(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)
This seems a pretty obvious distinction since it’s clearly better to thrive than merely survive. The reason for visiting this distinction is because most people have a tendency to slip into survival mode from time to time even when they are in the midst of thriving. Fear, uncertainty, and doubt can grab you and spin you into survival mode.
The trick is to acknowledge the deeper part of you which still worries, still fears, and can drive you into reacting. What is it that keeps you from making that investment, or having that relationship, or trying that new food, or taking that trip, or…? Are you touching a survival fear?
Focus on all the ways you’re thriving now and let that energy quickly pull you back out of survival thinking. From that thriving place you can easily make decisions and choices that keep you moving forward.
Coaching Point: Where and how are you thriving right now?
Copyright 2007 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.