17 Realities About Moving From Survival Mode to Live Your Best Life
1. Survival Is Necessary, But It’s Not the End Goal
Building a career and managing a household are vital, but that’s not all there is to life. There’s a difference between just getting by and truly thriving. Recognize that survival is just the first step. Once you have that foundation, it’s time to elevate your life into something richer and more fulfilling. Make a list of things that you envision as you live your best life.
2. Your Unique Potential Is Waiting to Be Unlocked
We all have hidden talents, dreams, and passions buried beneath the responsibilities we carry. The first reality is that you are capable of far more than just surviving. It’s about allowing yourself the space to uncover your true self, free from comparison or societal expectations. Consider starting a coaching business, or focusing on your personal finances.
3. Comparison Is the Thief of Joy
As professional women, we often compare ourselves to others—career achievements, motherhood expectations, and societal standards. But the truth is, comparison only robs you of joy. Embrace your journey and stop looking at someone else’s path as a measuring stick for your own.
Ugh – we must stop comparing ourselves to others! You will never live your best life if you keep comparing. You never know where someone else started out, if they are telling the truth, or whatever else the case may be!
4. Authenticity Is Your Superpower
When you stop trying to fit into molds crafted by others, you’ll discover your true strength. Authenticity is the ability to be unapologetically yourself in a world that constantly pushes you to conform. It’s about knowing your worth and standing firm in your values.
5. You Don’t Have to Be Perfect
Life isn’t about being flawless—it’s about growth. Embracing your imperfections allows you to live authentically. Your quirks, flaws, and challenges are what make you human. When you accept them, you unlock a more meaningful connection with yourself.
Honestly, perfection is a crippling agent if you want to live your best life. You cannot expect things to be perfect.
6. Focus on Positivity
Shifting your mindset from survival to thriving begins with positivity. Life will always present challenges, but it’s your focus that determines the quality of your experience. Choose to look at obstacles as opportunities to grow rather than roadblocks.
7. Mindfulness Creates Meaning
In the hustle of career and motherhood, it’s easy to live on autopilot. Practicing mindfulness—being fully present in each moment—allows you to connect more deeply with yourself and others. It brings clarity and peace, helping you move from mere survival to truly living.
8. Self-Investment Is Non-Negotiable
You invest in your work, your family, and your responsibilities. But how often do you invest in yourself? The reality is, personal growth doesn’t happen by accident. Whether it’s through journaling, meditation, or continued education, making time for self-investment is critical to living fully.
9. Journaling Unleashes Creativity
Writing down your thoughts and emotions without judgment is one of the most powerful ways to connect with yourself. Journaling helps you process experiences, relieve stress, and tap into your creativity. It’s a form of self-expression that leads to self-awareness.
10. Embracing Challenges Leads to Growth
Life is full of ups and downs. But the reality is that challenges are a necessary part of growth. They teach you resilience, expand your capabilities, and ultimately help you live a richer life. Avoiding difficulties keeps you in survival mode—embracing them pushes you into a state of thriving.
Attitude is your superpower book!! Try this for a great personal development book for women.
11. You Deserve to Pursue Your Passions
It’s easy to let motherhood and career demands overshadow your personal passions. But to truly live, you need to reconnect with the things that light you up inside. Whether it’s art, travel, writing, or entrepreneurship, carve out time for the activities that fuel your soul.
12. The Illusion of Control Can Keep You Stuck
We often cling to control in our careers and family life, thinking it will bring stability. But the truth is, you can’t control everything. Accepting the unpredictability of life allows you to embrace opportunities that arise and keeps you from feeling stuck.
One way to adjust this is through body language.
13. Productive Routines Are Your Foundation
Creating routines, especially in the morning and evening, helps you build a life that goes beyond survival all the way so you can live your best life every day. Start your day with intention and end it with reflection. This structure gives you a foundation to handle the chaos, leaving space for meaningful experiences.
14. Boundaries Protect Your Energy
Saying “no” can be difficult, but it’s essential for maintaining balance. Setting boundaries in both personal and professional life allows you to protect your time and energy, giving you the space to thrive rather than merely survive. In order to live your best life, you must set key boundaries.
15. Growth Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone
If you want to live fully, you have to be willing to take risks. Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s in your career, relationships, or personal development, pushing yourself beyond what feels safe leads to the most profound transformations.
16. Self-Care Isn’t a Luxury, It’s a Necessity
It’s easy to put self-care at the bottom of your priority list when juggling responsibilities. But the reality is, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care is essential to living a fulfilled life. Whether it’s through exercise, meditation, or alone time, taking care of yourself is non-negotiable.
17. Living a Life of Fulfillment Is a Daily Choice
Every day you wake up, you have a choice. Will you settle for surviving, or will you take steps toward living fully? It’s not a one-time decision but a daily commitment to prioritize your well-being, growth, and passions. When you make this choice, you unlock the potential to live a life that truly feels like your own.
Thrive, Don’t Just Survive
As moms in our 30s balancing careers, families, and personal aspirations, it’s easy to fall into survival mode. But the truth is, you deserve to thrive and live your best life. These 17 realities serve as reminders that you have the power to shift your life from merely existing to truly living. It’s about making intentional choices, embracing your authentic self, and allowing your potential to shine.
Hi! I’m Allison Conway, founder and CEO of Brains and Beauty School. A little more about Brains and Beauty School. Brains and Beauty School harnesses the power of feminine energy by supporting women establish their authority in business, boost their financial confidence, and cultivate a sense of outward confidence.
