Thrive to survive

Dear Aditya,

The other day, I found myself reflecting on all the promises I made at the beginning of this year. "We'll expand," I thought. "Raise capital, get that dream office, collaborate with big names." It was an inspiring vision, but then life happened. The daily grind took over. That grand picture faded as I focused more on survival, putting out fires, ticking off tasks, rather than thriving. I'd become comfortable just getting by.

The Trap of Comfort

Maslow's hierarchy tells us that once our basic needs, food, safety, security, are met, the next step is self-actualization. But that's easier said than done. There comes a point when comfort becomes the enemy of growth.

That's what surviving looks like, fine. You're comfortable, you're stable, you're… existing.

But thriving? Thriving is about leaping. It's about discomfort, about taking a step toward something bigger than yourself.

The Upper Limits Problem

This brings me to a concept from Gay Hendricks' The Big Leap: the Upper Limits Problem. Hendricks argues that many of us have a hidden internal thermostat for how much success, happiness, and love we allow ourselves to experience. When we approach that upper limit, when things are going too well, we unconsciously sabotage ourselves.

Hendricks says, "Each of us has an inner thermostat setting that determines how much love, success, and creativity we allow ourselves to enjoy." And when we hit that threshold, our mind pulls us back down to the more familiar ground of "good enough."

In The Pursuit of Happiness, Chris Gardner's story is one we can all relate to. He's in constant survival mode, juggling bills, raising his son, and pursuing a dream that seems out of reach. His leap wasn't just about securing a job; it was about breaking through his own upper limits, choosing to thrive when it would have been easier to settle for survival.

Moving from Surviving to Thriving

So, how do we begin? Start by becoming aware of where you've been playing it safe. Take small steps, whether it's trying a new recipe, or applying for that job you think you're not quite ready for.

Ask yourself:
Where have I been holding back out of fear or comfort?
What leap can I take today, no matter how small, that moves me from surviving to thriving?

In fratitude,
adi