Year of The Ox and Positive Psychology

Is it possible that The Chinese Year of the Ox actually is a portend of a positive new direction for the world? In Chinese Astrology, the Ox is a symbol of prosperity through perserverance and hard work. "Ox" people know they do not succeed through get rich quick schemes. Need I say more?

Angela Duckworth, a researcher in Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania is studying the personal trait "grit". Her research shows that individuals who have "grit" apply consistent effort and hard work are rewarded by success, perhaps more so than those who rely on their giftedness alone. Clearly those with this personal quality will survive the turmoil of our times better than those who lack it.

How do you develop more grit if you are not an Ox by nature? Angela Duckworth is convinced that it can be developed and built upon. Here are some of her suggestions for developing grit.

• Follow your passion - grit doesn't feel like hard work if you love what you are doing.
• Develop optimistic thinking. People with grit fundamentally believe that their hard work will pay off. Read Martin Seligman's "Learned Optimism" and "Authentic Happiness" for mental strategies for developing this kind of thinking .
• Develop a mindset of learning, which includes learning from failure and learning new skills that can help you overcome obstacles and adapt to new circumstances.

As for developing children with grit, role modeling is essential. My parents had more grit than anyone else I have ever met. Based on what they were like, I would add to Duckworth's recommendations:

• Have a belief in something greater than yourself that will carry you through the tough times. For them it was their religion and love of their family.
• As difficult as things may be, there is probably someone worse off than you. Show them some kindness and charity.

May you have a Happy and Positive Chinese New Year!