIC?

Is Success Solely a Product of Hard Work or Environment?

KASHIF KHAN

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Everybody has that one friend who makes you feel like you’re not doing enough. They work nonstop, seem immune to burnout, and are always achieving some new, impossible goal. It’s as if they’re wired differently. Their brains are missing screws which cause them to function at an astounding level.


Believe it or not, this is true. Many high performers are wired differently, thanks to their unique brain chemistry (a result of genetics). Their drive, motivation, and ability to push through stress aren’t purely the result of discipline. These attributes stem from the same wiring that, when channeled improperly, can lead to addiction and destructive behaviors.


Through my research in functional genomics, I’ve seen this firsthand—testing the DNA of countless high achievers, as well as drug addicts, and finding a common thread in their brain wiring. Let’s explore the science behind how success might indeed be in your genes.


Dopamine: The Neurochemical of Success

Dopamine is the brain's "motivation molecule." It’s central to how we experience pleasure, reward, and motivation. It’s the force behind the desire to chase goals, whether long-term aspirations or short-term cravings.


When dopamine levels rise, we feel energized. It creates that unmistakable rush when we close a deal, complete a big project, or hit a big personal goal.


But dopamine isn’t just about feeling good. Dopamine drives us to keep moving forward. If the reward is good enough, we’ll chase that next win, regardless of how “good” we feel.

How does dopamine function differently in high-performing people? The answer lies in the genetics of their brain.

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How Your Genetics Shape Dopamine and Success


How we experience dopamine is determined by three key genes: DRD2, MAO, and COMT. These genes dictate how much dopamine we produce, how sensitive we are to it, and how quickly it gets cleared from the brain.


The DRD2 Gene: How Much Do You Feel Reward?

The DRD2 gene determines how many dopamine receptors your brain has. These receptors are the landing pads where dopamine molecules bind to create feelings of pleasure and reward. People with more receptors feel pleasure and satisfaction more intensely. Those with fewer receptors feel less.


If you have the AA variant of the DRD2 gene, you have fewer dopamine receptors, meaning that everyday rewards don’t give you the same level of satisfaction. This genetic profile often leads to a relentless pursuit of larger achievements, as smaller wins simply don’t register.


MAO and COMT: How Long Do You Feel Reward?

The MAO and COMT genes control how quickly dopamine is broken down and cleared from the brain. If you have the GG variant of these genes, you experience a rapid clearance of dopamine, meaning that any reward you feel is fleeting. People with this profile chase the next reward with a huge sense of urgency, as the satisfaction from previous accomplishments quickly fades.


Those with slower dopamine clearance can enjoy longer-lasting feelings of pleasure and contentment, making them less driven to seek out the next big thrill.

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Drug Addicts and High Performers Share The Same Brain Chemistry


One of the most fascinating insights from my genetic research is that drug addicts and high achievers share the same brain chemistry. Both groups tend to have fewer dopamine receptors and clear dopamine quickly. This drives them to chase things with big rewards (and risks) very urgently.


For high performers, the combination of fewer dopamine receptors and rapid clearence drives them to excel in their careers, fitness goals, or other pursuits.


On the other hand, this same brain chemistry makes them vulnerable to addiction when life takes a downturn. When high performers experience a major loss—whether it’s an injury for an athlete, a canceled contract for a celebrity, or the end of a career—they often lose the one thing that gave them their dopamine hit. Without those achievements to fuel their dopamine, they can turn to drugs, alcohol, or other outlets to compensate for the loss of reward.


It’s why we often hear stories of athletes, musicians, and CEOs falling into addiction after their careers peak. The same genetic wiring that once drove them to success now leaves them vulnerable when the rewards stop coming. Their brain, still craving dopamine, seeks it out in destructive ways.

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Stress Tolerance and Reward-Seeking Behavior

Stress tolerance is another key factor in success. And your ability to handle stress is closely tied to how your brain processes dopamine.


Stress, at its core, is anticipation. It’s the brain's response to the expectation of an obstacle. Dopamine fuels anticipation, keeping you motivated and focused on the end goal. The fewer dopamine receptors you have, the less you "feel" dopamine, which means you also feel less stress.


For high performers, this genetic makeup allows them to tolerate more stress than the average person. While others may crumble under pressure, those with fewer dopamine receptors and fast dopamine clearance can remain cool-headed and focused, even in high-stress situations. Their brains aren’t as sensitive to the highs and lows, allowing them to push forward with relentless determination.


This high stress tolerance combined with an intense drive for reward, creates the perfect conditions for success. High performers can handle the pressure of setbacks while chasing the next dopamine-fueled achievement. But without understanding this balance, they are also at risk of burning out or falling into unhealthy coping mechanisms when their source of reward disappears.

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Conclusion: Is Success Genetic?

The answer appears to be yes. Success is not solely a product of hard work or environment—your genetics play a significant role.

This is not what everyone wants to hear. Many people prefer to believe that success is something anyone can achieve with enough discipline. The truth is, some individuals are genetically predisposed to thrive under pressure, seek out rewards, and push through challenges in ways that others cannot.


This doesn’t mean that success is out of reach for those with the "wrong" genetic profile. It simply highlights the importance of understanding your own brain chemistry and using that knowledge to your advantage.


By recognizing your natural strengths—and the areas where you may be more vulnerable—you can tailor your actions toward what works best for you. Success, ultimately, is about leveraging the tools you have, whether they come from your genes, your environment, or the choices you make along the way.

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