The Scale of ING: Are You Thriving, Striving, Surviving, or Diving?

Ever feel like some days you’re conquering life and other days you're barely holding it together? That’s where the Scale of "ING" comes in—a simple framework to help you understand where you stand in life’s ups and downs. Are you Thriving, Striving, Surviving, or Diving? More importantly, how can you move to a place where you feel balanced and fulfilled? Let’s break it down.

The Four Stages of "ING"

1. Diving

   This is the stage where life feels overwhelming. You’re stressed, anxious, and it seems like everything is falling apart. It’s like you’re barely treading water with a riptide pulling you under. You feel stuck, and getting back to a place of control seems impossible. At this stage, it’s important to seek support and stabilize yourself—whether that’s through friends, family, or professional help.

2. Surviving

   In the surviving stage, you’re managing to get by, but only just. You’re going through the motions, but there’s little joy in it. You’re functioning, but you’re exhausted. It’s like you’re running on a treadmill that’s going just a little too fast, leaving you drained by the end of the day. If you’re here, it’s time to build resilience and focus on balance. Small changes, like setting boundaries or making time for self-care, can make a big difference.

3. Striving

   When you’re striving, you’re actively working toward your goals. You’re putting in the effort and making progress, but it still feels like you’re climbing uphill. There’s a sense of optimism and determination, but you’re not quite at peace yet. While striving can be an energizing phase, it’s important to make sure you’re not burning out. Keep your goals in sight, but don’t forget to pause, breathe, and acknowledge how far you’ve come.

4. Thriving

   This is the sweet spot. When you’re thriving, life feels balanced and fulfilling. Challenges don’t knock you off course—they inspire growth. You’re resilient, positive, and living with purpose. It’s not that life becomes easy, but you’re equipped to handle whatever comes your way. Thriving is a state of flow where you feel connected to yourself, your goals, and the people around you. It’s the place we all strive to be, but it’s also an ongoing journey, not a permanent destination.

How to Progress Through the Stages

Moving from Diving to Surviving:

• Get Support: Talk to friends, family, or professionals to help you get back on your feet.

• Create Structure: Establish a routine that provides stability and helps you regain control over your day-to-day life.

• Small Wins: Set achievable goals to build momentum and boost confidence.

Moving from Surviving to Striving:

• Build Resilience: Start developing tools to manage stress—whether it’s mindfulness, exercise, or journaling.

• Find Balance: Focus on balancing the different aspects of your life, such as work, relationships, and self-care. It’s about finding harmony rather than constantly pushing through.

• Set Clear Goals: Identify what you want to achieve and create a realistic plan to get there.

Moving from Striving to Thriving:

• Embrace Growth: View challenges as opportunities to grow and learn, rather than obstacles.

• Practice Positivity: Cultivate gratitude and focus on the positives in your life. Surround yourself with people who lift you up.

• Nurture Relationships: Strengthen your connections with others. Thriving is often linked to feeling supported and connected to a community.

Can You Move Between Stages?

Yes! Life is constantly changing, and it’s normal to move back and forth between stages. You might be thriving one month, striving the next, and even find yourself diving during particularly stressful times. The goal is to remain aware of where you are and take steps to keep moving forward.

Conclusion

The Scale of "ING" is a useful framework to help you identify where you are and where you want to be. Whether you’re diving, surviving, striving, or thriving, there’s always room for growth and improvement. The key is to be honest with yourself about your current state and take actionable steps to move toward thriving.

Where are you on the Scale of "ING" today? Take a moment to reflect, and remember: every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to balance and fulfillment.

Keep moving, keep growing, and keep thriving!