National Geographic Adventure magazine has an article this month entitled “The 12 Habits of Highly Successful Survivors“. It’s written by Laurence Gonzales, who’s new book Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies and Why “pulls readers to the boundary region between life and death, where they peer into the hearts, minds, and souls of those who have survived seemingly impossible situations and those have given in to death. Through careful dissection of case studies, he illuminates the essence of the true survivor, revealing the internal battles that are waged between fear and hope, reason and emotion, despair and correct action.“

To me this list goes way beyond basic ’survival instinct’. It should be a daily mantra, whether you want to succeed in business, survive project deadlines, or just for enjoying every day to the fullest. Here’s the list (without going into details - if you want more, buy the magazine or book):

1. Perceive, Believe


2. Stay Calm


3. Think, Analyze, Plan


4. Take Action


5. Celebrate Success


6. Be a Rescuer, Never A Victim


7. Enjoy the Survival Journey


8. See the Beauty


9. Surrender


10. Believe you will succeed


11. Do whatever is necessary


12. Never give up