From Survival to Creation: Operation Transformation Part II
- service90966
- Apr 13
- 7 min read
Introduction: Why Transformation Can Feel Stagnant and Static
In Part 1 of this series, we explored what it means to declare your transformation and the psychology behind lasting change. We learned about the Stages of Change Model—from pre-contemplation to maintenance—and how transformation is a process that requires patience, consistency and commitment. But what happens when you feel stuck? As if you’ve done all the right things but the dial is not moving-- Or at least it seems? When you want to change but find yourself falling into old patterns, defaulting to what you know even if it’s uncomfortable or contrary to your desired outcome. This is where many times we give up—not because we are not capable, but because we haven't learned how to shift beyond what we know or to trust the process. Or better yet, to move beyond survival mode and what we know.
For true transformation to take root, we must learn to be uncomfortable for a bit. Not be in pain. Just a bit out of our element. We must break through limiting beliefs, move past fear, and doubt and step fully into our higher and empowered selves. That's exactly what we're going to explore in Part 2 of this series.
If you've ever felt trapped in cycles of self-sabotage, procrastination, or doubt, this is for you.
From Survival Mode to Creative Soul: Making the Shift
Many of us dwell in survival mode without even realizing it. Survival mode is a state where your mind and body are constantly reacting and not strategizing or planning or acting preemptively. Let’s face it, life can be hard. There are storms to weather, hills to climb, valleys to navigate. But being in a constant state of reactivity is stressful and crisis driven. It leaves us spent, empty and focusing only on getting through the day instead of creating the life you desire.
In survival mode, everything feels urgent, exhausting, and overwhelming or just uninteresting and repetitive. There’s a bit of pessimism as well. Will I ever break this cycle? Is what I want really possible for me. Your mind is busy avoiding failure, running away from ridicule and criticism, rather than pursuing growth, gaining skills, and creating a strategy. You feel drained, disconnected, and uncertain about the future. No joy. No hope. No plan. No exit.
On the other hand, creative mode is where you begin to thrive instead of just survive. It's where new ideas flow, where clarity replaces chaos, and where you begin to build the life you envision with intention. Brick by brick. Piece by piece. It is an internal process spiritual, mental and logistical.
The Key Differences Between Survival Mode & Creative Mode
Survival Mode:
Focuses on getting through the day or crisis
Creates fear-and lack based decision-making
Feels like you're stuck on autopilot
Leaves little room for creativity or vision
Convinces you Your Cup is empty
Creative Mode:
Focuses on curating your future
Encourages aligned and intentional choices
Feels energized, expansive, and full of possibility
Allows you to step into your personal power and unique gifts and strengths
Starts from where you are to build
Recognizes what you have in your hands by way of gifts, talents, resources and social currency
The goal of transformation isn't just about changing habits—it's about intentionally shifting away from survival mode and into a state where you can create, expand, and truly grow. This state requires peace, rest and calm. It requires grounding and intention setting. It requires faith and showing up despite how you may feel.
Recognizing the Triggers That Keep You Stuck
If shifting out of survival mode was easy, everyone would do it effortlessly. The truth is, many of us have been conditioned to stay in survival mode our entire lives. It's what feels familiar. And all of what we know and who we know are along side us in survival mode. It requires us breaking from the pack. It may require a bit of pioneering – going where no one in your circle has gone. It may mean going alone – at least at the start. You’ll meet others along the way.
Common Triggers That Keep You in Survival Mode:
Unhealed past experiences that make new challenges feel threatening or paralyzing
Fear of failure or rejection that stops you from taking action
People-pleasing and over-commitment that drain your energy
Lack of boundaries that leaves little space for self-growth
Old self-sabotaging behaviors that feel comfortable even when they hold you back
“Confidence comes in doing.”
We also think we have to have confidence in order to move forward. I say that confidence comes in doing. We build positive rapport and confidence within ourselves by showing up. By learning. By failing. By risking.
Breaking free from survival mode requires awareness. You can't change what you don't acknowledge. Once you recognize your triggers, you can begin to consciously shift your mindset, habits, and energy toward expansion.
Unlocking Past Trauma & Healing Through Body and Energy Work
What if part of the reason you struggle with transformation isn't a lack of willpower—but unprocessed messages, emotions and energy stored in your body?
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, explains that trauma isn't just something we remember—it's something our bodies physically hold onto at a cellular level. If you've ever felt stuck, drained, or unable to move forward despite your internal pep talk, it might be because your body is still holding onto past experiences, stress, or conditioning that no longer serves you.
