7 Steps to Shift from Surviving to Thriving in Your Daily Life
Do you ever feel like you’re just getting through the day? Maybe everyday feels like Groundhogs Day or you are on a Hamster Wheel. Maybe you feel like you are going through the motions or barely keeping your head above water?
For many, life can feel like an endless cycle of obligations and to-do lists, leaving little room for joy or fulfillment. If you’re stuck in survival mode, it’s time to explore how to shift from just surviving to truly thriving in your daily life.
Recognize the Signs of Survival Mode
Before you can make a change, it’s essential to recognize the signs that you’re in survival mode. These may include:
Feeling constantly overwhelmed or exhausted. Physically, mentally and/or emotionally tired.
Struggling to focus or stay motivated. Brain Fog and forgetfulness. For example: You keep misplacing your car keys or it is taking you a long time to write an email that would usually take you minutes
Experiencing a lack of joy, creativity or fulfillment in the everyday.
Reacting to life’s challenges instead of proactively planning for them or responding to situations.
Feeling disconnected from yourself or your loved ones.
Constantly scrolling on your phone and/or zoning out in front of the TV.
Sleeping all the time, sleeplessness or waking not feeling rested.
Acknowledging these signs is the first step toward creating change. When you have been deep in survival mode, you often do not recognize these signs until something catastrophic happens. Either way you can begin today to make significant changes in your life to move into a place of thriving.
Shift Your Mindset from Reactive to Intentional and Responsive
Thriving starts with intentionality along with being in a space that you can respond from a rational space. Instead of reacting to life’s demands, take control by setting clear intentions for your day along with both short and long-term goals.
Ask yourself:
What do I want to experience today? What is the feeling I want for today?
Spending a little time to go within to get clear on what your ideal day and life is?
What small action can I take to move closer to my ideal life?
First step is to create space and time in your morning. I get it you most likely jump out of bed when the alarms starts screaming and rush to get out the door. Try getting up 5 minutes earlier so you can take a breath in the morning. Slowing down versus rushing can set you up for success. When this practice becomes routine, then move into a space where you have a simple ritual, like journaling or practicing gratitude, to ground yourself in a positive mindset. Pairing your ritual with something you already do is a great way to make it happen. This is called habit stacking. Try journaling while having your morning coffee or tea.
Identify and Prioritize What Truly Matters to YOU
One of the hallmarks of thriving is living a life aligned with your values. Take time to reflect on what matters most to you. Is it quality time with family? Pursuing a passion? Taking care of your health?
Once you’ve identified your priorities, create a list of tasks or habits that support them. Let go of unnecessary obligations that don’t align with your values. Give yourself permission to say NO to what does not align. The more you close the doors to people, events and things that do not align with your goals and values, the more opportunities will present themselves to you for those core values and dreams.
Adopt Daily Habits that Support Thriving
Small, consistent actions can lead to significant changes over time. Consistent does not need to mean daily. Start with what you will succeed in and start small.
Here are some habits to consider incorporating into your routine:
Move Your Body: Exercise or movement, even in small doses, can boost your energy and mood. Pick an exercise that you LOVE and makes you feel good. It does not need to be intense or for a long amount of time.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in activities like meditation, deep breathing, mindful walking, or listening to subliminal recordings specific for you to reduce stress and increase awareness.
Connect with Others: Foster deep, meaningful relationships by spending quality time with loved ones or reaching out to friends. Be intentional about these and be present when you are spending time. (put that phone away). Find new friendships that are aligned with your dreams and goals.
Rest and Recharge: Prioritize sleep and take breaks throughout your day to maintain energy levels. Schedule in your calendar moments to step away to get sunshine, move, breath, or other mindfulness activities.
Reframe Challenges as Opportunities
Thriving doesn’t mean avoiding difficulties; it means approaching them with a different mindset. You can shift to a growth and empowered mindset by looking at challenges differently. When faced with a challenge, ask:
What can I learn from this experience?
How can I use this situation to grow or improve?
Have I experienced this before?
Am I WHOLE? If no, how can I bridge to WHOLE before moving forward?
By reframing obstacles as opportunities, you’ll build resilience and confidence in your ability to handle life’s ups and downs. You will start to welcome challenges as you know they help you to grow and evolve.
Celebrate Wins of ALL Sizes
Thriving isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about the progress you make and enjoying the process. Take time to acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest victories. Whether it’s completing a task, setting a boundary, or simply making it through a tough day, recognize your efforts and growth. Write down these wins in a journal or the notes section of your phone so when you are facing a HALF or more challenging day you can see the progress and wins you have made.
Seek Support
We are not meant to do it all on our own. Thriving often requires help and collaboration. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or professionals for support. Whether it’s through coaching, therapy, or joining a community of like-minded individuals, seeking help is a powerful step toward thriving. It is important that you reach out to those who are also WHOLE, believe in your goal and have a growth, thriving mindset.
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Final Thoughts
Shifting from surviving to thriving is a journey, not a destination. It’s about making intentional choices, prioritizing what matters, and embracing growth every step of the way. Remember, even the smallest shifts can create a ripple effect of positive change in your life.
Take the first step today. Reflect on one small change you can make to shift from surviving to thriving. Your thriving life awaits!