If things are not working out for you at the workplace or at home, finding a mentor can help you rise to the top and control your surroundings. But this is not enough.
According to the researchers, if you embrace these five factors – focused training, Passion, grit, positive mindset and a mentor – nothing can stop you from carving a niche in life.
“It seems that certain factors need to be present to become an expert within a given field,” said Professor Hermundur Sigmundsson from Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
The study, published in the journal New Ideas in Psychology, presents a theoretical model and a new scale that assesses passion in relation to a skill.
“A key concept in this context is to find an area that you’re interested in. That’s how we can light the spark,” said Sigmundsson, adding “you need a passion for what you’re doing. You have to burn for it”.
The commonly accepted refrain is that 10,000 hours of practice are necessary to become really good at something. One have to practice exactly what you want to excel in.
A lot of practice along with focus is essential to get really good in a particular field. But grit, the perseverance and motivation to keep at an activity over time, is also important, said the study.
“In addition, one needs a positive mindset, an attitude of ‘I can achieve this,'” said Sigmundsson.
It’s unlikely that you can manage the journey alone.
You most likely need a mentor – someone who can show you the way and who supports you.
“This should be someone with the right knowledge base to stand by you for the long time required to become proficient,” the findings showed.
Passion for an area or a topic or skill is an important factor in achieving one’s goals.
“Passion sets the direction of your arrow, but grit determines the strength and size of the arrow,” said Sigmundsson.
Men generally find the strongest connection between passion and grit. They spend a lot of energy on what they’re passionate about but for women, the strongest connection seems to be between grit and a positive mindset.