Unlocking Your Potential: 7 Key Factors for Thriving in Life

Life often throws us into unfamiliar and sometimes overwhelming situations, such as moving to a new area, getting married, or getting a new job. The pressures of these events can be exciting and fun, or they could just as easily be stressful and traumatic. One person will grow, learn, and come out even stronger. Another will struggle and succumb to the pressure, coming out with nothing but a fear of the next new experience.

What determines whether one person emerges victorious from the experience while another feels defeated? The difference lies in a person’s ability to thrive. But what does it mean to thrive?

In the paper, Human Thriving, A Conceptual Debate and Literature Review, Dr. Daniel J. Brown offers this definition:

"It [thriving] appears to come down to an individual experiencing a sense of development, of getting better at something, and succeeding at mastering something.

"In the simplest terms, what underpins it is feeling good about life and yourself and being good at something."       

Dr. Brown and his colleagues reviewed the available studies and literature on human thriving and identified key personal factors critical for flourishing and deep life satisfaction. The more factors present in an individual’s life the higher the likelihood of overall life satisfaction.

Personal Factors for Thriving: These are thoughts, attitudes, and actions that enable an individual to succeed and do well in life. Let’s look at the seven key personal elements presented that can help you thrive and how they can be incorporated into your life.

1.      Positive Perspective

Optimism, hope for the future, and a positive attitude toward our own abilities help us thrive through adversity. Some ways to cultivate a positive outlook are practicing gratitude, surrounding yourself with positive people, and challenging negative thoughts.

2.      Spirituality

Whether through organized religious practices or personal spirituality, finding meaning and purpose in life contributes to well-being. Ways to do this might include practicing prayer or meditation, getting involved in faith-based communities, serving others, and connecting with nature.

3.      Proactive Personality 

Being proactive, taking the initiative and seeking growth opportunities, is linked to thriving. Cultivate a proactive personality by setting clear goals, embracing challenges, and investing in your personal and professional development.

4.      Motivation

Thriving individuals are intrinsically motivated to grow and develop. They pursue projects or hobbies for their own enjoyment and satisfaction, with no outside pressure or need for reward. Ways to develop intrinsic motivation include engaging in activities that align with values and passions, celebrating small wins, and maintaining a growth mindset.

5.      Knowledge and Learning

A curious mindset is crucial for thriving. Staying knowledgeable and up to date is key to thriving at work, and wisdom and experience help support personal success. To continue to learn and grow, read regularly, listen to podcasts, engage in discussions, and ask questions.

6.      Psychological Resilience

Thriving doesn’t mean avoiding struggles; it means benefiting from them. Develop resilience by reminding yourself that challenges are growth opportunities. Face them head-on, find ways to overcome obstacles, and learn from adversity. 

7.      Social Competence

Social Competencies are skills, such as conflict resolution, understanding cultural differences, and building strong bonds. These abilities enable individuals to form and maintain supportive relationships and consequently thrive. Build social competency by improving communication skills, developing conflict-resolution techniques, and engaging in social activities.

Thriving in life involves a combination of personal factors that enable individuals to flourish and find deep satisfaction. By developing these seven factors, individuals can increase their overall well-being and lead their best lives. Remember that thriving is a fluid, dynamic process and each person’s journey is unique, so find what works best for you.

2017_BrownStandage_EuropePsych.pdf (selfdeterminationtheory.org)