How to Become a Thriver

In modern society we often talk about survivors; those individuals who have had the physical, mental and spiritual ability to overcome some harrowing experience. We have AIDS survivors, cancer survivors, Katrina survivor, Holocaust survivors, and incest survivors. These individuals have become adept at adjusting to a set of problems an continuing to function in their daily routines. However, the same conditioning that helps and individual adjust and adapt can keep him in the error grove. The past can be a teacher --but, it can also be a lecher. Clinging to this certain mind set can actually produce more problems to overcome. If I believe I have to be a survivor, my brain will continue to create circumstances to survive.

To be effective in living, and not just existing, one must learn to thrive. Like the plants in the garden, our mind needs positive food for growth. If we get stuck in survival mode, we cannot learn to self-actualize. It is impossible to thrive if all your energy is expended in mere survival. Maslow demonstrates this in his pyramid of enlightenment. Thrivers take tornadoes and turn them into tail winds.

In order to thrive we must be able to go forward confidently, expecting favorable outcomes. When problems arise, thrivers see them as creative opportunities. Thrivers welcome challenges and turn them into advantages. This power of positive thinking is the key factor in impressive careers and great living. Thrivers can do anything they make up their mind to do. They are capable to great things because of persistent effort, earnest desire, and deep faith. Your ability to grow is dependent on these three factors.

Thrivers have clear goals. One must have a sharp image held in a clear and conscious mind. This is very difficult for those who suffer PTSD. Learning how to get invasive thought out of the mind is important so you can replace the thing that causes pain with a positive new image. There is a process of spiritual osmosis that draws us closer to those things that seeps into our subconscious. Thrivers surround themselves constantly with reminders of their goals and reinforce success by rewarding small successes. Celebrate the small things in life because joy brings more joy. This is why treasure mapping is a very effective tool. (Treasure mapping is making a collage of all you desired goals.)

Thrivers are able to break the strong hold of fear. Faith is fear that has said it's prayers. Fear can cloud all the facts, and our subconscious will accommodate all we feed into it's data banks. The dark clouds of the past must be turned into get vehicles that water the garden of great abundance. Use the power of the electrical storms of emotion to charge the ions that promote rapid growth. Charge your mind with all you desire and do not give power to the fear or the past. After the storm there's a rainbow; seek the color in everything you do. Yesterday ended last night, and everyday is a new beginning. Thhrivers learn the skills of forgetting and forgiving.

Thrivers direct their own energy, they don't expend it trying to compete with others. Successful people only compete with themselves, and therefore surpass others expectations. It is difficult to move forward when we are focused in the past. Energize tomorrow with gratitude for today. None are so dead as those who have outlived enthusiasm. Close the door on the past and seek the doors that are open to welcome you today. Close the door to the Spiritual vampire who suck your energy.

Thrivers practice living. The only way to become accomplished at any activity or skill is practice. Practice, practice, practice. What we think about is what we become. God bestows the rewards of life on those who are ready to receive them. Suit up and show up, because the race is not always to the fastest runner, but to the one that crosses the finish line. All learning is spaced repetition. Practice some more. (When I was a dance that is effortless I know there was years of practice.)

Thrivers are loving people. Every person has lovable characteristics, we need only take the time to look for them. Love is demonstrated by time spent on the object of our desire. Thrivers don't live life half-heartedly. Thrivers spend time nurturing others. Love is worthless until you give it away.