How to move from surviving to thriving

We all want to lead a fulfilling life.  What kind of life that might be will be different for all of us. Thriving to you might mean a life of abundant wealth or health. Whatever it is, it’s a different level from ‘surviving’.

Sadly many of us feel our workplace doesn’t enable us to thrive, and that ‘getting by’ is the best we can manage.  We see no possible chance of thriving when we feel unappreciated or under-valued.

Such feelings can cause us to shut down and withdraw. It makes us stop contributing. We stop engaging and supporting. We exist in a state of ‘lack’.

It’s not the best place to grow from. Especially when we feel our circumstances are controlled by those we work with. That our Managers, Leaders and Colleagues are to blame for our sense of being in survival mode.

It may sound controversial, but I’d like to suggest that much of our attitude to whether we’re surviving or thriving is a state of mind. And that’s a choice. It’s not driven by circumstance.

I’ve spoken to many colleagues who feel they’re a victim to individuals. But I remember long ago being told “no-one makes us feel a certain way – we allow ourselves to do that”.

Thriving, I’d suggest is a stage of mind.  It’s not just measured in momentary achievements, or physical conditions (though these can contribute to it). No, I believe thriving IS a choice.  Whatever, or perhaps in spite of our circumstances, we can thrive.

“Our attitude determines our altitude” they say. It’s a simple approach. If we can imagine ourselves to be in a state of abundance, then we are more likely to  move through our day feeling that to be true. The thoughts we think trigger how we feel and vice versa. 

The belief used to be that thoughts came first, but science now believes that there is no first step. In other words, what we think can affect how we feel, but also how we feel impacts of how we think. 

If this is true, then how we feel about ‘things’ can be improved by thinking well on it.

I know many of us are struggling with mental health issues triggered by Covid.

Lack of connection and wellness, and the loss of relationships has changed our outlook.  We feel we’re treading water and just getting by, rather than progressing. Many of us see life on hold, as we wait for circumstances to return to a more ‘previous’ footing.

And I’m not dismissing the real hardship many have and are experiencing due to job losses.  But no matter what our circumstances, we CAN feel we’re thriving, if we choose to.

When I was young, Mother Teresa working was working with the poor in Calcutta and lived a life of grace amongst the bleakest of surroundings. She showed us that it IS possible to rise above the challenges we exist in.

Yes, it takes effort, focus and persistence. But feeling blessed, grateful and hopeful is as much to do with our thinking as with the daily events we life with and life through.

What challenge could you consider yourself thriving in with a change in thinking?

You can keep in touch with my blogs by subscribing at www.geraldinejozefiak.com/blogoptin