Accepting Anxiety, Part 2/2: Can Anxiety Be Good? Page #2

[Anxiety]:
Alright, I can't say it isn't nice to hear you all groveling, but... I actually think you were right to not want me around. I've always aimed to protect you, but lately... It feels like I've been keeping you from doing anything.

[Roman]:
If your only goal is to protect, then why do you act like the embodiment of a dark and stormy night all the time?

[Thomas]:
Roman?

[Roman]:
What?! He's a creepy cookie! You're a creepy cookie, Anxiety!

[Thomas]:
Roman!

[Roman]:
You're like a- an oatmeal raisin cookie that's primarily composed of raisins. A raisin oatmeal cookie. No one wants that!

[Thomas]:
*verbally snaps at Roman* PUMP THE BRAKES, PRINCEY!

[Roman]:
I'm sorry.

[Thomas]:
You pump those brakes.

[Roman]:
I'm sorry. I'm just- I'm feeling a little... um... Extra passionate here.

[Patton]:
When did you apply eyeshadow?

[Roman]:
I didn't, but does it look okay? Because the prince has got to slay.

[Patton]:
Of course, it looks good. Why would you think it wouldn't? Do you have self-esteem issues? Am I asking too many questions?

[Anxiety]:
Putting on a dark persona is the best way to get anyone's guard up... But all this reflecting and working on your issues with us has gotten me to think that... I overdo it.

[Patton]:
You could never overdo it.

[Thomas]:
Mmm.. well...

[Patton]:
You are perfect and special just the way you are. I don't care how dark your clothes are. You shine... *singing* Bright like a diamond.

[Thomas]:
You o- you okay, Patton?

[Patton]:
I just got a lot of feelings...

[Roman]:
Hey, Patton! ..Eyeshadow buddies.

[Patton]:
We are buddies...

[Logan]:
Look, Anxiety, you're a natural fight-or-flight reflex. That's what you're instilled in humans to act as. And for some people, yes, you're a little heightened, but what's a little extra height, right? I mean, that just means you're tall enough to ride every ride at Disney World. Unless you're too tall and you get decapitated on It's a Small World. Wow. Sorry for that little tangent. I am reeling right now. The point is too much of anything can be counterproductive.

[Anxiety]:
Well, yeah, but for me-

[Logan]:
Hold on! Yes, I'm about to provide more exposition, Thomas. Just bear with me.

[Thomas]:
Okay...

[Logan]:
The relationship between anxiety and performance can be expressed on this curve. Known as the Yerkes–Dodson curve. It's named after the psychologists, R. M. Yerkes and J. D. Dodson. They-

[Roman]:
Get on with it, calculator watch!

[Patton]:
Yeah, loud noises!

[Logan]:
Okay, up here is where you want to be. The optimum degree of constructive tension. Yes, too much anxiety pushes us to this side of the curve and performance is hindered, which is less than ideal, but without you at all, Thomas is not just on this more relaxed, laid-back side of the graph which is also not ideal when you're trying to get things done. He's all the way down here.

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