In his Vulture profile last year, comedian Bill Murray said,
"Someone told me some secrets early on about living. You have to remind yourself that you can do the very best you can when you’re very, very relaxed. No matter what it is, no matter what your job is, the more relaxed you are, the better you are."
Psychology researchers would disagree. They aren't the illustrious Dr. Peter Venkman. Could both be right?
Strictly speaking, perfect relaxation doesn't help performance. When you're as serene as a yoga instructor with a trust fund, you won't have the motivation it takes to boost sales or production. Performance goes up with stress, but only to a point.
Psychology researchers would disagree. They aren't the illustrious Dr. Peter Venkman. Could both be right?
Strictly speaking, perfect relaxation doesn't help performance. When you're as serene as a yoga instructor with a trust fund, you won't have the motivation it takes to boost sales or production. Performance goes up with stress, but only to a point.
The Yerkes-Dodson law shows we do our best when our stress level isn't too high or too low.* In this "eustress" zone, there's enough agitation to create drive, but not enough to cause panic. This is where talk-show hosts like to have their guests; just anxious enough to put on great, manic entertainment.
Performance goes up with stress, but only so far.
Past that point, when arousal levels go too high, performance quality goes down. It's hard to meet quarterly goals when you're rigid with fear. That means companies that take the high-pressure, "purposeful Darwinism" approach are probably sabotaging themselves.
Does this mean Murray's wrong? For the sake of Caddyshack, Stripes and Groundhog Day,** let's say no. Life creates tension. It can take regular relaxation practice and self-care to ease our anxieties. Aim for, "very, very relaxed," and you'll reach the sweet spot on the curve without trouble.
* The ghost of my Psych 101 professor just rapped my knuckles. Yerkes and Dodson said their discovery doesn't apply to simple tasks. I doubt Murray had digging ditches in mind.
** What About Bob? is sadly inaccurate about therapy and therapists. I almost wish it wasn't as funny as it is.
@ 2015 Jonathan Miller All Rights Reserved
Does this mean Murray's wrong? For the sake of Caddyshack, Stripes and Groundhog Day,** let's say no. Life creates tension. It can take regular relaxation practice and self-care to ease our anxieties. Aim for, "very, very relaxed," and you'll reach the sweet spot on the curve without trouble.
* The ghost of my Psych 101 professor just rapped my knuckles. Yerkes and Dodson said their discovery doesn't apply to simple tasks. I doubt Murray had digging ditches in mind.
** What About Bob? is sadly inaccurate about therapy and therapists. I almost wish it wasn't as funny as it is.
@ 2015 Jonathan Miller All Rights Reserved
RSS Feed