Every second someone faces a crises. Why do some people survive and thrive and others do not and give up? The book, “The Survivors Club: the Secrets and Science that Could Save Your Life”, by Ben Sherwood reveals why some thrive using studies, research, and interviews of people who have survived. Some study participants were from military elite survival schools and government airplane crash evacuation courses.
Studies have shown that there are five types of survivors of adversity. These types are the fighter, the believer, the connector, the thinker, and the realist.
“Fighters attack adversity head on with purpose and determination. Against all odds, they’re driven to succeed and won’t stop until they achieve their goals.”
“A believer puts their faith in God to protect and sustain them through their trials…Believers trust deeply that God has a plan for their life and will steer them through any adversity. Believers are convinced that the Lord will never give them a challenge they can’t handle…Even if death approaches, Believers find comfort knowing that God loves them and their life is in His hands.”
Connectors “overcome incredible adversity with the power of…relationships and bonds with other people.” Connectors “are deeply devoted to family and friends.” This devotion “motivates [connectors] to tackle enormous obstacles… Connectors…hold… relationships sacred and will go to any lengths to protect and preserve them.”
Thinkers” use their brain to overcome…obstacles. They rely on a combination of smarts, creativity and ingenuity to solve problems. Thinkers have street smarts and common sense.”
The Realist knows that “everything doesn’t go as planned. Realists take life as it comes and make the most of their situation, staying calm and collected.”
The twelve psychological strengths that the most effective survivors draw upon are adaptability, resilience, faith, hope, purpose, tenacity, love, empathy, intelligence, ingenuity, flow and instinct. According to interviews with survivors and discussions with experts, these strengths made the greatest impact in the most difficult situations. Some of these strengths even work together.
Studies and interviews from the book showed that “faith is the most powerful and universal survival tool.” Speaking to people of faith, Sherwood says, “You trust that God has a plan and will look after you. You believe that a greater power will steer you through difficult times and guide your actions. In a crisis, faith gives you remarkable power and confidence to prevail.”
Sherwood interviews revealed that imprisonment and torture of some POW’s, deepened their commitment to God, country, and their fellow men rather than the opposite. Their experiences made them stronger.
Even though I wasn’t interviewed by Mr. Sherwood, I have found through my personal experiences and observing the experiences of others that his conclusions about the power of faith are true. The experiences of my husband and I have strengthened our faith in God and His love for us and our family members and fellowman. Like many of the POW’s interviewed in “The Survivors Club”, looking back, we have appreciated the trials we have been through because they have brought us closer to God and strengthened our faith in Him.
