In our fast-paced and achievement-oriented world, the pressure to constantly strive for success can be overwhelming. Success is often defined by how big your house is, how expensive your car is, how extravagant your vacations are, how nice the clothes you own are, etc. Our social media platforms are saturated with these “successful” people that can make us feel less than adequate. However, there is a growing realization that true fulfillment and well-being come from thriving rather than merely striving. Thriving differs from striving because it goes beyond external achievements and emphasizes holistic growth, personal well-being, and finding meaning in life. In this blog, we will explore the concept of thriving over striving and how it can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling existence.
Thriving is about flourishing in all aspects of life, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It involves self-discovery, personal growth, meaningful relationships, and a sense of purpose. Unlike striving, which often focuses solely on external accomplishments, thriving emphasizes internal fulfillment and finding joy in the journey rather than just the destination. This process can feel cumbersome when old thought processes that keep us in a striving mode are not dealt with because no matter how many times, we try to change our ways, we get frustrated because we always end up doing what we’ve always done. We continue to live in the walls we’ve spent a lifetime building as a way to protect ourselves from the hurts we’ve experienced in the past.
To embrace thriving over striving, it is essential to shift our mindset. Instead of constantly chasing external validation or comparing ourselves to others, we need to cultivate self-awareness and align our actions with our values and passions. This shift allows us to focus on personal growth and finding fulfillment in our unique journeys.
While goals can provide direction and motivation, it is crucial to set goals that align with our true desires and contribute to our overall well-being. By defining success on our own terms and setting meaningful goals, we can create a roadmap that leads to a thriving life. This includes considering various aspects such as relationships, health, personal development, and work-life balance. It is a process of focusing more on internal desires rather than external things.
Thriving requires taking care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Prioritizing self-care is not selfish; it is necessary for sustainable growth and well-being. It is complimentary to the airline stewardess’ directions to place your own oxygen mask on before trying to help others. This includes practicing self-compassion, setting boundaries, engaging in activities that bring us joy, and nurturing our mental and emotional health. By attending to our well-being, we can maintain the energy and resilience needed to thrive and better serve others.
You can evaluate your intentions with striving because it often involves a fear of failure, which can hold us back from taking risks and embracing growth opportunities. In contrast, thriving acknowledges that failure is a natural part of the learning process. By reframing failures as opportunities for growth and cultivating resilience, we can overcome setbacks and move forward on our path to thriving.
Meaningful connections with others are vital for thriving. Cultivating healthy and supportive relationships fosters a sense of belonging and contributes to our overall well-being. Actively investing in relationships, practicing empathy, and participating in a supportive community can enhance our thriving journey and provide valuable support along the way.
Thriving also involves finding a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. This may involve exploring our passions, discovering our unique strengths, and aligning our actions with our values. When we live with purpose, each day becomes an opportunity to make a meaningful impact and experience a deeper sense of fulfillment.
In a world that often promotes a relentless pursuit of success, embracing thriving over striving offers a more holistic and fulfilling approach to life. By shifting our mindset, setting meaningful goals, prioritizing self-care, embracing growth, nurturing relationships, and finding purpose, we can create a life that thrives in all aspects. Remember, true fulfillment comes not just from what we achieve but from who we become along the way. Our staff includes counselors and coaches trained to guide individuals in clarifying values and goals, overcoming limiting beliefs, developing coping strategies, enhancing self-care practices, building self-confidence and assertiveness, nurturing relationships, and discovering purpose and meaning. Let us help you thrive and embrace the journey of growth and well-being that awaits you!
