Many young people today, especially those from low-income backgrounds, grow up with one primary goal: survive.

This mindset is not a choice. It is shaped by real-life struggles—limited finances, lack of opportunities, and daily stress. When your focus is simply making it through the day, thinking about next week, next month, or next year can feel impossible.

The problem with a survival mindset is that it traps you in short-term thinking. It’s like being hungry and only thinking about how to find something to eat tonight. But if your goal is long-term success, you need to shift your thinking. Instead of hunting for one meal, imagine how you could grow a farm that feeds you and your community and even generates income.

That’s the essence of a growth mindset. It’s not just about surviving—it’s about building, learning, and creating a better future for yourself and those around you.

Why Exposure Matters

We live in an era where the internet gives us access to almost anything. There are free courses, job boards, online mentors, and digital platforms where people are building careers and transforming their lives. Yet many young people remain unaware of these opportunities because their environment has limited their exposure.

Exposure can change how you see the world and what you believe is possible. If you grow up thinking that success only means getting a stable job or moving abroad, it’s often because that’s all you’ve seen. But there is more—opportunities exist beyond what you’ve been taught to expect.

Shifting Your Mindset

Leaving the survival mindset behind is a deliberate choice. No one can do it for you. You have to decide that you want more and take consistent steps toward it.

Here are some practical ways to start:

1. Curate your algorithm
   Change what you see online. Follow people and pages that share knowledge, opportunities, and stories of growth. Your feed should reflect where you want to go, not just where you are now.

2. Join global communities
   Communities like United People Global (UPG) connect you with people around the world who are building solutions, starting movements, and growing together. Exposure to new ideas and inspiring individuals challenges you to think bigger.

3. Build real connections
   Don’t network just to collect contacts. Seek out people who inspire you and stay in touch. Look for mentors and peers who can help you grow.

4. Share your value
   You have unique gifts. Let the world see them. Use platforms like LinkedIn, X (Twitter), or TikTok to share your ideas, projects, or learnings. It may feel intimidating at first, but you never know who is watching. Your voice matters.

   As I always say:
   “Your gifts can speak for you, but you also have to speak for your gifts.”

   This means showing up, talking about what you do, and letting people know how you can help or add value.

5. Collaborate upward
   Surround yourself with people whose dreams are bigger than yours. Learn from them, contribute your skills, and look for ways to add value. Helping others can open the door to new opportunities and accelerate your own growth.

The Long-Term Payoff

Shifting from survival to growth isn’t easy. It takes time, effort, and daily decisions. But the payoff is worth it. Survival may have been your starting point, but it doesn’t have to define your story forever.

There is a world of opportunity out there. You just have to choose to see it, reach for it, and keep growing into it.