Adapting - PASS

If you would like to submit a question or make a comment, please email Dr. Taylor at thebrain@arlenetaylor.org

That’s a tall order! Here is the short answer. Adapting refers to the development and use of functions that fall outside one’s innate giftedness or brain’s energy advantage. Short-term adapting is useful and desirable; excessive or prolong adapting is not. Current studies suggest that a person is likely to be healthiest, happiest, and most successful when a majority (I say at least 51%) of life’s activities match what that person’s brain does easily.

A lecturer, when explaining to an audience the cost of prolonged adapting, picked up a glass filled with water and asked, “For how long could you hold this glass of water?” Participants called out a variety of estimates.

The lecturer replied, “If you hold it for a minute or two, that’s doable. If you hold it for an hour you will likely become aware that your arm is beginning to ache. If you hold the glass of water for an entire day without setting it down for a break, you may have to call an ambulance to take you to an Emergency Department.”

That’s the way it is with prolonged adapting. Spending a relatively short amount of time doing a task that is energy intensive for your brain is doable. After an hour or so you may notice that your brain is tired (and even more so as you get older and have less brain energy). After spending an entire day performing activities that require your brain to work much harder, you may be so exhausted that you have no energy for activities that are enjoyable and easy for your brain to do in terms of energy expenditures. Eventually, your brain may simply not be able to carry on and will try to get your attention through symptoms of irritability, memory and/or learning impairment, and depression (refer to PASS below).

To get through life people need to do some tasks that are more energy intensive for their brains. When doing so they need frequent breaks (e.g., metaphorically put the glass down) to do something else that is easier for the brain. Otherwise the burden may become impossible for the brain to handle. Life is short. Live it so both you and your brain enjoy it!

I have read McGraw’s book and he does appear to share some similar perspectives albeit using different labels. The author obviously believes in figuring out who one is and being real. Indeed, the high cost of a failure to be real is another way of discussing adapting.

For years I lectured from unpublished studies/discussions with researchers and discovered that some people are skeptical until information is released in book format. Others absorb the information and practically apply the strategies without waiting for mainstream publishing. It’s the quintessential different strokes for different folks. Differing formats appeal to differing brains. Find one that works for you and go for it!

That’s an interesting question. The term itself is attributed to Carl Jung, whose ground-breaking work formed the basis for the MBTI (Myer’s Briggs Temperament Inventory) and in part for the BTSA (Benziger Thinking Styles Assessment).

Jung’s position was that people who are Falsifying Type are individuals who have developed the majority of their skills in brain areas outside their innate giftedness or brain lead. Those developed skills can appear as “faking it” to individuals who possess innate giftedness in the specific skills under discussion.

Imagine that a dog finally learns to make sounds that resemble a cat’s meow. The dog may be rewarded for this effort but a real cat will recognize that the sounds are not a genuine meow. That’s sort of the way it is with the four cerebral languages. We tend to use our own brain language effortlessly and energy-efficiently. We can develop skills in brain-function languages other than our own but individuals who utilize each language innately often can recognize when this is not a “native language” for us.

Should we still try to develop some level of skill in other brain-function languages? Should we make an effort to become cerebrally multilingual? I think so! Whenever I travel to countries where English is not the primary language, the citizens usually go out of their way to help me feel quite validated when I attempt to speak something of their language, albeit not very fluently…

When we intentionally use a brain-function language outside our innate giftedness it’s a good idea to avoid pretending that it is our own “native brain-function language.” We just do our best with it, knowing that it will require higher levels of energy expenditures, and hoping that our efforts to communicate will be recognized by other brains.

If you are struggling to accomplish activities that are energy-expensive for your brain, you will likely continue to make errors (beyond the fact that you are human and human beings make mistakes).

I once heard a brain researcher report that if you expend large amounts of time and energy into developing skills that are difficult for your brain to accomplish, you can raise your competences from poor to mediocre. If you put that time and energy into honing skills that are easy for your brain, you can raise your competence from mediocre to excellent (if not outstanding).

Unfortunately, many were taught growing up that you had to work very hard for anything that was worthwhile. Yes, it will take time, energy, and effort to build skills and competencies—it will take less effort when those skills utilize functions that are easier for your brain to accomplish.

I suggest you invest some time, energy, and money in identifying the types of activities that your brain does easily. If those are not in the area of accounting, you may want to re-evaluate how you want to spend your energy.

