Thriving Versus Surviving:
Unleashing Your Full Potential
In the intricate dance of life, two contrasting states often emerge: surviving and thriving. While survival is an automatic response to challenges, thriving represents a higher plane of existence—an intentional and empowered way of living. In this blog, we will explore the nuances of thriving versus surviving, define each concept, and provide actionable tips to help you transition from mere survival to a life of flourishing abundance.
Surviving: The Basics
Surviving is the primal instinct to endure and navigate the challenges that life throws our way. It is the art of making it through the day, meeting basic needs, and weathering storms. Survival mode is often characterized by focusing on immediate concerns, such as putting food on the table, finding shelter, and navigating daily obstacles. While surviving is a necessary skill, it can sometimes become a default setting, limiting our potential for growth and fulfillment.
For most of my life, I was living in survival mode. This is no way to live and can lead to depression, anxiety, overwhelm, and feelings of unworthiness. Ask me how I know this. I have lived it. When we live in survival, we are not tapping into our true potential. We are merely living. We aren't being who we are meant to be. We are not operating for our purposes. We are not self-aware. We are compartmentalizing and suppressing - two states that are the pathway to detriment. It's time for us to learn a new way of living called "thriving."
Thriving: Elevating Your Existence
Thriving, conversely, is about transcending the mere act of survival and reaching for a higher quality of life. It involves meeting basic needs and actively seeking personal and professional growth, fulfillment, and joy. Thriving individuals are not content with merely getting by; they are committed to maximizing their potential, cultivating meaningful relationships, and finding purpose in their endeavors.
Once I learned the difference between these two terms in my life, I could build relationships with people I never imagined I could have these types of relationships with. I was the common denominator in my life. It was me that was holding me back. Me versus me. You versus you. Once we become open to being more self-aware (as challenging as that can be), we are also able to soften the hardened walls we have built throughout our lives each time someone we trust lets us down.
If you think back, how many times have you been let down or taken advantage of? For me, the number is very high. You allow people to run you over even more if you are an empath like me. How beneficial is that to our lives? At some point, it's up to us to choose us. We need to select our peace and sanity over others. This is not selfish. It is necessary. Once we value ourselves, we can begin thriving in life. We become surrounded by others who want to lift us instead of bringing us down. We get to rise together. We get to lock arms and elevate each other. This is thriving. This is living.
Defining the Terms:
Surviving: The state of maintaining one's existence, meeting basic needs, and navigating challenges with a focus on immediate concerns.
Thriving: The intentional and empowered pursuit of personal and professional growth, fulfillment, and joy beyond mere survival.
Tips for Thriving Over Surviving:
1. Set Clear Goals:
Define your short-term and long-term goals. A clear vision for your future provides direction and purpose, steering you from the monotonous survival routine. We are doing this in my annual virtual Goal Setting and Vision Workshop in December. I do this because I need it. Therefore, I invite others to join me. Most of us need this if we are honest with ourselves. This is also what we do weekly inside the Entrepreneur and Content Creation Accountability Group that I have here inside this platform (Message me for details if you would like to know more).
2. Embrace Challenges as Opportunities:
Rather than viewing challenges as obstacles to overcome, see them as opportunities for growth. Adversity can be a powerful catalyst for personal development and resilience.
3. Cultivate a Growth Mindset:
Adopting a growth mindset enables you to see setbacks as learning experiences. Embrace the idea that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.
4. Prioritize Self-Care:
Taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being is crucial for thriving. Prioritize self-care activities that rejuvenate your mind and body, ensuring you have the energy and resilience to pursue your goals.
5. Build Meaningful Relationships:
Thriving extends beyond personal achievements. Cultivate meaningful connections with others, fostering a supportive network that contributes to your overall well-being.
6. Continuous Learning:
Never stop learning. Whether through formal education, reading, or gaining practical experience, a commitment to lifelong learning keeps your mind engaged and opens doors to new opportunities.
7. Practice Gratitude:
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of your life. This mindset shift can enhance your outlook and attract more opportunities for growth and happiness.
The choice between surviving and thriving ultimately lies within us in the grand tapestry of existence. While survival is an essential instinct, thriving represents a conscious decision to elevate our lives beyond the necessities. By setting clear goals, embracing challenges, cultivating a growth mindset, prioritizing self-care, building meaningful relationships, committing to continuous learning, and practicing gratitude, you can shift from mere survival to a life of purpose, fulfillment, and boundless potential. Choose to thrive, and watch as your life transforms into a masterpiece of your creation.
Contact me here for a strategy session to gain more tips and coaching. Interact with our discussion boards. Create your discussion, ask questions, engage, and let's do life together!
