Getting ahead is tough when you’re stuck in survival mode—grinding every day just to stay afloat. In this episode of the Pursuit to Own Podcast, Christopher Pitt gets real about what that mindset costs us. It’s not just about money—it’s about missing your shot at something bigger. He breaks down how generations are raised to hustle but never taught how to build, especially in a world reshaped by AI and rapid change. The shift? It starts with purpose. Christopher shares how finding clarity gave him the push to stop surviving and start building a life with meaning, not just motion.

Quotes:

"We're put in a position where we wear a badge of courage for surviving, not succeeding—surviving because so many things around us put us in a situation where survival is the only way out." — Christopher Pitt

"If you're always surviving, are you really being successful? If the road is always filled with barriers and challenges, are you really successful?" — Christopher Pitt

"Either you're going to learn how to use it, or someone is going to be using you at the end of the day. " — Christopher Pitt

Key Takeaways:

• Ask yourself if you are just surviving or truly succeeding.

• Make a one-year plan to adapt to rapid changes in technology.

• Identify your purpose and how it can help you move forward.

• Explore ways to use AI and new tools to improve your skills.

• Assess if your daily actions are routine or moving you closer to your goals.

Episode Timeline:

[00:00] Why surviving is not the same as succeeding

[03:17] How purpose changes the way we measure success

[09:34] What tech disruption means for your next move

[12:21] What first-gen success really takes behind the scenes

[14:41] Why purpose still matters in a world full of change

Conclusion:

Real success means moving beyond just doing what’s needed to get through the day. It calls for clear intention, steady focus, and the courage to take action that reflects what matters most. As technology, especially AI, changes how we work and live, staying sharp and open to learning is more important than ever. Growth comes from honest reflection, taking smart risks, and making sure your daily efforts move you in a direction that feels right and meaningful.

Tune in to the Pursuit to Own podcast for more inspiring stories and strategies on how to turn your struggles into a pursuit of ownership and success.

Links:

Pursuit to Own: Opportunity Ownership – https://pursuittoown.com/

Connect with Christopher Pitt on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-pitt-mba/

Watch Your Pain Can Provide The Blueprint To Your Success | Christopher Pitt | TEDxWilmington – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULTBmmY1Uos&t=2s