Do you follow people on social media you have never met? Why do you follow them? Does their content lift you up or leave you feeling worse about your life? We have all heard that we become like the people we spend time with. The same is true of what we read, watch, and scroll through every day. In part 2 of our series, we look at the difference between striving and thriving, what thriving really includes, and how counseling can help you get there.
Key takeaways
- What you take in, online and offline, shapes your thoughts and mood.
- Striving means doing just enough to get by. Thriving means growing in every area of life.
- Thriving includes personal growth, emotional health, relationships, physical health, and purpose.
- Moving from striving to thriving takes reflection, new priorities, and support.
- A Christian counselor can help you set goals, build resilience, and challenge limiting beliefs.
In this article
The company you keep, online and off
Scripture has a lot to say about influence. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33). “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20). Proverbs 22:24-25 warns against close friendship with an angry person, “lest thou learn his ways.”
These verses apply to the voices we invite in through our screens, too. Encouraging influencers can be a blessing when their message lines up with your values. But if your feed leaves you anxious, envious, or discouraged, it may be time to make some changes.
“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
Psalm 1:3 (KJV)
Striving vs. thriving
Striving is doing just enough to get by: a paycheck that covers survival but not comfort, enough energy for what you have to do but not what you want to do. Thriving goes beyond the bare minimum. It is a whole-person kind of well-being that grows over time. If striving sounds familiar, start with Thriving over Striving, Part 1, which looks at why we get stuck in survival mode.
Five areas of a thriving life
Personal growthLearning, building skills, setting meaningful goals, and trying new things.
Emotional well-beingManaging emotions, coping with challenges, and finding inner peace.
RelationshipsHealthy, supportive connections and a sense of belonging and community.
Physical healthRegular movement, balanced meals, and enough rest and sleep.
Purpose and meaningLiving by your values and contributing to something bigger than yourself.
FaithA growing relationship with God that anchors every other area.
Thriving looks different for each person. Breaking out of a striving lifestyle often takes honest self-reflection, a fresh look at priorities, and a more balanced approach to wellness. That is hard to do alone.
Take the next step toward thriving
Licensed Christian counselors, in person across Western PA and online in PA, WV, GA, and OH.
How counseling helps you thrive
Self-exploration and awareness
Counseling gives you a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and experiences, notice your strengths, and get clear on your values and goals.
Goal setting and action plans
A counselor helps you set realistic goals, break them into small steps, work through obstacles, and stay accountable. Our article on goal setting and mental well-being shares more.
Resilience and coping skills
Setbacks are part of life. Counseling teaches stress management, problem-solving, and coping strategies that help you bounce back.
Better self-care
Together you can build a realistic routine for rest, relaxation, and healthy habits that support body and mind.
Challenging limiting beliefs
Self-doubt and unhelpful thinking patterns can hold you back. Counseling helps you name them and replace them with truth.
Healthier relationships
Counseling can strengthen communication, boundaries, and conflict resolution, and help you process past hurts that affect your relationships today.
Meaning and purpose
Through conversation and reflection, you can get clear on what matters most and build a life around it.
Finding the right counselor
Counseling approaches vary from person to person and counselor to counselor, so fit matters. Grace Christian Counseling has a large team of licensed Christian counselors, with offices across Western Pennsylvania and online counseling in several states. Our care team can help you find the right match. You can also browse our counselors.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between striving and thriving?
Striving is doing just enough to get by. Thriving means growing in many areas of life, including emotional health, relationships, physical health, purpose, and faith.
Can social media affect my mental health?
It can. Content that leads to comparison, worry, or discouragement can weigh on your mood. Being intentional about who and what you follow can help.
What does a thriving life look like for a Christian?
It is a life rooted in God, marked by purpose, healthy relationships, care for body and mind, and steady growth, even in hard seasons.
How can a counselor help me thrive?
A counselor can help you set goals, build coping skills, improve relationships, challenge limiting beliefs, and connect your growth to your values and faith.
Related reading and services
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health. Caring for Your Mental Health.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Psychotherapies.
