I discovered Jason and his blog, literally, about a week ago via a comment he left over at my good buddy Steven’s site (at Human Explosion).
He had me at, “Hello.”
Well, he has my readership, anyway. 
I find him to be vibrant, engaging, and genuine. I immediately felt connected to his spirit, which is not a surprise given we have so much in common: entrepreneurial forays under our belts, an interest in physiology/health, and embarking on the forth decade of life, for starters.
Enjoy his words here today and then register for his feed. He’s a great guy with a good heart. I’m looking forward to seeing, via his blog, where this decade takes him next! Take it away, Jason!
As many of my readers know by now, I’ve been in a suspended state of “Survival Mode”. In fact, I have become quite an expert on how to survive “Survival Mode”.
Since graduating college I’ve started 9 businesses in various fields from photography to chiropractic and as anybody who has started a business knows, the early days are all about living in “Survival Mode”. So here again, I find myself in the midst of living through “Survival Mode” as I build my Internet venture into a sustainable business.
Why “Survival Mode” is Good
“Survival Mode” is a natural process many people find themselves faced with at some point in their lives. From business and school to just living life, many people will experience the basic instinct of survival, which is really a good thing.
Human instincts are to move away from pain and towards pleasure. “Survival Mode” is typically a neurovisceral response our bodies have to something painful. It is the driving force that stimulates the mind to act and move towards pleasure and away from pain.
The Natural process our bodies have acquired is the reason we don’t just sit there when being attacked by a hungry lion or fail to act when a crisis strikes our lives. The “Survival Mode” process keeps us alive and moving forward.
If it weren’t for “Survival Mode” it would be too easy for me to just sit around watching Oprah, eating fruitcakes, and getting nothing accomplished. Thank God for “Survival Mode”
But “Survival Mode” isn’t all Good Times
Although “Survival Mode” favors our continued existence and perpetuates pleasure in our lives, it can also have opposing consequences. For this reason, it’s in our personal best interest to acknowledge the state of “Survival Mode” and move through it as quickly as possible.
Health concerns are among the most serious consequences and effects of living in “Survival Mode” for too long. The Neurochemical cascade our bodies endure while in the state of survival will have devastating effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems. In other words, the effect of living with long-term stress will cause heart disease, diabetes, and immunity problems.
The psychological effects of “Survival Mode” shouldn’t be ignored either. Confidence is King when it comes to relationships and nobody wants to be around weakness. Letting the need to survive overcome you will manifest as insecurity and weakness.
Kicking “Survival Mode” in the Butt
Most of us today aren’t being attacked by a hungry lion or facing the ugly claws of an angry bear. If you are, get the hell out of there and “Survive”!!! If not, however, it’s time to look at the modern day “Survival Mode” in more realistic terms.
“Survival Mode” will end. Trust me here; it will end at some point in either succeeding in your quest or failure in your effort. Either way, it will end and you will move on with life. How you want to move on in life is really your decision. The worst thing you can do is take the journey too seriously. This is coming from a guy who is on my 10th try at this. Trust me I know…
Enjoying the journey of your life and focusing on building strong relationships will help you kick “Survival Mode” in the butt. Remember, confidence and strength will come from the relationships you create.
Let me know how you’re kicking “Survival Mode” in the Butt!!
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Jason is blogging his journey into mid-life over at forty2fifty.com. His message comes from the unique perspective of living the experience. Ever wonder what it’s like to go from making $150k a year to being homeless? Struggling to find your true identity? And to find yourself at 40 starting life over? You can check out Jason’s journey at forty2fifty.com and while you’re there say, “Hi.”
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Survival mode is no fun, that much is for sure. I’ve been there a few times myself, and it ain’t pretty. In fact, sometimes I think that the avoidance of the suffering that accompanies “survival mode” is one of the reasons so many people find a comfortable job, and then stick it out for far too long. it’s because they don’t want to have to enter survival mode. I know that’s a key factor in some of the life decisions that I have come to regret.
The key, I think, is realizing what you said: Survival mode, even though unpleasant, always ends. On the other side is a better life (one would hope).
.-= Jay Schryer´s last blog ..The Miracle =-.
You’re so right Jay. The fear of the unknown is a huge force that leads people to stay in the situation they are in. I see it all around me in my family and friends.
Mixing it up a little is a good thing and like you said, although unpleasant, the rewards are AWESOME…
Thanks for the feedback Jay
.-= Jason @ forty2fifty.com´s last blog ..The Cascading Events of One Bad Choice =-.
The points you two bring up are spot on! And I think this applies to other ‘unpleasant’ decisions in our lives, too (e.g., divorce or ending unhealthy
friendships).
In my experience, the riskier or ‘harder’ the endeavor, the higher the rewards at the other end of the rainbow.
.-= Lori´s last blog ..Guest Post by Jason Ulsrud: Hold On, How I’m Surviving =-.