Refer to the BTSA on my web site as an example of a tool you might find helpful, or refer to the Energy Assessment Tool in my book Your Brain Has a Bent (not a Dent).

It stands for Prolonged Adaptive Stress Syndrome. I selected that label as part of an effort to share some of my observations in a more formal manner. Eight commonly observed symptoms may be present in varying degrees in individuals who have developed spent years living and working in a manner that was energy-exhaustive for their brains.

You may want to refer to my article on the website entitled Prolonged Adaptive Stress Syndrome (PASS), for additional information. 

PASS is an acronym for Prolonged Adaptive Stress Syndrome. (An article is available on my website under Taylor’s Articles.)

Briefly, I began to collect data as individuals described symptoms that mirrored PTSD to some extent but lacked two specific components: flashbacks, and a specific incident that could have served to trigger the symptoms.  Eventually, I selected the acronym PASS (Prolonged Adaptive Stress Syndrome) to encompass eight commonly observed symptoms that may be present in varying degrees in individuals who have developed this syndrome after years of living in a manner that was energy-exhaustive for their brain. The eight characteristics are:

1. Fatigue

The brain likely has to work much harder when trying to accomplish tasks that do not match its own innate preferences or biochemical giftedness. The additional energy-expenditure requirements can contribute to a progressive fatigue that is not really alleviated by sleep. Other symptoms can include an increased need for sleep, interference with sleep, and decreased dreaming. These can conspire to cause further sleep deprivation and fatigue that sometimes borders on exhaustion.

2. Hypervigilance

Living an energy-exhaustive lifestyle can push the brain to activate a protective safety mechanism. This hypervigilance can be exhibited at times as a startle reflex, or increased jitteriness. The Reticular Activating System or RAS can push the individual into a state of protective alertness. The additional energy expenditure to enlarge the brain’s metaphoric lens can also contribute to fatigue. (Note: This is sometimes demonstrated in the BTSA as a “dog-leg” push toward introversion.)

3. Immune System Suppression

Failure to live one’s own innate giftedness, which, in effect, is akin to living a lie, can suppress immune system function (e.g., temporarily shrink the Thymus gland). Outcomes that may be observed related to immune system suppression can include a slowed rate of healing, exacerbation of autoimmune diseases, an increased susceptibility to contagious illnesses, and/or an increased risk of developing diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

4. Reduced Function of the Frontal Lobes

Interference with functions of the frontal-lobes may be exhibited in a variety of ways. Some individuals experience a decrease in artistic or creative competencies (e.g., writer’s block, difficulty brainstorming options, diminished problem-solving skills). Others evidence interference with their ability to make logical or rational decisions, exhibit a tendency toward increased injuries due to cognitive impairment, or notice slowed speed of thinking and/or reduced mental clarity.

5. Altered Neurochemistry

Interference with hypothalamus and pituitary function can affect hormonal balance. This may be observed in myriad ways (e.g., decreased growth hormone, insulin production irregularities, alteration in reproduction functions, increase in glucocorticoids that can prematurely age the Hippocampus). There are some reports, from studies involving the brains of mice and rats, that altered neurochemistry due to extreme or prolonged stress may interfere with the permeability of the Blood Brain Barrier. It is currently unknown how similar situations would affect the human brain.

6. Memory Problems

Cortisol, released under stress, can interfere with memory functions in a variety of ways. Dr. Robert Sapolsky of Stanford University (author of Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers) has outlined several consequences of increased cortisol production that impact memory. Following are three examples.

  • Decreased utilization of blood sugar by the Hippocampus can create an energy shortage that interferes with an ability to lay down a memory, store data in long-term memory, or access/recall memory at a later date. 
  • Diminished neurotransmitter function (think of this as “phone lines are down”) can reduce effective communication among neurons. This can result in the mind becoming muddled, with negative effects on attention and concentration.
  • Increased production of free radicals associated with stress can actually kill brain cells from within (to say nothing of contributing to other problems such as wrinkling!).

7. Discouragement or Depression

Conserve/Withdraw is a reaction form that the brain may use when an event or situation seems overwhelming and for which there seems no ready solution. Experienced over time, this can lead to discouragement and to a sense of hopelessness. The discouragement in turn can lead to the development of depression or to an exacerbation existing depression. Estimates are that 20 million people in the United States may be depressed at any given time, with approximately 15% of those being suicidal. A mismatch between an individual’s innate giftedness and the way in which he/she is expending vital energy is believed to contribute to both discouragement and depression.

