Defining Thriving

Written by Emma Calhoun; Edited by Norma Rodriguez
December 2024

A student in her master's graduation regalia holding an oak sapling.

Definition of Thriving

Thriving goes beyond surviving. It’s about achieving a balanced state where you feel motivated, purposeful, resilient, and connected. Thriving includes well-being in academic, emotional, social, and physical dimensions.

Thriving can mean:

  • Purposeful Engagement: Feeling a sense of direction and meaning in your academic and personal pursuits.
    • This can be seen in your community or internships.
  • Resilience: Developing the ability to overcome setbacks and adapt to changes.
  • Well-Being: Maintaining a balance across mental, emotional, physical, and social health.
    • This can be practiced through self-care or opportunities for play.
  • Connection: Building meaningful relationships within and beyond academic settings.

Assessing Your Own Thriving

Engage with resources like the to evaluate areas where you’re thriving and areas that might need attention.

Categories of Thriving

1. Academic Thriving

Goal Setting & Time Management

  • Set short- and long-term goals for your research, coursework, and personal development.
    • SMART Goal Setting – SMART goals are a way of setting objectives that are clear, trackable, and achievable. The SMART goals acronym stands for the five crucial qualities your goals should have:
      • Specific
      • Measurable
      • Achievable
      • Relevant
      • Time-bound

  • Managing your time effectively can also attribute to your academic thriving.

Productivity and Focus

  • Utilize resources for staying organized with tools like and .
    • Tracking progress and productivity can elicit feelings of satisfaction and happiness.
  • Try the Pomodoro Technique to improve focus during study or research sessions.
    • If you like to study with others, !

2. Emotional and Mental Well-being

Stress & Anxiety Management

  • Access to manage stress. Try Headspace or Calm which offer free resources for students.

Counseling Services & Support

  • Counseling Services offers support specifically for graduate students. Reach out for help with stress, burnout, or any personal challenges. This is a free resource for all Ƶ students.

3. Social and Community Thriving

Building Connections

  • Attend Graduate Student Socials and social events to build connections with peers across disciplines.

Co-Work and Coffee

  • Join Student Organizations and professional networks within your field to expand your support system and curate professional networks.
    • Student Organizations
      • Higher Education Student Association (HESA)
      • National Black Law Student Association (BLSA)
    • Professional Organizations
      • Higher Education

      • Law

      • Physical Therapy

Navigating Relationships with Advisors & Mentors

  • Communication is key in building positive relationships with advisors and peers.
  • Establish expectations and boundaries early to ensure a supportive and productive mentorship experience.

4. Physical Health and Well-Being

Exercise & Nutrition

  • Explore gym memberships, group exercise classes, and sports to stay active.
    • Greensboro
      • offers free fitness classes and other programming throughout the year
      • is an LGBTQ+ and Ally sports league
      • Greensboro has and other local gyms where you can become a member and access group exercise classes, club sports, etc.
    • Burlington
      • Ƶ offers all current Ƶ students, faculty, and staff free access to every recreation & wellness facility on campus
      • 10 minutes away from campus the  is a great place to explore local fitness offerings
  • Discover meal planning resources and nutrition guidance, specifically for busy schedules!

Sleep & Rest

  • Getting plenty of sleep each night is essential for thriving.

5. Finding Balance: Work, Life, and Well-Being

Prioritizing your Self-Care

  • Set time aside each week for self-care. This can be:
    • a hobby
    • simple relaxation
    • connecting with friends and family
  • Check out

Setting Boundaries & Managing Expectations

  • Knowing when to say “no” and setting realistic expectations for yourself can prevent burnout.
    • Use this to create a framework that works for you.

6. Career Development and Professional Growth

Exploring Career Paths

  • Connect with advisors and mentors who can help you navigate career options.

Networking & Skill Building

  • Attend workshops, conferences, and seminars to develop skills.
    • Explore and  for free or low-cost courses.

Resources and Support Links

Abulnaga, M. (n.d.). How to communicate in grad school: Eecs communication lab. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from

Brown, D. J., Arnold, R., Fletcher, D., & Standage, M. (2017). Human thriving: A conceptual debate and literature review. European Psychologist, 22(3), 167–179.

Career exploration and skill development. (n.d.). Youth.Gov. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from

FREE Self Assessment Questionnaire | Monica Romeo | Are you Thriving? (n.d.). Monicaromeo. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from

Lantsoght, E. (2013). Sleep in graduate school.

Larson, B. (2024, February 19). Treading Water, or Self-Care and Success as a Graduate Student. Blog of the APA.

Leonard, K., & Watts, R. (2022, March 27). The Ultimate Guide To S.M.A.R.T. Goals. Forbes Advisor.

Martins, J. (n.d.). Set—And achieve—SMART-er goals [2024]. Asana. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from

Pychyl, T. A. (2008). Goal progress and happiness. Psychology Today.

Qin, G. (2024). Maintaining physical wellness as a grad student. Graduate Student Resource Center.

Self-Care Tips for Grad Students | Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS). (n.d.). The University of Arizona. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from https://caps.arizona.edu/self-care-tips-grad-students

Setting boundaries: Info and practice | Worksheet. (n.d.). Therapist Aid. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from

What Makes A Thriving Community? (2023, December 1). Thriving Communities.