Survival modeSurvival mode is a short term mode of fear-based thinking that activates our fight or flight mode. This defensive position makes it difficult for us to progress with a task. More is a short term mode of fear-based thinking that activates our fight or flightThe fight or flight response is an automatic physiological reaction to an event that is deemed to be harmful or dangerous. The perception of danger activates the sympathetic nervous system and creates a stress response which prepares the body to fight or flee. More mode. This defensive position makes it difficult for us to progress with a task.