Are you trapped in survival mode?
I’ve been running a series of client workshops recently about why we need to start prioritising ourselves, and how we can take some simple steps forward.
When we don’t prioritise ourselves, we can get trapped in survival mode. When you feel like you’re going through the motions to get through the day. You feel completely overwhelmed with life and you don’t know where to turn.
When we feel STUCK, we are unfocused, unhappy and unsure what to do to get unstuck. You often feel like you're going in circles – a bit like never-ending merry-go-round that you can't get off.
ACHIEVING leaders get noticed for getting things done but find themselves caught in a cycle of “busy”, and their own priorities get shoved to the bottom of the never-ending to-do list.
When you’re SHINING, you’re cheerful, optimistic, flexible, have energy and are focused with your time. You have a good level of self-awareness, and you know what it means to prioritise yourself.
THIRIVING leaders are fully connected. You know your limits, you’re confident, and you’re at your peak with personal energy and focus.
I have been asking participants where they believe they are on the ladder, and majority are somewhere around surviving and stuck. They have forgotten what it feels like to be happy. Everything is urgent, and there is only time to react in order to get things done. They don’t believe they have any time for themselves as they are so busy doing everything they feel is expected of them.
If this is also you, there are a few things you can do to get out of this phase.
The first step is to recognise where you’re at. And know that you are not alone.
If you feel that you’re caught in survival mode, consider how you can do the following:
Reach out for support: Do you have a trusted doctor to talk to? Or can you connect with an employee assistance program?
Practice some simple grounding techniques: Walk barefoot on the grass, sit quietly and take several slow, deep breaths
Prioritise self-care basics: These might include sleep, eating the right foods, and even washing your hair.
Talk about it: If the stress source is work-related, chat to your boss to identify core priorities and what can be put aside or delegated to someone else.
Do something you love every day – even if it’s only for five minutes.
Once you have acknowledged how you’re feeling, you can start to put one foot in front of the other to work your way back to thriving. You can start to take back control.
I’m not saying this is easy, because it’s not. I’ve been there and I know. What helped me move out of survival mode was a caring GP who listened and made some practical suggestions about how I could better look after myself.
What’s one thing you could do today to help you focus more on you?
