Stress Inoculation: Building Resilience through Exposure

This mental model works on the premise that exposure to manageable stress in small doses can build strength and resilience over time. It highlights the importance of not avoiding all forms of stress but harnessing it as a tool for growth and development. For example, a public speaker might initially find speaking in front of large crowds daunting, but by initially speaking in front of small audiences and gradually increasing the audience size, they can become more comfortable and adept at this task. This gradual exposure to the stressor strengthens their ability to cope and perform, making them resilient in handling larger, future stressors.