“The human spirit is strong, and its strength can be found when it is tested by adversity.”
-Viktor Frankl
Welcome to The Power of Change, a weekly publication about mindset, resilience, healing, human connection, and the pursuit of joy.
Do Passion and Perseverance Predict Resilience?
Victor Frankl, a psychiatrist, Holocaust survivor, and author of “Man’s Search for Meaning,” believed that resilience came from finding and affirming meaning in life, even in the face of adversity. Frankl recounted his harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Auschwitz and other concentration camps during World War II, describing the extreme suffering of those imprisoned. Despite the brutal conditions, Frankl observed that some individuals maintained a sense of hope and purpose while others succumbed to despair.
He saw how those who found meaning in their suffering were more likely to survive and recover. He emphasized that a sense of purpose was critical to enduring the hardships. He also introduced the idea that while we cannot avoid suffering, we can choose how we respond.
Every survivor displayed resilience. They adapted to stress and adversity and overcame incredible odds.
The Science of Resilience
More than fifty years after Frankl’s book was published, Angela Duckworth, a psychologist, researcher, and bestselling author of “Grit,” expanded the idea of resilience.
Duckworth believed resilience or grit could be cultivated through effort and persistence. Her research suggested that overcoming challenges and finding success was less about talent and more about the enduring combination of passion and perseverance.
Understanding the psychology of resilience offers valuable insights into navigating hardships and maintaining well-being.
But there’s more to resilience than meets the eye.
Recent advancements in neuroscience have shed even more light on how the brain supports our ability to build resilience. By exploring brain structures, neural circuits, and neurochemical processes, researchers are unraveling the biological basis of resilience and how it enables individuals to withstand stress and recover from setbacks.
When medical practitioners repeatedly dismissed me and told me there was no help for my disabling illness, I wasn’t thinking about the psychology or the neuroscience of resilience.
Instead, I focused on my purpose - to find answers to the mysterious illness that derailed my life. That purpose sustained me for more than two decades as the search for answers and treatment continued.
The Ability to Adapt
During those years, I learned that the capacity for change was critical to building resilience. I didn’t fully understand the power of neuroplasticity at that time. Still, I knew I needed to learn from my experience, create new coping mechanisms, and adapt to changing circumstances.
To move forward, I needed to believe I could.
In a world where challenges are inevitable, and setbacks are common, resilience is a trait and a skill that helps you navigate life’s ups and downs.
But what drives our ability to bounce back from adversity?
Two traits of resilience are often considered the foundation: passion and perseverance. Numerous research studies have confirmed the importance of these qualities, but the question remains:
Do passion and perseverance predict resilience?
Understanding Resilience
Resilience is more than just the ability to recover from difficult situations.
It’s about adapting and thriving despite adversity.
It’s a blend of mental fortitude, emotional strength, and the capacity to remain focused on long-term goals even when faced with short-term challenges.
Resilience is essential to overcome obstacles in your personal life, professional endeavors, or academic pursuits.
The Role of Passion & Perseverance
Passion is an emotional drive towards a particular goal or activity. It’s the fuel that keeps you engaged and motivated when difficulties surface. Duckworth cited passion as a critical component of grit, the motivation that propels you forward.
Consider a goal or belief you are deeply passionate about.
Are you more likely to view obstacles as temporary and manageable or permanent and impossible?
When you shift your mindset and view adversity as a temporary setback, you foster a sense of purpose, which in turn increases your resilience.
Passionate individuals also have a clearer vision of their goals and are more likely to persist in facing challenges.
If passion is the emotional drive that keeps you going, perseverance is the sustained effort to achieve long-term goals despite setbacks.
Perseverance involves maintaining focus and determination over extended periods, even when progress seems slow or obstacles appear insurmountable.
Your ability to persevere is often considered a predictor of resilience. Duckworth’s research showed that perseverance was closely linked to resilience. Her team found that those with high levels of perseverance were less likely to give up when faced with challenges, which enhanced their ability to continue pursuing their goals.
Perseverance also encourages a growth mindset, where setbacks are considered opportunities for learning rather than insurmountable barriers. This previous article may help you develop a growth mindset.
The Power of Passion and Perseverance
When considered individually, passion and perseverance are critical components of resilience; when combined, their effect is even more powerful. When passion and perseverance intersect, they create a potent mix that can significantly enhance your ability to cope with adversity.
