Be a Thriver!
Thriving Through Thick and Thin
Why do some people excel and soar in the face of adversity and troubles? No matter what, they continue to thrive over the long haul! These are the thrivers. They may experience downs and low periods, yet they survive and bounce back!
Characteristics of Thrivers
- Thrivers show invincibility and manifest toughness.
- They have hope.
- Thrivers use humor!
- They see different ways of looking at situations.
- They have a flexible and accommodative style.
- They see opportunity and challenges in the face of danger.
- Thrivers accept their limitations and know what they can do about their problems.
- Thrivers find a good match between the impossible and the possible.
In general, thrivers know how to swim, learn new strokes, and float, even when the water keeps throwing new currents and waves at them.
How Thrivers Do it
Here are some common ways of rising to the occasion:
- Let it go.
- Suffer wisely, and cheer up!
- Have faith, calm down, and don't despair.
- Lower your expectations.
- Show hardiness.
Let it go!
Thrivers know when and how to let their emotions flow, when to let go of and not to hold on to or cling to feelings. Thrivers have learned that keeping certain feelings keeps them stuck.
Suffer wisely, and cheer up!
Thrivers realize that pain and suffering are part of life. They realize that they will be okay despite the suffering, and they will be stronger than they think. The painful experience will help them through life.
Have faith, calm down, and don't despair.
- Thrivers know that no feeling lasts forever. They realize that equally positive feelings will come their way.
- Thrivers understand that they may develop their own version of faith and contentment. They chill out, relax, and know they will be okay!
Lowered Expectations
Thrivers have learned to lower their expectations of others and themselves. They have learned to forgive themselves for mistakes and forgive others for their shortcomings and cruelty. They have also found ways to creatively adapt and accommodate—through downshifting and upshifting when needed.
One Thriver's Point of View
"It is a lot easier to feel great when you do not go around expecting life to be fantastic. Keep your expectations low, and you won't be disappointed. Semi-great is good enough for me now!"
Hardiness
- Thrivers have learned and trained their bodies to cope with stress; they have "inoculated" themselves against distress.
- Thrivers rise to a higher level of strength and coping when faced with adversity. They've learned to be tough!
This article was adapted from a presentation, which was based upon the following work of Dr. Paul Pearsall:
Pearsall, P. (2003). The Beethoven factor: The new positive psychology of hardiness, happiness, healing and hope. Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing.
U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center. (n.d.). Thriving [PPT] (B. Schuette, Ed.). Retrieved October 23, 2018, from https://www.med.navy.mil/