We've all heard the phrase "survival mode." It's that feeling of constantly being on guard, reacting to challenges as they come, and pushing through with sheer will. For many, this isn't a temporary state; it becomes an ingrained way of living. We can be high achievers, successful by all outward measures, and still be operating in survival mode without even knowing it.
The tell-tale signs of living in survival mode are:
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You're always reacting: You're putting out fires, meeting tight deadlines, and saying "yes" to things you don't have the capacity for, leaving you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
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You people-please: You prioritise others' needs and expectations over your own, believing your worth is tied to how much you can do for them.
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Your body is on high alert: You might experience chronic stress, disrupted sleep, or a constant feeling of being "on" because your system is conditioned to anticipate threats.
The Unconscious Toll
When we're stuck in this cycle, we often confuse our ability to endure with actual success. We think our resilience is a sign of strength, when in reality, it's a symptom of a nervous system that's been in overdrive for too long. We might feel a deep sense of unease or emptiness despite our achievements, because our actions aren't aligned with our true needs.
Thriving isn't about being free from stress or struggle. It's about your capacity to face that stress from a place of self-preservation, rather than survival.
When you're in thrive mode, you're not just reacting; you're consciously choosing how to respond. You are able to set boundaries, prioritise your well-being, and invest your energy into things that nourish you.
If this resonates with you, what’s one small step you can take today to shift from surviving to thriving?