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Growth Mindset: The Secret to Thriving

For my last growth mindset exercise, I read Scientist finds Secret to Thriving by the University of Portsmouth. They say that "it appears to come down to an individual experiencing a sense of development, of getting better at something, and succeeding at mastering something." It goes on to say "In the simplest terms, what underpins it is feeling good about life and yourself and being good at something." I think this is extremely insightful, since most of the times I feel the best about myself, it's because I've achieved something or developed one of my skills further.

The article also highlights that, while this has been previously studied, it normally is studied in specific contexts. For example, what makes babies thrive may not be the same factors that make employees thrive.

These researchers laid out a list of factors that are not necessary or exhaustive, but a combination of which may help an individual select aspects of their life to focus on in order to thrive:

  1. Is:
    1. Optimistic
    2. Spiritual or religious
    3. Motivated
    4. Proactive
    5. Someone who enjoys learning
    6. Flexible
    7. Adaptable
    8. Socially competent
    9. Believes in self/has self-esteem
  2. Has: 
    1. Opportunity
    2. Employer/family/other support
    3. Challenges and difficulties are at a manageable level
    4. Environment is calm
    5. Is given a high degree of autonomy
    6. Is trusted as competent
I think even though this concept is so abstract and personalized, having a concrete list like this helps individuals like this frame where they're at, their goals, and how to achieve a "thriving" state.

thriving
(Climbing to success. Source.)

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