The Most Dangerous Life Trap (Are You In It?)

igorkim1010
Mar 24
4 min read

What is Survival Mode?

Survival mode is when you have just enough to get by but not enough to truly enjoy life. Imagine being in deep water, where the water level is just above your mouth but below your nose—you can breathe, but it’s a constant struggle.

This is what survival mode feels like in daily life:

You have just enough money to pay for food, rent, and bills, but nothing extra.
Your mind is constantly racing with stress about work, deadlines, and responsibilities.
You dont have a proper plan and system for your future - just trying to get through the day.

Why Do People Get Stuck in Survival Mode?

1. Financial Struggles

Money is one of the biggest reasons people stay stuck. If you're always worried about bills and debts, your brain focuses on short-term survival instead of long-term growth. This creates a scarcity mindset, making it hard to see opportunities or think about financial freedom.

2. Too Many Responsibilities

Juggling work, family, kids, and personal responsibilities can leave no time or energy for self-improvement. You feel stuck because you’re overwhelmed.

3. Fear of Change

Many people prefer to stay in a bad situation rather than face the unknown. That’s why people stay in toxic jobs or relationships—they’re afraid of what comes next.

4. No Clear Goals or Dreams

If you don’t know what you truly want (beyond what society or social media tells you), it’s easy to drift through life without direction.

5. Lack of Energy

When you’re exhausted all the time, change feels impossible. Survival mode drains your motivation, making it hard to take action.

How to Escape Survival Mode

1. Believe Change is Possible

First, you need to understand that you are in survival mode and believe that you can change or improve your life. There are many examples of people who have escaped it and others who have failed. At the very least, you need to recognize that change is possible.

Happiness depends on three factors: genetics, internal mindset, and external circumstances. External factors make up only about 10% of happiness.

You can change your mindset to improve your life. For instance, if you complain about your job but don’t have the opportunity to change it, work on yourself and try to find ways to appreciate it. Focus on the positives, no matter how small. Put yourself in other people’s shoes to understand their actions. Instead of dwelling on what you lack, appreciate the fact that you have a job.

Practice gratitude every day. Focus on what you have rather than what you don’t.

2. Build Better Habits

Your life is made up of habits. If you want a better life, start replacing bad habits with good ones.

💡 How to do it:

Understand that habits are neurons connections—they take time to build.
Start with small changes and be consistent.
Learn about habit formation and self-improvement.

3. Create a Plan and Strategy

Set goals in key areas of your life where you’re struggling.

💡 For example:

Financial struggles? Learn new skills or find a side income while keeping your current job.
Unhappy with your career? Take a course or try an internship before making a drastic change.
Relationship issues? Work on communication, seek counseling, or focus on improving yourself.

The key is to transition smoothly—you don’t need to quit your job overnight to start something new. You can learn something new and practice it while keeping your old job.

4. Overcome Fear of Change

The first step is the hardest. Break your goal into tiny steps and focus only on the next one.

💡 Try the 5-Question Method for Motivation:

What will happen if I don’t take action?
How long will this first step really take?
Why am I doing this?
What result do I want?
How will this step lead to a better future?

Thinking through these questions can give you the push you need to start. The key is to answer these questions 5-10 minutes before taking the first step. Otherwise, your motivation will fade.

5. Find Like-Minded People

Surrounding yourself with motivated people makes change easier. Whether it’s friends, mentors, or an online community, having support can keep you accountable.

6. Design Your Life

Choose 4–5 key areas of your life (career, health, relationships, personal growth, etc.). Set long-term goals (5–10 years) and break them into small daily steps.

Remember: Your goals can change over time, and that’s okay. The important part is moving forward.

7. Boost Your Energy

Taking care of your health improves everything else. Focus on:

Proper sleep
Nutritious food
Regular exercise
Check the biochemistry of your body; you might need to take some vitamins.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to change everything at once. Small steps every day will eventually bring you to a better life.

Survival mode is not your final destination—it’s just a phase. The sooner you take action, the sooner you’ll start truly living instead of just surviving. 🚀

IRYS CHEM