Stress and pressure can compromise your well-being and happiness. However, through perseverance, you can improve your mental health and your level of satisfaction, not only for yourself, but also for those around you.
An article by Tracy Brower for Forbes US – translated by Lisa Deleforterie
In an increasingly tense global context, anxiety about the future is becoming widespread among individuals. Gallup data shows that only 17% of people are happy with the current turn of events. This concern grows with increasing volatility, ambiguity, complexity and uncertainty, posing significant challenges.
However, cultivating perseverance may be the key to more positive experiences, according to new research published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology.
The power of perseverance
Essentially, perseverance involves constant commitment, determination, and resilience in the face of obstacles. It is closely linked to the ability to maintain energy and stamina and is associated with the perception of your own abilities and the belief that you can evolve, improve and achieve goals. Finally, it is linked to your ability to change perspective, to adopt an optimistic point of view and to believe in the improvement of circumstances, even if they are not optimal at the start.
And the good news is that perseverance is not only beneficial for achieving goals or thriving, it has also been linked to a reduction in depression, anxiety, panic and mental health disorders . This was revealed by a large study carried out by the Journal of Abnormal Psychologycovering more than 3,000 individuals over a period of 18 years.
How to develop perseverance
Here are the four main methods for developing perseverance.
- Address the subject of stress openly
Currently, one of the major challenges is that many people wrongly believe that a successful life is stress-free. The myth of happiness implies that if one follows good practices, one will only experience pleasant moments and that happiness should grow steadily.
The reality is that life always presents challenges and, statistically, the harder you have worked towards a goal, the more satisfied you will be that you achieved it.
Additionally, some of the most rewarding aspects of life are also the most demanding. Your marriage may be fulfilling, but it is not without disagreements and challenges. Being a parent can bring a lot of joy, but it also comes with responsibilities and challenges. Your career can be successful, but it inevitably has setbacks and obstacles to overcome.
It is necessary to recognize what is not working in your life and the aspects you want to improve, as well as recognizing the challenges you face. Then, to promote better mental health, it is also important to seek to acquire new knowledge and constantly evolve.
Adopt a growth mindset and remember that your abilities are not static; instead, focus on continuous improvement and progress with effort and intention.
- Learn from failure
Another aspect of perseverance is learning from failures encountered along the way. Interestingly, this can help you get results, but also reduce stress. A study published in Frontiers of Behavioral Neuroscience showed that when people analyzed their failures, it helped them in their future plans.
And when you fail 15% of the time, it can motivate you, according to a study published in Nature Communications. If you fail less than that, you risk being less stimulated and less engaged.
Look for situations that take you out of your comfort zone rather than challenges that are too easy. Use failure as a barometer: if you never fail, you may not be trying hard enough.
Additionally, push yourself beyond your limits and skills in order to progress. Improvement comes with discomfort, so look for situations where you can raise questions, take initiative, and push yourself toward new achievements.
- Develop your determination
One aspect of perseverance is sticking to something even when it's difficult. In the study, participants expressed determination by committing to overcoming obstacles and refusing to give up. Many have said, “When I encounter problems, I don't give up until I solve them.”
- Develop your tenacity by envisioning positive outcomes. The most disciplined people are able to cope with short-term difficulties because they envision the positive results they will achieve. Keep in mind that the fruits of your success will be worth the effort you have invested.
- You can build your determination by focusing more. Sometimes it is difficult to continue working because you are distracted. Turn off notifications for a while while working so you can concentrate 100%.
- Also strengthen your tenacity by taking breaks. After you've focused your attention for a while, take a break by going out to walk your dog, take a nap, or spend time with a loved one. Then get back to your work. Often, interrupting your workflow can help you think in a new way and approach the problem from a new perspective.
- Get others involved. Few complex problems can be solved by a single person. So gather people around you to give you a point of view, ideas and even moral support.
Tenacity is synonymous with hope; you know you will achieve a positive outcome. It also implies trust; you know you can find a way. Finally, it requires courage, because the problems can be intimidating, but you continue to move forward not without fear, but in spite of it.
- Adopt an optimistic point of view
Optimism is another essential characteristic of perseverance. You face difficulties by reevaluating them in a positive way. Many study participants said, “I can find something positive even in the worst situations.”
Optimism not only allows us to see the bright side of things, but above all to put them in context and remember their meaning. It can make things more manageable. There is significant evidence that optimism has significant effects on your life:
- When people are more optimistic, their life expectancy increases by 11-15% and the incidence of disease is lower. According to a longitudinal study of more than 70,000 people conducted by Boston University, these results apply regardless of diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, age or education. .
- According to a study published in the Journal of Managementpeople who are more optimistic at work perform better and are more satisfied.
- When people are more optimistic, they experience less stress and conflict between the demands of their work and life, according to a study published in the Journal of Business Research.
Strengthen your optimism by taking a long-term perspective. Often, problems seem more significant when your vision is limited. Take a step back and ask yourself how you will perceive the challenge in the months or years to come.
Additionally, develop your optimism by taking action. Blissful optimism is believing that good things will happen, but waiting for them. On the other hand, conditional optimism consists of giving oneself the means to work towards improving conditions. You actively evaluate situations, look for learning opportunities, work hard, and find ways to involve others to help you on your journey.
Keep the direction
Perseverance proves to be a powerful force because it allows you to confirm your skills and abilities by giving you confidence. Committing fully, going all the way and staying the course are fundamental aspects of this quality. Ironically, it is the very effort expended that fuels this fulfillment. The simple act of taking action can be a driver of autonomy and personal satisfaction.
The result is also important. By facing the problem and confronting your fears, you persist, knowing that you are investing in the potential for happiness, well-being, and fulfillment that lies on the horizon.
Also read: The revolutionary impact of interactive videos on health: from physical well-being to mental health
