Helaine Iris © 2003“The difference between what we do, and what we are capable of doing, would solve most of
world’s problems.” Mahatma Gandhi
A few months ago I wrote an article about a client of mine who’s been struggling to grow her business to next level. She’s an extremely talented and creative professional with a potential gold mine of a business.
She’s been determined to uncover and embrace her limiting beliefs eagerly accepting coaching to challenge herself to next level professionally and personally. She put new structures in place to build a strong foundation from which to grow her enterprise.
She’s been striving to achieve her goals, yet she feels exhausted.
Last week, when she “hit wall” and was about ready to throw in towel I asked her, “What if you stop striving and started thriving? How might you feel different?”
There was dead silence on other end of phone. After some time she replied with a burst of relieved laughter, “Now THAT would truly be empowering.”
She then went on to declare how this coming year of her life would be about thriving instead of surviving and striving.
This gratifying interaction got me thinking about distinction between striving and thriving and how they are and feel different from each other. Webster’s Dictionary defines strive as 1. To make great effort; try very hard. 2. To be in conflict; struggle; contend; fight. Versus definition of thrive. 1. To prosper or flourish; be successful. 2. To grow vigorously or luxuriantly.
