7 Qualities That Promote Thriving
- Ellen Steele
- Sep 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 19
“Thriving,” is a term that is often used to describe a life that is moving toward self-improvement, growth, and personal fulfillment. A recent study identified 7 personal qualities that promote individual thriving. The more we can name the qualities that help us move toward personal thriving, the more intentional and self-aware we can be in our pursuit of it. If you desire to move from feeling stuck to actively thriving, here are 7 areas of your life you can start considering today. Try this exercise as you read about each one:
For each of the below indicators of thriving, write down the following:
1. On a scale of 1-10, how strongly is this quality present for you today?
2. What is one way you see that quality showing up in your life?
3. What is one way you would like to cultivate that quality more?
Positive Perspective
“I believe there’s hope.” When adversity hits, a positive perspective believes it doesn’t have to be forever. It connects to hope for something better in the future and confidence that something new can be possible. This kind of perspective is not the same as “toxic positivity,” which is an unrealistic form of shallow optimism. A genuinely positive perspective connects the to real evidence and reminders of the strengths and assets that can be accessed for positive change.
Religiosity & Spirituality
“I am connected to something greater than myself.” A supportive faith community, a belief in being part of something greater than oneself, and having personal spiritual practices, have shown in many studies to be connected to human thriving and well-being.
Proactive Personality
“I seek challenges and tell others what I need.” A proactive personality is based in the belief that you play an active role in your own development. It shows up when you take initiative to let others know what you need, whether it’s at work or in personal relationships. Proactivity also seeks out challenges for the sake of growth and bettering yourself. High achievers are known to actively seek out challenges because they believe that overcoming them will make them stronger.
Motivation
“I am driven by a meaningful purpose.” Individuals who thrive are connected to the things that interest them, engage their curiosity, and give them a sense of purpose. People are most motivated when their strengths are being used, their potential is being recognized, and their core passions are being ignited. In the workplace, those who carry a sense of positive meaning in what they do tend to have higher levels of motivation and thriving.
Knowledge & Learning
“When I’m learning I’m growing.” The desire to learn is important for people of every age. Workplace thriving is connected to an environment that encourages professional growth and the increasing the knowledge of current developments in one’s field. When students feel motivated to learn, they are moving forward toward thriving. When people encounter hardships, gaining knowledge about their situations can provide keys that access solutions.
Psychological Resilience
“I have the ability to navigate this adversity.” When the stress of adversity hits, those who thrive will be able to access flexibility, adaptability, and a belief that they have the ability to shape their experience of it. Psychological resilience is the factor that moves us from merely surviving and gutting out adversity to proactively adapting in the midst of it.
Social Competencies
“I’ve got healthy connections with others.” The ability to thrive is connected both to the presence of positive, supportive people in a person’s life, as well as the ability to navigate relational challenges through healthy conflict resolution. Honesty, transparency, emotional regulation and the presence of supportive people are key to social competencies that promote thriving.
So – which ones are you strong in? Which ones do you want to develop? Start today in your journey of developing a life where you're not just surviving, you're thriving!
