How Do You See The World?
Do you believe that it is full of possibilities, or are there not enough opportunities to go around?
These two mindsets can be called “abundance mindset” and “scarcity mindset.” The scarcity mindset sees a glass as half-empty, while an abundance mindset sees it as half-full. There are many benefits to having an abundance mindset over a scarcity one. This blog post will explore both mindsets in depth, and help you decide which one might work better for your life! In order to transform to an abundant mindset, it’s impotant to understand the traits of a scarcity mindset.
You may know people who are incredibly frugal and can get more value from their dollars than 75% of the population, but there’s a fine line between being money smart and frugal and making unhealthy decisions due to a scarcity mentality. People who feel like money is lacking, are constantly worrying about every decision, and get envious of others with more material opportunities, are dealing with a scarcity mindset.
In fact, people’s minds are less efficient when they feel they lack something — whether it is money, time, calories or even companionship, states Princeton University psychology and public affairs professor Eldar Shafir, PhD. This scarcity mindset consumes what Shafir calls “mental bandwidth” — brain power that would otherwise go to less pressing concerns, planning ahead and problem-solving. This deprivation can lead to a life absorbed by preoccupations that impose ongoing cognitive deficits and reinforce self-defeating actions.
People are influenced by messages of scarcity from family, friends, culture, media and society. This idea of competing for limited material goods and wealth reinforces the idea there isn’t enough and that resources must be hoarded. In fact, when people realize something important is missing in their life, human brains can only seem to focus on that one thing. Maybe it’s money or time or love or just the latest gadget that other people seem to have, but it can actually hold people back because a scarcity mentality sees limitations instead of opportunities.
Do you want to be happy? Do you want to enjoy life and have a sense of well-being in all aspects of your life? If so, then it is time for you to transform to an abundance mindset. The benefits that come from adopting this way of thinking are vast, including increased happiness, more creativity, and more cooperative attitudes. In this post we will discuss the main differences between an abundance mindset and a scarcity mindset and how they can affect your mental health as well as other aspects of your life! Where the focus goes, the energy flows.
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7 Steps to Transform to an Abundant Mindset
1. Create A New Vocabulary
By taking time to notice what type of thoughts are circulating in your head, or financial fears you may have, you can begin to make a conscious effort to shift your thoughts towards abundance. For example, Instead of saying, “I can’t afford that” say “I have other priorities right now” or “That’s not in the budget.” This shift goes from a fixed type of thinking based on lack to one that gives you agency and freedom. Eliminate the words “always” and “never” when it comes to the way you think and speak about money. So no more “I’ll always be broke” or “I’ll never be rich.” Maybe you choose not to spend money today on shoes because you want to purchase a car!
The team at Strategic Coach claim by shifting your thought patterns on 12 scarcity related words, and replacing them with more abundant terms, can have an substantial shift in your mindset.
- Costs become Investments
- Incremental becomes Exponential
- Transactions become Transformations
- Industry/Profession becomes Market/Network
- Clients/Customers become Multipliers
- Products/Services become a Value Creation Process
- Employees become a Unique Ability Team
- Security becomes Opportunity
- Status becomes Contribution
- Lifestyle becomes Freedom
- Management becomes Leadership
- Retirement becomes Purpose
- Scarcity becomes Abundance
2. Practicing Gratitude
Intentional gratitude is an ancient practice with a long list of benefits for well-being. This one simple thing has the power to make you happier and more fulfilled? This one simple thing can also improve your relationships, health, self-confidence, career and bank account. It is easy to forget how much we have in our lives when we are constantly focusing on what’s wrong. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and anger. One way to combat these feelings is through practicing gratitude. Practicing gratitude will not only make you happier and healthier but it will also help you become a better person for your family and friends as well as the people around you.
“Practicing Gratitude is a powerful way to change your life. It’s not about saying “I’m grateful for this, I’m grateful for that.” It’s really just setting aside time to identify what you’re grateful for. Think of it as taking inventory of the good in your life.”
3. Build a Tribe of Positive, Abundant People
It’s time to build a tribe of positive, abundant people. Too many people are focused on what they don’t have and the negativity that this brings into their lives is astounding. It’s time for you to make a change in your life by building a community of like-minded individuals who want nothing more than success and happiness. In this blog post we will discuss strategies for success so that you can be surrounded with those who share your mindset!
4. Approach Learning with Humility and Curiosity
If you are interested in developing yourself and your mindset, the idea of a beginner’s mindset might be something that intrigues you. A beginner’s mindset is not about being ignorant or naive. Rather, it is about having an attitude to override existing preconceptions (just as a true beginner would), no matter how learned or experienced you may be. Learn how to develop this mindset for yourself, so that you can learn more effectively and become more abundant in your daily life.
5. Notice the Good Around You!
Humans have a tendency to notice what’s bad more easily than what’s good. It’s not your fault. Your brain is actually wired that way thanks to evolution. While your ancestors who were quick to see threats were more likely to survive and pass along their DNA, today people who rely on an abundance mindset often lead better, longer lives.
We all have days where we feel like nothing goes our way. We may not be able to find the right words, or a client may want something that is out of our scope. But it’s important to remember that bad days happen and they are just part of life. What you should do when these things happen is to take notice of anything good that happens on those days, no matter how small it might seem at first glance. Take some time today and think about what went well for you in your day so far?
6. Unleashing Your Mind: Recognize the Possibilities
I was on a walk with my dog yesterday and noticed that the world is full of goodness. I saw someone give up their parking spot to a mom who was struggling to get her car in, people opening doors for each other, and laughter all around me. Sure there are bad things happening too, but just concentrating on the bad karma limits our vision for a richer, more fulfilling life. It’s important to notice the good as well. You can train your mind to recognize this goodness so that you can see more positive options and opportunities in each day.
7. How Daily Affirmations Create a More Positive Mindset
It is hard to recognize the possibilities in life when you are constantly thinking about the obstacles. Use this blog post as a guide to unleashing your mind and recognizing all of the opportunities available for you. Explore how to stop being limited by fear, and instead focus on what is possible for you! Have you ever been in a conversation with someone when they say something like “I’m not sure if I can afford that.” You might have said it yourself. It’s an easy thing to do, but it also trains your mind to always see the world as a zero-sum game. Instead of seeing life as a zero-sum game, those with an abundance mindset see all of the opportunities that life has to offer. Instead of seeing the depletion of resources, they see how human ingenuity can create new, practical solutions and breakthroughs. They see endless opportunity.
So, the main differences between an abundance mindset and a scarcity mindset are simple. With a scarcity mindset, everything is getting smaller. But with an abundance mindset, everything is full with the promise of a better life.
One Step at a Time
As we discuss the many ways to incorporate abundance into your life, remember the journey through life is done one step at a time, and you are on the road to a more abundant, holistic road. Enjoy! Remember, rather than focusing on what we want and what we don’t have, focus on all the great things you already have (even if they seem small) and watch your luck change!
