State Atlas
Atlas

emotion

Excitement

Confidence · moderate

High-arousal anticipation of a desired outcome, mobilizing approach.

Something good is coming and I want it.
01

Overview

Typical triggers

  • ·Anticipated reward
  • ·Novelty with promise
  • ·Imminent reunion

Common metaphors

  • “On fire”
  • “Buzzing”
  • “Can't sit still”
02

Body

  • chestBuzzing, fluttering
  • stomachButterflies
  • whole bodyRestless energy
Sympathetic — mobilization
Arousal5/5
Energy5/5
Heart rate
Elevated
Breathing
Quickened, shallow at peaks
03

Mind

Attention

Forward-leaning, toward the anticipated event

Facial expression

Wide eyes, broad smile, raised brows

Typical thoughts

  • “I can't wait”
  • “What will it be like?”
04

Behavior

  • Pacing, talking quickly
  • Planning
  • Reaching out to share

Environmental influences

Stimulating settings · Music · Social buildup

05

Function

Mobilizes pursuit of high-value goals.

State transitions

  • ExcitementJoyvia Anticipated event arrives well
  • ExcitementAnxietyvia Stakes outweigh perceived capacity
  • Excitementdisappointmentvia Event falls short of expectation
06

Interventions

  1. Channel the energy into preparation
  2. Notice the line between excitement and anxiety
  3. Breathe and savor the wanting

Reflection questions

  • · What do I most hope for here?
  • · How do I want to show up when it arrives?
07

Relationships

Related

JoyanticipationCuriosity

Neighbors

JoyanticipationAnxiety

Opposites

BoredomCalm
ExcitementAnxietyJoyCuriosityCalmBoredomFearAngerSadnessAweShameGuiltEmbarrassmentReliefFrustrationAcceptanceGriefLoveDisgustPride
RelatedNeighborOpposite
08

Research

Dopamine reward-prediction signals underlie anticipatory pleasure.

Citations

  • · Berridge & Robinson (1998). Wanting vs liking.