Researchers say that individuals with a positive attitude show more passion and willpower than those with a negative mentality.

Some people face life’s challenges with impressive displays of resilience, while others find it hard to adapt. Many proponents of personal development attribute this to the power of positive thinking – a hypothesis that seems to be confirmed by a Norwegian study published in the journal Acta Psychologica.

Hermundur Sigmundsson and Monika Haga, researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, studied the mechanisms of success by analysing the profiles of 1,548 volunteers aged between 13 and 77.

Their research focused on three factors they believe play a decisive role in the achievement of our goals: passion; grit or perseverance; and a growth mindset, i.e. the belief in one’s ability to succeed.

It would appear that individuals with a positive attitude show more passion and willpower than those with a negative mentality. “We find large differences in passion and determination when we compare the 5% who have the most positive attitude with the 5% who are the most negative,” Sigmundsson explained.

This positive attitude – or growth mindset – goes beyond mere optimism: it profoundly shapes an individual’s approach to defining and realising their ambitions.

Even if confidence in one’s abilities isn’t a given for everyone from the start, it can be cultivated. Once acquired, it becomes a source of motivation, a powerful driving force, fuelling both the passion and perseverance essential to success.

In short, adopting a positive mindset means instilling what Sigmundsson describes as the feeling of “I CAN.”

Hence, in addition to talent or intelligence, a real key to success apparently lies in having a positive outlook. “This means accepting setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow, while maintaining an unshakeable faith in one’s ability to adapt and evolve.

“To move forward in the long term, it’s crucial to savour every little success and find satisfaction in the path you’ve taken,” the experts concluded.