I think I had too many “survival modes” all in a row, between 1999 and 2006. I’m sick of them. I would do just about anything to avoid those modes now. I have to agree with Jay that avoiding the suffering is one of the primary motivators that keeps people in unfulfilling jobs (or marriages) far too long… but that’s a perfectly valid motivator, IMHO.
I know that’s not a real popular opinion, but sometimes the negative effects of survival mode are SO great, that any alternative is preferable.
Thanks for this great post, Jason (and Lori). I’d love to hear more about the back story sometime… maybe in the guest post we talked about?
.-= Lisis´s last blog ..Book Review: Female Brain Gone Insane =-.
Hey Lisis… Reading your comment makes me think of the song “Jaded” by Aerosmith. Enough bad experiences can jade a person making it less likely they’ll take that risk later in life. That’s why kids are so incredible, they haven’t had the jading experience yet.
I’m guilty of being jaded big time. However, I’m crazy, or stupid, enough to keep living the experience. At least I can say I tried.
Happy you liked the post and I love your blog as well.
.-= Jason @ forty2fifty.com´s last blog ..The Cascading Events of One Bad Choice =-.
Thanks for stopping by, Lisis. And, I agree with you. When I read Jason’s author ‘tag’ at the end, my ears perked up. This dude definitely has a story to tell!!
Bring it on, Jason, we’re all ears.
And, I totally hear you two. I went through a time in my life that I almost couldn’t get past my jaded feelings – and it was affecting my life in a negative way. Then I realized that my attitude was NOT improving my situation whatsoever, so I kicked myself in the butt and put a new attitude on for size.
Yeah, Jason, Lisis has a rockin’ blog. I just love that girl!
I’ve been in Survival Mode a few times myself.
There’s some indication I’ve never left it!
At the moment, I have some cushion from savings, and that helps a lot.
One key I believe is critical for successfully starting a business is being able to operate in “survival mode” without actually being in survival mode. That is, you make yourself take it just seriously enough, but not too seriously.
.-= Dave Doolin´s last blog ..Website In A Weekend: Thursday evening – Get into the gate =-.
Good point Dave… Like I’ve said, I have opened several business in the past. Some did great and others bombed. Every time a business of mine has bombed is because I failed to plan for the “Survival Mode”. Actually, planning for “Survival Mode” will help prevent it.
Cool comment Dave and I appreciate the feedback.
.-= Jason @ forty2fifty.com´s last blog ..The Cascading Events of One Bad Choice =-.
Dave,
Hey, just want to say thanks for adding your commentary. I appreciate it and appreciate you supporting Jason, too!
Shaka that, brothers!
~xo
Good for you for trying again. Yeah for no. 9. I’m enjoying the journey and behind on my blogging! It’s our 38th wedding anniversary today, I agree relationships are worth every bit of energy we put into them. And I’m all about fun so I think we’re on the same page;)
That’s AWESOME!!! Congratulations on your anniversary. I can’t even imagine 38 years. I’ll be 77 when I get there. Hmmm…
Great Job Tess and go have some Anniversary FUN!!!
.-= Jason @ forty2fifty.com´s last blog ..The Cascading Events of One Bad Choice =-.
Hi Tess, happy anniversary!!!! Whoo hooo!!! Way to go!!! And, like Jason said, I can’t imagine 38 years either, I’ll be 72 for Scott and my 38th anniversary – holy schmolies!!!
And yay for having fun, too!!!
Yep, as with others who’ve commented, I’ve had my fair share of survival mode moments. And my fair share of avoiding survival mode moments. But like you Jason, I’m either crazy, stupid or determined (I’m yet to work out which), because I keep jumping on the roller coaster.
After I’d experienced it a few times though, I got familiar with how it felt. Not that I like being in that position as such, but it’s not such a shock to the system anymore.
The biggest antidotes to survival mode for me have been gratitude (for what I do have), finding the humour (there’s ALWAYS a funny side) and hard core exercise (to manage the stress)!
Great post. Thanks Jason and Lori!
.-= Sami – Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s last blog ..Kick Arse Question – Tides of Change =-.
Sami… I couldn’t have said that better. I have to admit I’ve been through my times of not having much gratitude. In other words, I was being a victim. Poor me, boohoo, LOSER!!! And in those moments I could step back and look at the situation for what it was, I could laugh. Laughter is a huge healing antidote for life.
Great feedback… Thanks
Sami, you are one wise (and well-spoken) chicka!! That’s also why I adore you!
In my book, you are the queen of survival (and of the alien mothership, too, but I’ll save details for another day). I appreciate you adding to the conversation here, girl.
And, Jason, you are totally cracking me up!!! “Poor me, boohoo, LOSER!” Now there’s someone who has picked himself up, dusted himself off, and has the kahonies to look at life for what it is: a journey.
To me, it’s just a journey. That’s it. Where you take your life is up to all of us – we have choices. Our life is what we make it. And I MUST LAUGH along the way.
Thumbs up, Sami and Jason!
