The journey to success is often viewed as a mysterious path, paved with personal brilliance and occasional serendipity. However, a growing body of research has begun to demystify success, uncovering the habits and mindsets that can help individuals thrive professionally. Let's dive into these studies to understand how to be more successful, according to science.

1. The Growth Mindset

Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck's groundbreaking research has shown that the way we think about our abilities can significantly influence our success. In her studies, published in the journal Child Development in 2007, Dweck found that students with a "growth mindset" — who believe that intelligence can be developed — are more likely to achieve academic success than those with a "fixed mindset." This principle extends beyond academics, suggesting that believing in our ability to grow and improve can fuel success in all areas of life.

2. Grit: Passion and Perseverance

Angela Duckworth's research at the University of Pennsylvania has emphasized the power of "grit" — a combination of passion and perseverance — in achieving success. In her 2007 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Duckworth found that grit was a stronger predictor of success than intelligence or talent in various fields, from spelling bees to West Point Military Academy.

3. The Power of Deliberate Practice

Anders Ericsson's research on deliberate practice has shed light on how top performers in various fields achieve their excellence. His 1993 study, published in Psychological Review, shows that it's not just practice, but deliberate practice — practicing with the intent to improve, with focus, feedback, and specific goals — that drives skill development and success.

4. Emotional Intelligence

Daniel Goleman's work on Emotional Intelligence (EI) has shown that EI — the ability to understand and manage our own and others' emotions — is a crucial factor for success. Goleman's 1998 study, published in the International Journal of Human Resource Management, found that EI was a better predictor of success than traditional measures of intelligence or technical skills, especially in leadership roles.

5. Goal Setting and Self-Discipline

Research by Locke and Latham, published in American Psychologist in 2002, has emphasized the importance of setting specific, challenging goals and having the self-discipline to stick to them. Their study found that setting such goals led to higher performance than setting easy or "do your best" goals.

6. Positive Relationships and Networking

A study by Shawn Achor, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 2004, found that the strength of an individual's social connections — including their ability to invest in positive relationships and network effectively — significantly influences their long-term success.

In conclusion, the science of success suggests that a growth mindset, grit, deliberate practice, emotional intelligence, goal-setting, self-discipline, and positive relationships all play vital roles in our journey to success. These factors, rooted in rigorous research, can serve as valuable guideposts as we navigate our own paths to achievement.