Under optimum condition the inner potential lies in close proximity to the outer shell. This outer shell is exposed to the various environmental stimuli. Eg. achieving targets, taking an exam, a promotion from the current status etc. Existing stimuli lay demand on the potential to function at a needed level. Thus to cope with the existing situation the potential expands if necessary right up to the outer shell.
Continued expansion leads to maturation of the persons ability to manage people and circumstances.
Thus for obvious reasons lack of stimuli will lead to less expansion of a persons potential. Hence all of us need proper stimuli to motivate us to perform to our fullest potential. The problem arises when the stimuli in the environment become overwhelming, long drawn and unmanageable. In this situation the potential fails in the face of immense demands laid by the environment and it starts to shrink. This model of stress generation is vital to the understanding of stress or crisis management, cause it will help us comprehend better the means and methods available to break the vicious cycle.