(Two other reaction forms are Fight/Flight, which males are more likely to exhibit, and Tend/Befriend, which females are more likely to exhibit).

8. Self-Esteem Problems

Over time, a lack of success in life, as well as the cumulative impact of other symptoms, can whack one’s sense of self-worth. It can also exacerbate existing self-esteem problems. These issues can appear as behaviors that involve low self-esteem (victim stance) or inflated self-esteem (offender stance), or they can circle around between these two positions. A diminished sense of self worth can occur when a person is working very hard to be successful but is performing activities that are energy-exhausting and that contribute to fatigue and (eventually) to mistakes in performance. A diminished sense of self-worth can also impact the manner in which an individual “lives life” in terms of self care.

Note: The brain is believed to be the first body system to recognize a stressor. It has been said that stressors generally interact with the brain in a predictable ratio. The 20:80 Rule, as it is sometimes referred to, states that:

  • 20% of the adverse effects to the brain and body is due to the stressor itself
  • 80% of the adverse effects is related to one’s own perception of the stressor and the weight or value ascribed to it

It is possible that the adverse affects on the brain and body resulting from life situations (e.g., over-adapting) that lead to PASS symptoms may exceed the typical 20%. This seems likely, given that this form of stress involves not only external and environmental triggers, but the rate at which the brain itself must work, and the amount of energy that must be expended in order to accomplish the desired tasks. Therefore, this mismatch between one’s innate energy advantage and the activities that the individual actually performs on a daily basis, can be a serious and potentially life-threatening stressor. Over time, this type of stressor may contribute to an increased risk of self-medicating (altering one’s own brain chemistry) through addictive behaviors.

The task is a bit daunting, at best, since every human brain on this planet is unique. No two brains are believed to be identical in structure, function, or perception; and each will perceive information against the backdrop of its own experience, ability, bias, education, and belief systems to name just a few.

Think of it this way, the goal of eating moderate amounts of nutritious food at regular intervals is a simple concept. Is it always “easy” for people to achieve when they are bombarded with multi-media presentations, societal pressure to eat, and memories of learned behaviors? No.

Similarly the concept of living life tobacco free is relatively simple. “Yes or no.” Altering behaviors related to tobacco use, however, is not necessarily easy and actually may be one of the most difficult behaviors to change.

And the goal of obtaining regular physical exercise is also a relatively simple concept. You do it or you don’t. But how many people obtain at least 30 minutes of balanced exercise on a daily basis?

These tasks are “simple,” and yet not necessarily “easy” to accomplish. They require vision, focus, commitment, choice, and discipline, along with setting and implementing appropriate personal boundaries, and so on. This can make them “difficult” to implement. In most cases, however, it is probably worth the work depending on your own goals.

In terms of brain function, the concept of figuring out how your brain functions most energy-efficiently is relatively simply. So is developing the goal of matching a minimum of 51% of your life’s activities to that innate giftedness is relatively simply to understand.

Applying that knowledge and implementing steps to achieve that goal (while simple in concept) may be easier or more difficult to accomplish. It can be easier when you have not been Falsifying Type (a label coined by Jung to indicate that an individual has built more than half their skills outside their innate brain lead); and when your business associates, friends, and family members are willing not only to honor who you are innately but to support and affirm you as you tweak your life’s activities to attain that 51% match.

This process can be much more difficult when you have been adapting for years, your brain is already exhausted and your immune system stressed; and when your business associates, friends, or family members believe it is their best interests for you to keep functioning in the same style. They may even make it uncomfortable for you to live the way in which life is energy-efficiently for your brain.

Of course one could argue that if they really cared about you, “Joe Blow,” or “Jane Smart,” they would get behind this process because of the huge benefit that can accrue to you in terms of health, wellness, success, and longevity. Hope springs eternal!

Regardless, anecdotal information over time is supporting the belief of how important it is for an individual to follow their own path-regardless. Simple in theory. Practically it usually requires a mix of easy and difficult to achieve. We believe it is definitely worth the work!

Yes, actually. Some people do, and it can make a positive difference in their lives. A woman who did apply The 80:20 Rule recently shared her experience. Her e-mail went like this:

I recently heard Dr. Taylor speak at an Elderhostel event that I attended in Northern California. I enjoyed her presentations very much. On my journey back to Alaska I had an opportunity to practice some of the techniques that she introduced to the group.

