Thriving or Surviving in 2026?

What's guiding your year ahead?

While my kids have just gone back to school, I’ve spent parts of the summer coaching. One reflection from this summer has stayed with me: the difference between thriving and surviving.

It’s no small thing when a client says,

“You know, I think I’ve been surviving my life for the last ten years. I haven’t really thought about what thriving would look like.”

The CliftonStrengths tool was designed to help humans thrive—and that distinction matters.

We are capable of enduring a great deal. We are resilient. But living in survival mode comes with a cost.

If you’re unsure which mode you’re in most of the time, here’s one simple contrast:

• Surviving sounds like: “I must.”

• Thriving sounds like: “I can—and I will.”

  
  

More and more, we’re seeing the cost of long-term survival show up in our lives. Our physical and mental health. Our relationships. Our sense of purpose and meaning. When survival becomes the default, these are often the first things to erode.

We can push the consequences down the road for a while—by staying busy, being productive, getting through—but we can’t make them disappear.

So here’s a question worth sitting with:

What is one small step I could take toward my own thriving in 2026?

If that question feels out of reach—or even uncomfortable—you’re not alone. And it might be a sign that support would help. I’d love to hold that question with you in a 90-minute CliftonStrengths conversation.

We don’t move from surviving to thriving in one giant leap. But we can notice where we are, reflect honestly, and choose one small action that nudges us toward a more life-giving way of living.

Thriving begins there.

In short:

• Many of us are incredibly capable—but capability alone can keep us surviving rather than truly thriving.

• Long-term survival mode has a cost, often showing up in our health, relationships, and sense of meaning.

• Thriving doesn’t require a big life overhaul—just one small, intentional step in a more life-giving direction.

---

Lacey Blass CliftonStrengths coach

About the author Hi I'm Lacey, a CliftonStrengths coach based in New Zealand. I'm passionate about helping managers and teams thrive, not just survive.

I'm also a creative introvert, wife, mum and an avid fan of both exercise and doughnuts! If you're keen to begin or continue your CliftonStrengths journey, drop me a line or book a free chat