The Great Divide: Self-Sufficiency vs. Self-Preservation
Why Going Solo Isn’t Always the Answer
Manny-festing the Support You Deserve 😉
In a world that glorifies the “self-made” individual, the idea of self-sufficiency has become a cultural obsession. We’re taught to hustle harder, push through burnout, and do it all alone.
But what if the key to sustainable success isn’t about being self-sufficient—it’s about practicing self-preservation? And what if the difference between the two could be best understood through the lens of team sports versus solo sports?
Enter Yesenia Hudson, a former athlete turned creative entrepreneur, whose journey offers a powerful analogy for rethinking how we approach our goals, our well-being, and our support systems.
The Solo Sport of Self-Sufficiency
Imagine you’re on a tennis court, racket in hand, facing your opponent alone.
Every serve, every volley, every point rests entirely on your shoulders. This is the essence of self-sufficiency—a solo sport where you’re the player, the coach, and the cheerleader all at once.
Yesenia knows this feeling well. “I used to think I had to do everything myself,” she recalls. “Whether it was work, relationships, or personal goals, I felt like I had to carry the weight alone. It was exhausting.”
And she’s not alone.
Many of us fall into the trap of self-sufficiency, believing that asking for help is a sign of weakness. But as Yesenia learned, this mindset often leads to burnout, isolation, and a sense of being stretched too thin.
“It’s like playing a solo sport,” she explains.
“You’re out there on the court, relying solely on your own skills and stamina. And while it can feel empowering at first, over time, the pressure to perform alone becomes overwhelming.”
The Team Sport of Self-Preservation
Now, imagine you’re on a soccer field, surrounded by teammates.
You’re still putting in the work, but you’re not alone. You have players to pass the ball to, a coach to guide your strategy, and a support system to cheer you on. This is the essence of self-preservation—a team sport where collaboration, trust, and shared responsibility are key.
For Yesenia, this shift in mindset was transformative.
“When I started to see life as a team sport, everything changed,” she says. “I realized I didn’t have to do it all alone. I could lean on my support system, ask for help, and trust the process.”
This realization didn’t come easily. Yesenia had to unlearn years of conditioning that told her she had to be self-sufficient.
But through trial and error, she discovered the power of self-preservation—a practice that prioritizes well-being, sustainability, and collective success over individual achievement.
The Power of a Support System
One of the most striking lessons from Yesenia’s journey is the importance of a support system.
“When I moved to a new city, I didn’t know anyone,” she shares. “But I made a conscious effort to build a network of people who could support me, both personally and professionally.”
This network became her team—a group of coaches, teammates, and cheerleaders who helped her navigate the challenges of starting over.
“Having a support system doesn’t mean you’re weak,” she emphasizes.
“It means you’re smart. You’re recognizing that you can’t do it all alone—and that’s okay.”
If You Stay Ready, You Don’t Need to Get Ready
Yesenia’s mantra—“if you stay ready, you don’t need to get ready”—speaks to the heart of self-preservation.
It’s about preparation, self-awareness, and trusting the process.
“Life will throw curveballs at you regardless,” she says.
“But if you’ve done the work to build a strong foundation—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—you’ll be ready to handle whatever comes your way.”
This foundation includes routines, rituals, and practices that prioritize well-being. For Yesenia, that means morning workouts, journaling, and regular check-ins with her support system.
“It’s not about having it all together,” she explains.
“It’s about staying open, aware, and ready to receive help when you need it.”
The Bottom Line: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
So, what’s the difference between self-sufficiency and self-preservation? It’s the difference between playing a solo sport and a team sport.
It’s the difference between carrying the weight alone and sharing the load with others.
And it’s the difference between burning out and thriving.
As Yesenia’s story shows, self-preservation isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing things differently. It’s about building systems that care for you, not just your output. It’s about recognizing that you don’t have to do it all alone.
In the words of Yesenia, “We’re all part of something greater than ourselves. And when we come together as a team, we can achieve things we never thought possible.”
So, Now What??
Ready to shift from self-sufficiency to self-preservation? Start by building your support system. Reach out to one person who inspires you and ask for a virtual coffee chat.
Remember, “Manny (😉) hands make light work”—so don’t be afraid to lean on your team.
Closing Thought: Life isn’t a solo sport. It’s a team effort. And when we prioritize self-preservation over self-sufficiency, we create a life that’s not only sustainable but truly fulfilling.
‘Til next time,
2mannythoughts