So, what kind of life do you want to live?
I appreciate this is a big question! However, it’s worth taking a moment to consider this.
Q. Do you aspire to live a superficial life of relative ease, with little effort, or do you want to explore and discover the untapped depths of your character, capability and human potential?
If you chose the second one keep reading…
First off, human beings have a hardwired tendency to choose the path of least resistance. This is due to an evolutionary imperative for personal energy conservation, deeply embedded in our biology and cognitive processes. In psychology, it’s known as the principle of least effort.
Whilst we may instinctively seek out ease and comfort it is important to appreciate that effort, struggle and vulnerability are the ingredients that truly enrich our human experience. A life too sheltered or protected, while safe, risks being bland or superficial, missing out on the intense contrasts that build and support our character, capability and resilience.
Beyond our comfort zone is where the real magic happens and striving is profoundly powerful because it transforms our mere existence into a purposeful ascent. When we strive in life it compels us to transcend our present limits and fully explore and maximise our human potential.
The courage to strive sculpts our inner strength and deepens our sense of value, purpose and appreciation. When we put time, energy, and emotional capital into a goal, the resulting achievement carries a much higher psychological weight. The value isn’t just in the outcome itself; it’s in the journey and the story of how we get there. The adventure of life isn’t about finding a safe harbour; it’s about feeling the wind of great effort against our sails.
So, what are the benefits of striving?
Striving makes us stronger – The problems and setbacks we encounter whilst striving are what help strengthen character. These experiences equip us with the wisdom and coping mechanisms that we need to deal with life’s inevitable challenges so we can be fit for the future.
Striving gives us purpose and meaning – A strong sense of daily purpose is one of the most significant factors contributing to our personal motivation and overall wellbeing.
Striving boosts our confidence – When we achieve something we worked hard for, we earn a deep and lasting sense of self-respect and self-worth. We prove to ourselves that we are capable and this is a great way to boost our confidence.
So, how do we strive?
I have developed the STRIVE model – six core ways that we can maximise our human potential and embrace the journey from striving to thriving.
Self-belief – This is the conviction and confidence we have in our own ability to overcome challenges, and turn problems into opportunities, and is pivotal to how well we will ultimately succeed.
Tenacity – This is about the determination, persistence and patience we demonstrate in achieving our goals. It is also about knowing when to hold on and when to let go.
Resilience – This is about our ability to recover well from adversity and adapt to change which helps us to maintain our balance and optimism even when life throws unexpected challenges our way.
Innovation – This is about being creative and having the courage to implement innovative solutions to solve problems and make progress. Being innovative helps us to be fresh, relevant and pioneering in a rapidly changing world.
Vision – This is about the focus and clarity that ultimately helps to align our efforts with meaningful goals. Vision gives purpose to our actions and helps us to stay motivated and inspired.
Energy – This is about the fuel that sustains our physical, mental, and emotional vitality. Without it, striving becomes unsustainable and burnout inevitable.
From striving to thriving: Reflection exercise
It is well worth setting some time aside to consider these questions:
Q. What practical steps can I take to cultivate self-efficacy and confidence into my daily life?
Q. How can I develop the commitment and persistence needed to stay tenacious when facing challenges?
Q. What strategies help me to recover well from setbacks and maintain emotional balance?
Q. How can I implement new ideas and creative solutions to adapt and grow?
Q. What methods can I use to find purpose and meaning through setting and pursuing goals?
Q. How can I pace myself effectively to ensure self-care and establish life balance?
In summary, a commitment to striving fosters greater motivation, resilience, improved overall wellbeing, and a more fulfilling, purpose-driven life.
About the author
Liggy Webb is an award-winning and best-selling author, presenter, and international consultant. She is also the founding director of LWL, an international consortium of behavioural skills specialists. Liggy is recognised as a thought leader on human resilience and wellbeing, working with a wide range of global organisations across the sector.
The article was first published in Learning Magazine, Spring Edition 2026. Click here to read the full edition.