Hi Jason:
Nice post…I’ve been in survival mode several times in my life (including now). I’ve learned, through past layoffs, that I’m a pretty good survivor. But I keep thinking about wanting to thrive and not just survive. I’ve been in survival mode more than I’ve been in thrival
mode. Perhaps this is because of past choices that I’ve made. Let’s just say I agree with you and I’m ready to kick survival mode in the butt.
I admire you for having been through all that you have. I’m sure each step you take is one step closer to where you want/need to be. BTW, I popped onto your blog and it looks very interesting – not to mention I fit the fortytofifty demographic.
Thanks for a nice post and Lori, thanks for introducing us to Jason!
.-= Tim´s last blog ..The Friendship Project: Peoplescape (Part Two) =-.
Thanks Tim… Sounds like you and I have quite a bit in common. I’m totally in “Survival Mode” today, but for the first time in my life, it’s ok. No worries here buddy.
I think the key is focusing on this journey and the people I’m meeting such as yourself, Lori, and everybody else I’ve had the pleasure to meet here. There really are AMAZING people to meet in the world.
Thanks again and I hope to talk again…
.-= Jason @ forty2fifty.com´s last blog ..The Cascading Events of One Bad Choice =-.
Hey Tim and Jason,
To be honest, when Jason asked me it I’d be interested in him guest posting here – I immediately thought about it being a vehicle to introduce the two of you – and that you might have a lot to talk about.
I won’t take it to the level of calling me Cupid, but, well, maybe you two can at least start a bromance?
Oh, and Tim, you should check out Jason’s other site, which I totally dig (but won’t admit it in public), http://www.guyknowledgy.com/. It’s really great!
Thanks for commenting here, Tim, you’re such an awesome guy. I’ll never take you for granted! I’m so lucky we met.
See you two around real soon!
~xo
.-= Lori´s last blog ..Guest Post by Jason Ulsrud: Hold On, How I’m Surviving =-.
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Hi Lori – Great choice – I can feel the energy too! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jason – Marvelous post! Been in survival mode many times in 60+ years. I’ve tried to humor myself thru the last of those times by telling myself that this is just the Universe’s way of testing my intentions! And really, it had me look HARD at them, which I think we should be doing. Sometimes we get so hell-bent on some project, or achievement, that we may loose touch with the original intention and miss the wee voice inside that could guide us through it with a lot less stress and pressure.
Also I think there is a fine line between surviving and thriving. I’ve been meaning to write a post on that – hmmm. Thanks for your wonderful post!
Suzen, thank for the comment. Looking at ones situation from a different point I believe helps put some perspective on the situation. So often I’ve gotten so caught up in my little life and problems it seems ridiculous. So I totally agree with you here.
Also, I find myself putting a lot less merit in my situations as I get older and experience more.
Hey Jason,
Great post, and any recommendation from Lori is just rockin’!
When I taught paramedics, we spent lots of time talking about the body’s natural response of “Fight or Flight” – the sympathetic part of the nervous system that keeps us (and kept our cave-dwelling ancestors) alive. It’s exactly what you speak of here. In moments of danger, our pupils dilate, epinephrine is pumped into our system and the gut shuts down. Blood flow to the brain is increased.
Valuable responses when danger is near, but devastating to the body if sustained.
Kicking Survival Mode in the butt is a profound statement and helps us to realize priorities and where we stand, as well as where we should be standing.
Cool stuff!
Cheers
George
.-= George Angus´s last blog ..Smashwords Means Ebooks Galore! =-.
OK George, now you’re speaking my language. Like you said, the sympathetic response rocks in those moments of threat and the need to survive. However, stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system over a long period of time increase cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol has devastating effects on the entire body when elevated over time. Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Immune issues are just a few of the more serious problems associated with “stress” and “Survival Mode”.
I’m planning on writing some posts on these topics over at guyknowledgy.com in February. I’ve seen a lot of patients with diabetes and nearly every one of them had elevated markers on their blood tests associated with stress. I would bet most type 2 diabetes is in some big way caused by stress and the effects stress has on the blood sugar levels.
Ugh… Sorry for the long response. I guess I’m just in one of those moods. More on that over at guyknowledgy.com in the weeks to come.
Thanks again George for your comment.
.-= Jason @ forty2fifty.com´s last blog ..Help Haiti, Help Yourself =-.
Hi Jason, I like how you start out with the benefits of survival mode, then end it with how to kick survival mode in the butt. I agree with you that we shouldn’t take our jobs too seriously all the time, or eventually we may go crazy.
.-= Hulbert´s last blog ..13 Reasons to Stop Complaining =-.
Hey Hulbert, thanks for the feedback on “Survival Mode”. I think taking anything too seriously isn’t a good idea.
I know you’ve heard this before, but life is a journey. Enjoy the ride.
nice article and well organized thoughts
Thanks Farouk… I appreciate the comment.
.-= Jason @ forty2fifty.com´s last blog ..How Does Martin Luther King Inspire You? =-.