The Success Trap is when your past success gets in the way of your future success. The Survival Trap is quite similar. What do I mean?
The Survival Trap
The Survival Trap is when your past survival strategies hinder your ability to thrive. In the modern world, this can look like having many markers of conventional success but still feeling unfulfilled inside.
As the most famous Transformational Coach in the world puts it: “Success without fulfilment is the ultimate failure.” Harsh but true, right?
Understanding Survivor's Guilt
During my recent visit to Algeria, I realised that Survivor’s Guilt plays a part in this issue. Many of the people I’ve worked with have had to overcome significant challenges to achieve their goals, such as:
Historical odds: Overcoming war, colonialism, famine, or disasters.
Socio-economic odds: Navigating wealth and education inequalities.
Cultural odds: Adapting to new cultures after displacement or migration.
Familial odds: Growing up quickly to support family or parents.
We’ve all been shaped by these challenges in some way. Each of us is a survivor by definition because we’re alive. Our ancestors did what they needed to in order to survive. You are your ancestors’ dream.
[Photo: Martyr’s Monument, Algiers, 2024]
Breaking Free
This can subconsciously affect us, keeping us trapped in a version of success that doesn’t align with our true selves but meets the expectations of those who came before us.
In a broader sense, our civilisation itself seems to be in a survival trap, heading towards destruction by relying on past models of success. This is not the way forward.
How do you break free? I believe reconnecting with a radical sense of freedom is key to moving from surviving to thriving:
Freedom of Being: Make space and slow down to tune into your inner self (don’t suppress anything). Mindfulness is the practice par excellence.
Freedom of Thought: Critically examine your thoughts and beliefs to make sure they’re truly yours, not inherited or internalised unwittingly. Try the HAPI process, to examine your habitual thoughts, assumptions, and identities, uncover limiting beliefs, and create new possibilities (link in comments).
Freedom of Action: Move your body and express its energy. Take risks, face your fears, and allow yourself to move in new directions. If it feels overwhelming, work with a coach to guide you.
Transforming the subtle survival guilt that keeps you trapped can lead to survivor’s grace—the power to change, evolve and give. By crafting a life that reflects your deepest vision, you enrich the world and elevate humanity.
Don’t stay stuck in the survival trap. Take one bold step today.
Have a liberating week!
Amina
P.S. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the Survival Trap. Share your experiences or insights by replying to this email.
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