This is also known as hormesis, a biological phenomenon where exposure to a low dose of a potentially harmful stressor (toxin, radiation, or environmental facto

This is also known as hormesis, a biological phenomenon where exposure to a low dose of a potentially harmful stressor (toxin, radiation, or environmental factor) leads to a beneficial adaptive response in an organism. Examples include exercise, vaccination, caloric restriction. Many would argue that exposure to germs, stimulating the immune system, works the same way. Cognitively, examples would be desirable difficulty and deliberate practice in learning, and exposure therapy for phobias. Ofc this is what Nietzsche meant when he said the thing about “what doesn’t kill you…” The best way to “grow” or get better in most dimensions of strength and skill is to seek discomfort. The trick is get to get just the right amount for where you’re at, since too much is discouraging, and too little is boring. We seek out coaches and teachers in the hopes that they can trace the growth path for us.