Setting priorities is the first step to leaving survival mode. They have to be your priorities and not priorities that others have for you. Then you only say yes to your best – don’t take on everything that people think you should – focus on your priorities and say no to the rest. Set goals that are related to your priorities. Without goals, you have nothing to focus on, nothing to work towards each day.
Discipline is a word that no one likes, yet it’s very important! Self-discipline is what helps us work towards our goals. Self-discipline will also require some sacrifice as you work to reach your goals or even surpass them. Making small changes rather than trying to change everything at once is easier. One of the best suggestions is to do the hardest thing first thing each day. That way you have a feeling of success no matter what the rest of the day holds for you.
Part of leaving survival mode is getting your finances in order. Having a budget as well as short and long term financial goals. You need financial goals so you have something to aim for, something to work towards. A reason for living below your means, for sacrificing in the short term. Having your home in order will help you with your financial goals. Keeping the clutter down so you can find things means you don’t spend money on something you already have. Selling what you don’t need can help you put a little money away for emergencies.
With all of these steps, it’s easy to feel like a failure when you can’t do it all! Not so says Crystal:
Failure is inevitable. Ouch! Even though this reality might
sting, the truth is, you are going to fail in life. At some point. At
something. Failure isn’t proof that you’re a loser, a mess-up, or
someone who will never get it together. On the contrary, failure
is evidence that you’re trying. And you know what shows even
more grit? It’s when you try again—after you’ve failed. (p.158)
Learn from your failure and try again – try a new strategy, a different approach, just don’t loose your focus – your goal.
Along your way to getting out of survival mode, look for ways to serve others. Find ways to reach out in your community and beyond. Practice giving (either money or time) – to your local food pantry, to your church, to a charity that you’re passionate about.
Finally, don’t forget about yourself! You need to make sure that you have some time just for you – to help you recharge. Find what works for you – everyone recharges differently.
Click on over to the survival mode website and read the first chapter. Then come back here and preorder the book
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