Ways to Begin Releasing Stored Stress & Trauma
Breath work & Meditation — Calms the nervous system and allows new patterns to emerge
Movement & Somatic Practices — Yoga, stretching, or walking can help release stored tension
Journaling & Reflection — Writing down old stories or limiting beliefs can help you process and release them
Energy Healing, Kairos & Reiki — Helps balance and clear emotional blocks
Therapy or Coaching — Professional support can help reframe past experiences and build new perspectives
“You can't build something new while carrying the weight of the past”
Healing is a critical part of transformation. You can't build something new while carrying the weight of the past. If the foundation is cracked, not strong enough to hold what is being built, nothing built on it will last. Build your team. You’ll need support on the transformational journey.
James' Story: The Courage to Remove the Mask
James spent most of his life hiding a secret—he couldn't read. At 38 years old, he had become a master at adapting. He masked. He avoided. He was genius at hiding his secret. He had an exceptional memory. He memorized street signs, relied on context clues in conversations, and avoided paperwork whenever possible. He was smart, resourceful, and determined, but deep down, he knew he was holding himself back. One day it dawned on him “If I put as much energy learning to read rather than hiding the fact that I can’t, I’d know how to read by now.” He didn’t know where that voice or thought came from. But he listened. He made a decision. He was tired of hiding and covering. He no longer cared about showing up and being ashamed He marched himself down to the library and asked about their adult literacy program. James decided he was ready. He didn't want to just "get by" anymore—he wanted to expand, learn, and grow. He enrolled and never looked back.
At first, it was frustrating. Words blurred together. Sentences felt impossible to understand. But instead of focusing on how far he had to go, he focused on small wins—one new word, one sentence, one book at a time.
His tutor noticed some patterns that challenged his learning. He suggested that James get assessed. It turned out James had a learning disability involving processing challenges. This specific tutor was familiar with James’ learning disability and had a specific method and tool that he developed for middle school and high school students. Once this break through occurred, James was on the road to fluent reading and comprehension. He learned how to learn. Months later, James walked into a bookstore and purchased two books of interest. One on history and one a novel. This time, he didn't have to pretend. He read both books. Cover to cover. It was slow and tedious at first. The more he read and experienced greater ease with reading and comprehension, the more he was inspired to continue.
James' story is a testament to what happens when you take small, consistent steps toward transformation and lose the shame. He didn't change overnight. He committed to the process, embraced discomfort, and proved to himself that growth was possible. Along the way someone joined him on the journey to help him uncover the root of the challenge. They couldn’t do the work for James, but they could point him in the right direction and support him. Just as we learned in Part 1, he moved through the stages of change—from contemplation to preparation, action, and finally maintenance—proving that transformation happens one small step at a time. Change is, most often, cumulative. You may not be aware that change is happening. One day you look up and something has shifted. Time passes, no matter what. What will you do with your time to improve, to expand, to challenge yourself?
Reflection Prompts: Breaking Through Your Barriers
Take a moment to reflect on these questions:
1. What triggers keep you stuck in survival mode? Identify specific situations, thoughts, or relationships that pull you back into autopilot.
2. Where in your life are you playing small out of fear? Consider areas where you know you're capable of more but hesitate to step forward.
3. What limiting beliefs from Part 1 are still influencing your actions? Remember those self-limiting thoughts we discussed? Which ones are most active for you right now?
4. What small but intentional action can you take today to shift into transformation? Remember, transformation happens through consistent, small steps.
5. How could healing past experiences help you move forward? Consider what emotional baggage might be keeping you in survival mode.
Write down your reflections in a journal or share them with a trusted friend to deepen your awareness and commitment to change.
Conclusion: Your Shift Has Already Begun
The shift from survival mode to creative, intentional living doesn't happen overnight—but it starts with awareness. It starts the moment you recognize that you are not stuck, that you have the power to change, and that every small step forward matters.
In Part 3 of this series, we'll take everything you've learned so far and map out your personal transformation blueprint. Building on the stages of change from Part 1 and the survival-to-creative mode shift in Part 2, you'll learn how to create lasting habits, align your energy, and step fully into your next chapter. We'll provide a concrete action plan that integrates mindset work with practical daily steps.
Your transformation is already in motion. Now it's time to take it further.
Remember to Live Well Live Whole. “Because this life is your one life to make your best life.“
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