The Survival Plateau in the Workplace

I’ve been thinking about how important it is to name the parts of our lives where things don’t feel right. I recently wrote about naming languishing and how the first step is to admit when something isn’t okay. Many of us feel like we’re somewhere between struggling and thriving—just getting by.

This place, where we’re just surviving, might feel fine if we’ve come from hard times. You have steady work, and you know what’s expected. But is it enough? Is it wrong to want more from life, especially at work? Is it okay to hope for something better if you're doing okay?

The truth is, you were made to flourish. Let’s look at what it means to survive—and what might be possible beyond that.

What is the Survival Plateau?

A plateau is a flat, steady place you reach after a climb. It can feel good to rest on solid ground, especially after a tough journey.

But staying on a plateau too long can lead to feeling stuck. You’re no longer struggling, but you’re not growing either. This can happen at work when you start doing just enough to get by. You’re not deeply engaged or excited about what you’re doing. It’s not bad, but it’s not great either.

Breaking Away from a Plateau

Celebrate the Stability

Take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come. You’ve worked hard to get to this place. If work feels boring, it’s a sign that you’ve mastered new skills and grown in your role. That’s a good thing!

Write down a few ways you contribute to your job and what you’ve learned. Being in a stable place is a gift, and it’s worth celebrating.

Remembering your Purpose

Think back to why you started this work. What made you excited about it in the beginning?

Your purpose and values can guide you toward new goals. Have you lost sight of them while on this plateau? Reconnecting with your purpose can inspire you to grow and find more meaning in your work.

Explore opportunities to elevate

Learning something new can help you move forward. Are there chances to improve your skills or take on a new challenge at work?

Without new goals, it’s easy to feel less engaged. Some people even start “quiet quitting”—staying in their job but no longer caring about it. Instead, look for ways to stretch yourself. Trying something new can help you feel energized and excited again.

Flourishing Invites Change

Breaking free from the survival plateau means being open to change. That change might be taking on a new project or learning new skills. Or it might mean finding a new job or role that better fits your values and purpose.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I’d love to walk alongside you as you work toward flourishing. If you’re ready to take the next step, let’s talk.

Be well,

Matt Visser

Let's Connect

P.S. Start the new year by joining my free workshop, Designed to Flourish, to explore where you are now and plan your next steps. Learn more and sign up.

Matt Visser serves as a Senior Design Partner with Design Group International. Matt’s greatest joy is empowering you as an adaptive leader to tackle your most difficult problems and help you build flourishing leadership, teams, and organizational ecosystems. Matt has invested over 20 years in growing nonprofit organizations focused on leadership development, community engagement, fundraising, and innovation. 

About Design Group International

Design Group International is a group of consultants who have chosen to be part of a community that is committed to the craft of Process Consulting. Process Consulting is our shared foundation, approach, and framework. Our values of listening, helping, and learning help us fulfill our mission to help leaders and their organizations transform for a vibrant future.