Three Keys to Thriving

Abstract

There are three key elements to thriving. First, a person needs to build cooperative relationships with others in which they work together to achieve common goals. Being part of a cooperative enterprise creates a shared sense of accomplishment, positive relationships, social support systems, high selfesteem, psychological health, and social competencies, all of which are necessary to thrive and survive. Second, the quality of any relationship depends on resolving conflicts constructively. The more central the relationship to a person’s survival, the more important it is to resolve conflicts constructively. Keys to doing so are engaging in problem-solving negotiations and peer mediation. Finally, the relationships in which a person thrives are based on a set of civic values in which the well-being of others and the common good are as valued as self-interests.