Too often, we get busy and in a rut. We put others ahead of ourselves, and it leads to living in survival mode and playing the blame game.
"My schedule's so busy, I don't have time to exercise."
"Of course it's not my best work. I just don't have time to make it perfect."
"It is what it is."
How to know if you're in survival mode
1. Everything is a reaction. There is no thinking ahead or being proactive and preventive.
2. You're looking for the path of least resistance, not the path to excellence.
3. Procrastination is the norm.
4. You don't have time and energy to deal with others. You prefer to be left alone. (You even push others away.)
5. Stress is at an all-time high, and you feel like you're going to snap at any minute.
6. You constantly compare yourself to others - your home, life, children, job, vacation, etc.
How to go from Surviving to Thriving
First, you have to recognize that you are in survival mode. (This is not usually the hard part.)
Next, ask yourself these questions:
- What is important?
- What is necessary?
- Where do I want to be in 1 week? What will I do today to get closer to my goal?
- Where do I want to be in 1 month? What will I do this week to get closer to my goal?
- Where do I want to be in 3 months? How do I get rid of barriers so that I can get to my goal?
- Where do I want to be in 1 year? Who do I need in my life to help me get there?
Finally, try these...
- Do things each day that you love and are passionate about... a dance class, yoga, volunteering, painting, singing, etc.
- Sit in the sun and soak up Vitamin D.
- Try a new recipe - healthy or decadent!
- Read a book or blog post by someone who inspires you
- Listen to a podcast by a thriver
- Call a friend and meet up for coffee, dessert, and connection
- Take a walk or exercise.
- Do something kind for others
Each morning, set your intention to THRIVE that day. It may seem harder than just surviving, and it may push you out of your comfort zone. If you are ready for a change, it will be "hard thing" that you will appreciate. Just remember to take it day by day, and even hour by hour. If you need help, feel free to reach out to me via Voxer or Twitter.
