In one of my earlier posts I called attention to a book by Martin Seligman entitled Learned Optimism. In it, the author presents a useful framework for being successful (*) using the following analogy:
“A composer can have all the talent of a Mozart and a passionate desire to succeed, but if he believes he cannot compose music, he will come to nothing. He will not try hard enough. He will give up too soon when the elusive right melody takes too long to materialize. Success requires persistence, the ability to not give up in the face of failure. I believe that optimistic explanatory style is the key to persistence.”
He then goes on to list the three characteristics that determine success:
- Aptitude
- Motivation
- Optimism
Of course, this framework is missing the “X” factor; an encapsulation of circumstances and random events that can positively or negatively influence one’s “success” at any given point in time. Independent of this, I’ve found the framework useful enough to incorporate into Immersion:
While the Immersion concept began nearly one year ago, the “mental” underpinnings became clear only recently – and ultimately through Seligman’s unique insight.
(*) – In the spirit of building/maintaining self-esteem, it has been said that one does not strive to be successful – she/he already is successful. However, I believe the framework described above is valid regardless of one’s position.
