Looking on the bright side is key to success

THE secret of success is as simple as looking on the bright side of life and being good at something.

According to research, it pays to have a shopping list of traits divided into two columns from which people can select qualities.

The first column includes traits such as optimism, a spiritual outlook, motivation, being proactive, educated, flexible, adaptable, socially competent and self-confident.

But these should be matched in the second column with seeking opportunities, having a job, manageable challenges, calmness, independence and trustworthiness.

Dr Daniel Brown, a sport and exercise psychologist, said despite plenty of theories there has been no agreement on how to thrive.

Better

Now Dr Brown, of Portsmouth University, Hants, has pulled together all the research on what makes people thrive, ranging from studies of babies and teenagers to artists, athletes, employees and the elderly.

In his conclusions, which are published in the journal European Psychologist, he said: “Thriving is a word most people would be glad to hear themselves described as, but which science hasn’t managed to consistently classify.

“It appears to come down to an individual experiencing a sense of development, of getting better at something and mastering something.

“What underpins it is feeling good about life and yourself and being good at something.”