Engaging self-directed adaptive plasticity requires focused attention, triggering neurochemical releases like norepinephrine and epinephrine, which signals the need for neural change.

“the first thing it requires is focused dedicated attention to the thing that you're trying to learn that's the first step and that actually triggers a number of different chemical and electrical processes in the brain that are often associated with agitation and frustration believe it or not the agitation and frustration is a reflection of the release of specific chemicals in particular nor epinephrine and epinephrine also called nor adrenaline and adrenaline in the brain and body that creates this discomfort and this heightened level of alertness and attention”