IV. BASICS OF PERFORMANCE

IV. BASICS OF PERFORMANCE 

Measures are being taken to ensure success.  The system will never be without flaws, but there have been safeties put in place to prevent catastrophes. The body is sentient and ever-changing, learning more and more each day. Research, maintenance, and adjustments will need to be made for the duration of the system's functioning.

As long as performance remains above 0.1% the system is classified as "functioning." Performance will fluctuate with time and circumstance. Maintaining high levels of performance for long periods of time is not required or even ideal, for it may cause a sudden and steep drop in performance. Such drops can compound and harm long term functioning. Ideal percentages of performance for prolonged functioning are between 60-75%, with periodic spikes in both directions.

With the specific nature of the system, it may be necessary to define performance. Performance is a multifaceted idea made of components that add up to the entire state known as "Performance." Performance consists of:

• Movement
• Kinetic, molecular, geographical, neural, ideological, or theoretical
• Achievement
• Academic, financial, physical, creative, interpersonal, intrapersonal
• Relative stability
• Ability to continue performing
• Motivation to continue performing
• Happiness
• Other unenumerated aspects

Above all, the primary aspect affecting performance is "Happiness." Happiness functions as both a component and product of performance.  When working to improve performance to better functioning, happiness should be directly targeted. Most resources used to support the system are focused on researching and bettering the happiness component. Recommended ways to maintain acceptable levels of happiness are as follow:

• Exposure to felines
• Exposure to music*
• Creative endeavors
• Expenditure of kinetic energy
• Forward thinking
• Thoughtful solitary walks, especially through cemeteries
• Caffeine intake
• Goal production, advancement, and achievement

*Music must be handled carefully due to it's subjective nature. Type and time are important to consider when trying to elevate happiness. Careless exposure to music may have the opposite effect and actually lower happiness levels.

The ways in which these methods work, as well as ways of improving them, are being investigated. Simultaneously new strategies of obtaining happiness are being studied. The goal is to maximize the effects of happiness-inducing events and to have said events be numerous enough to be available as often as possible.

It should also be noted that pure happiness is not feasible to experience at all times or for prolonged durations. Such consistency should not be expected. It is natural for happiness to drop occasionally and actually allows the system to optimize it's functioning.  These moments permit the system to recalibrate and make any necessary readjustments, all part of it's sentient and changing nature. However, very low levels of happiness for long periods of time are detrimental to performance and long term functioning.

For more information, see System Manual v.1.4 pp. 10-132.