As humans and by nature we are a dynamic system. When we want to understand how far or how much we are capable of doing and/or experiencing we need to pressure test the system - of us...
We pressure test the system by poking at it, increasing stress on the system, restricting the system, creating a scarcity of resources, overwhelming the system with an abundance of resources, changing the environment, exposing the system to extremes, and a host of other factors that enable the system to respond in some form or fashion.
As we respond to life experiences and the various factors we then experience the impact or results from the pressure tests.
How we respond will vary in terms of the immediacy required to correct the response.
We may respond quickly, we may adapt...we may grow as needed..or we may be slow to recognize adaptation is needed...we may ignore the inputs and continue to operate in the same way...or we may eventually become overwhelmed...or we may even break down...
Nature and our physiology has equipped us with many ways to anticipate, defend, sustain, adapt, or shut down when or as appropriate. We are hardwired to adapt as we experience the environment and its pressure tests.
As a dynamic system we also seek out and want to learn, adapt, and grow from each opportunity we experience.
By nature, we are curious to pressure test the system.
Although, If we never pressure test the system of us then we can often be surprised by the results from the various factors and inputs that we experience as well as how our system responds to the environments and situations we navigate.
If you find yourself surprised by how you respond and/or find that you'd like to adapt your system to support the world you navigate then you need to be open to actively pressure test YOU.
For example...If your system does not respond to social interaction, aka - Social Anxiety, then be open to noticing how your system responds. E.g., stomach churns, sweaty palms, tension in the neck, stumbling speech patterns, isolated self in the corner, sensory signals from the environment, etc.
Take those insights and signals and one by one adapt your system through learning and growth. Identify the tools, tactics, and strategies that enable you to test/learn what your system needs to operate and function at YOUR ideal performance in those environments and situations.
Our systems can adapt quickly as well as they can take time to adjust. Be patient and commit to understanding how YOUR system operates and what inputs and factors YOUR system needs to respond to your specifications.
Commit to regularly pressure testing your system.