Passion fuels the desire and motivation to pursue goals
Perseverance ensures you remain committed to those goals despite the obstacles.
Together, these qualities enable you to maintain a long-term perspective, stay focused, and navigate the inevitable setbacks.
If you tuned in to see Simone Biles become the most decorated women’s Olympic gymnast last week, you most likely heard the story of Suni Lee, Biles’ teammate and the all-around gold medalist from the Tokyo Games. Lee, who was diagnosed with two kidney diseases after the Tokyo games, was told she may never compete again. The news did not stop her.
Undoubtedly, her passion for the sport kept her motivated, while her perseverance helped her overcome the many physical and emotional challenges she faced leading up to the Paris Games.
What struck me about Lee was her perspective and attitude throughout the competition. Interviewed after winning her second medal, she was asked what it was like to come back from the devastating news of her health diagnosis. She spoke about her gratitude for being at the games and the opportunity to compete again. She credited her daily journaling, affirmations, and visualization with keeping her focused during the many challenging times. She showed photos of her journal with handwritten phrases such as:
“Have faith, be great.”
“Be average, nothing more, nothing less.”
‘You are good enough.’
She reminded herself to stay present and enjoy each moment. Gratitude and mindfulness are two essential traits that further help you build resilience.
The combination of passion and perseverance was evident at the Olympics. However, passion and perseverance are traits of many successful individuals, from entrepreneurs who overcome numerous business failures before achieving success to students who persist through academic challenges to reach their educational goals.
The Importance of Community
While passion and perseverance are critical predictors of resilience, they are not the only factors at play. Other elements, such as a supportive community, also contribute to your ability to build resilience and bounce back from adversity.
If you missed my article about the role of community, you can read it here.
Community is critical when you face unexpected challenges or difficult setbacks. Feeling connected and supported can help you better cope with stress and recover from those setbacks. The sense of connection that comes with a supportive community can act as a buffer against stress and help foster a sense of security.
I’ve written about the importance of having even one supportive friend while navigating a challenging event. Without support, the barriers you face may easily seem insurmountable.
Is There a Downside to Passion and Perseverance?
The benefits of passion and perseverance are clear, but it’s important to mention the potential downside—an excessive focus on both can lead to burnout.
After years of struggling to find medical help for my mysterious condition, there were times I had to set aside my search due to the emotional and physical toll on my health. It wasn’t until I learned to balance passion and perseverance with self-care that I was able to continue my search for answers.
Resilience is not just about pushing through challenges; sometimes, it’s about recognizing when to slow down, regroup, or seek support before moving forward again.
Researchers, scientists, athletes, and thought leaders agree that passion and perseverance play critical roles in predicting resilience. They provide the motivation and sustained effort needed to overcome challenges.
Because if you can find purpose in a struggle, you’re more likely to persevere and grow from the experience.
Passion fuels the drive to pursue a long-term goal
Perseverance ensures continued effort despite setbacks.
Their combined effect is the foundation of resilience.
Until next week, be well and stay mindful.
xo Tracy
If you enjoyed this post, please click the ❤️ at the end so more people can discover it on Substack. If it resonates with you, drop me a note and let me know how. And, of course, if someone you know could benefit from reading this, please share it with them. 🙏🏻
What readers and subscribers are saying about The Power of Change
Few writers on Substack manage to make you feel like you were with them the way Tracy does. She invites you into dark moments and reminds you how powerful and important resilience is.” – Alex Olthoff, WFA Success
“Boeing to your powerful voice and resilience in this space, Tracy!” – Kimberly Warner, Unfixed
“Loved this. So powerful (as your pub).”- Kristina God, The Online Writing Club
Tracy writes stories that help you live your best life, regardless of the circumstances you may be facing. She explores life with all its ups and downs and reminds us that celebrating victories and overcoming adversity are equally important.” -Tree Langdon, Words in Moti.on
“Loved reading every word of your motivational article!” - Lori Miller, Pure Fresh Daily
“Lean into the ordinary - stop chasing the extraordinary” - loved this reminder, Tracy…This was a wonderful take and reminder to get back on the joy train. Thank you.” - Marychris Melli, Princess Never
The date is a bit fluid right now 😔 out of my control, but hoping for this fall!
As a writer, I hope that my characters embody characteristics through their words and actions that model resilience. Looking forward to using this lens to see if I’ve accomplished that in my upcoming novel! Thank you.