I arrived at the Oakland airport around 1:00 p.m. for a 2:30 p.m. flight and discovered that my flight had been cancelled. My reservations now indicated that I was to leave Oakland at 9:00 pm but connections in Seattle were unavailable. That clearly was not going to work for me. After some searching, the reservation agent found a flight leaving San Jose at 2:15 p.m. with a connecting flight in Seattle.

The shuttle van picked me up and I asked the driver if he could get me to San Jose in time for a 2:15 flight. He said that he would try. So I thought of what I had learned at the seminar. Putting on my seatbelt, I took a deep breath, got out my Sudoku puzzles and started to work on them. The driver looked at me and said in an astonished, “You so calm. Most of my passengers would be highly agitated if not yelling at this point in their travels!” 

I shared information about the 20:80 rule, outlined some of the stress management techniques I had learned, described how cortisol has a deleterious effect on one’s brain and body, and thanked him for doing the best he could to get me to the San Jose airport on time. I could not ask for more.

We had a very interesting conversation all the way to the airport, and I learned a lot about business enterprises that were previously unknown to me. And I made my flight in San Jose with time to spare.

The author of the book and presenters in the video are addressing a key component of success. An affirmation is a positive statement used to program your subconscious. When repeated aloud, especially in combination with purpose and emotion, the affirmation will influence your intent and result in altered behaviors in your life. When those thoughts are written down and then read aloud, the effect can be compounded.

Every thought you think, every word you say, and every action you take:

  • Affects every cell in your brain and body
  • Alters your brain’s neurochemistry positively or negatively
  • Creates an internal map for your brain to follow
  • Impacts electromagnetic energy that the neurons on your brain and heart release

The problem is, of course, growing up most people heard 7-9 negative comments for every positive comment, and 18-19 negatives for every positive if they came from a very dysfunctional system. Their memory banks are filled with negative pictures and pejoratives. Most people tend to develop habitual ways of thinking and talking and follow them like a bowling ball follows the gutter. You can only get out of a trap when you recognize you are in one!

Although the importance of “taking action” is alluded to in both the book and the video, it is not particularly emphasized. They appear to be concentrating on the thinking-affirmation step, which could give you a slightly unbalanced view. When you become aware of your thoughts at a conscious level and take responsibility for thinking, writing, and speaking affirming thoughts, life can change.

The electromagnetic energy released by your neurons can be received by other neurons on the same “wave length” if you will. Some researchers describe this as a form of “attraction:” like attracts like. At the very least this may result in you becoming more aware of options that beforehand you had either not perceived, ignored, or decided were unavailable to you. When you become aware of those opportunities you need to take action. Thinking different thoughts does not necessarily create action-but it IS the first step. As Oliver Wendell Holmes put it so elegantly, the ancestor of every action is a thought.

I’ll begin with the first part of your question: having learned to do something well doesn’t necessarily mean that your brain does it energy efficiently. Typically, practice can help you complete a specific task more efficiently than when you originally were developing the requisite skills, but there will be an accompanying energy requirement that reflects an individual brain’s own innate advantage. The energy expenditure can be efficient or intensive.

For example, I have learned how to balance my check book and can do it “well” (with a minimum of errors). This specific task, however, is not “energy efficient” for my brain to accomplish. Because it is energy intensive I tended to procrastinate. Now I trade out hair cutting for balancing my checkbook with someone whose brain does it very energy efficiently—and we’re both happy because I love to cut hair and my brain uses small amounts of energy.

As to the second part of your question, figuring out your brain’s energy advantage give you the opportunity to manage your brain’s energy expenditures more effectively so that your brain energy lasts as long as possible (studies indicate levels of brain energy tend to decrease as the brain ages).

Become aware of the way in which your brain expends energy and identify tasks that are energy intensive versus those that are energy efficient. Here are several categories to consider:

  • Tasks your brain does well (minimum errors) but that require large amounts of energy to accomplish and that you might procrastinate if you could so without major consequences (often reflects adapting)
     
  • Tasks your brain has difficulty doing well and that are also energy intensive (often reflects adapting)
     
  • Tasks your brain does well (or could do well with learning and practice) and that are also energy efficient based on your own innate preferences is likely much less stressful for your brain