Shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset
Scarcity Mindset
Having a scarcity mentality means to focus on the lack and limitations of something in any aspect of our lives. For example, the lack of resources, opportunities, time, relationships etc.
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It’s also believing that there isn’t enough for everyone so if someone gets/achieves something that you want then you can’t have it anymore or will get less than them.
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This can generate feelings of envy, resentment and lead to competing with those around you. Some may even start wishing for others’ downfall.
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The corporate world and society have conditioned most of us to have a scarcity mindset.
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There is competition to attain jobs and then promotion. Most women particularly have been conditioned to compete with one another for the attention of men.
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In terms of finances, you may save money a lot because you think you will not get more, or you may spend all of your money at once because you think someone else will take it away.
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Both are poor money management methods.
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Some level of competition is healthy as it means there is room to grow but those with a scarcity mindset would perceive competition as only a threat.
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Abundance Mindset
An abundance mindset is the opposite of having a scarcity mindset. It’s about seeing opportunities even in failure and having the belief that there is more than enough for everyone!
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Having an abundance mindset is to have a positive, grateful, and optimistic attitude.
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Those with an abundance mindset focus on what they do have and what is going well for them whereas, someone with a scarcity mindset focuses on what is not working and dwell on negative emotions.
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The good news is that even if you have a scarcity mindset you can choose to change it, and this will inevitably shift the trajectory of your life.
5 Methods To Shift From A Scarcity To Abundance Mindset
Be Grateful
The most proficient method to expand your awareness and divert your attention from what you don’t have is by counting your blessings.
You can keep track of what is going well in your life and what you have by tracking it in a notebook or phone.
It can be the smallest things that we usually take for granted such as being able to blink.
If you are able to read this blog, recognise that you are privileged because you have internet access and an electronic device!
Incorporating gratitude in your daily life will help you recognise that you have so much, and this will create happiness and a positive attitude.
With a positive attitude you will be able to have more appreciative conversations with people you surround yourself with.
Talking about your goals, achievements, hopes and dreams will enable you to perceive the world with millions of opportunities for you.
Start with noting down 5 different things every day that you are grateful for.
There Is Nothing That You Can’t Have
Most people with a scarcity mindset go through their day thinking about things they can’t do or can’t have.
“I am not smart enough for this”, “I can’t afford this”, “My friend just bought this for herself so I can’t have it.”
This self-talk is detrimental to self-esteem and worth. Change these narratives to the language of prosperity.
From “I can’t afford this” to “I am saving up for something else currently and I will buy this after”.
From “I am not smart enough for this” to “I can seek more information regarding this topic and then pursue it when I feel ready”.
From “My friend just bought this for herself so I can’t have it” to “There is enough for everyone!”
Sometimes those with a scarcity mindset have deeply rooted insecurities and self-doubt that make them believe that they are not deserving or enough for what they truly want in life.
You are born so you are chosen. There is no luck. There is no one better or less. We are all capable and deserving of our desires.
Share your time, knowledge, or resources with others. This will give you a sense of value and elevate thoughts of abundance as there is plenty for everyone.
I would also recommend reading personal development content or watching motivational videos to help boost self-esteem.
Failure Is Not A Loss
In every failure there are new possibilities. You can choose to try again or follow another direction.
One of my favourite quotes says, “Don’t be afraid to start over. This time you’re not starting from scratch, you are starting from experience”.
Training your mind to recognise possibilities will stop you from dwelling on what you have lost, and it will shift your focus on moving forward.
Every rejection or failure teaches you something. Maybe your relationship didn’t end well because you were with someone that wasn’t ready to commit, or you didn’t meet their needs.
Either way, this gives you an opportunity to find someone that suits you better. Maybe you didn’t get the job you wanted.
That could be a redirection to finally acknowledging what your purpose is and what you really want to do!
The moral here is to understand that there are endless possibilities and limitless opportunities. You can choose to sulk, or to move forward.
Let Go Of Hoarding & Get Reorganised
Cleaning your space and getting reorganised can be quite therapeutic and an eye opening experience especially if you have a scarcity mindset.
Sometimes we tend to hold on to things because we think we can’t go without it or that it will be useful one day even if we haven’t used it in the last 10 years!
Deciding to let go and get organised will help you acknowledge everything you have.
You will come to recognise that you have more than enough and that you can give it away to those who will definitely find it useful.
This will make you feel abundant!
Make The Most Of Your Own Life
With the rise of social media, comparing ourselves with others has become the norm for most of us.
“They look so much happier than I am”, “He has more friends than me”, “I wish I was that wealthy!”
People only post highlights of their life which can not be compared. Someone may look really happy in a picture or as if they’re having a great time in a video that they posted but that doesn’t mean that they are.
You are on your own journey and as humans we all know the ups and downs, stresses and heartache that come along the way.
We must carry this thought and with compassion be able to celebrate others’ success and joy. We never really know what someone is going through or has been through in the past.
Success and achievement come with sacrifice and a lot of hard work.
Besides, why envy someone that has what you want? That’s just proof that it’s achievable and you can have it too!
Well, I know you sometimes can’t have exactly what they have e.g., their partner or their house. But you can get your own that will give you the same experience or emotion.
Whether its wealth, good health or relationships that you desire, you can have it all.
Being keen to learn is the first step to living a life full of abundance. Make small steps and you will be able to shift your mindset.
Read, share, comment and let me know what you think!
