You may instinctively see the world as a place of abundance or a place of scarcity. Or, you could deliberately choose how to view it.
The difference between abundance and scarcity
How you view the world will no doubt affect the opportunities you see, the expectations you have, and ultimately the results you get from anything you do. So, it’s important to learn to distinguish the two opposite mindsets you may have.
💡 Here are their 5 key differences:
1> An abundance mindset believes that there is plenty to go around. You believe there is plenty of money, plenty of potential partners, and plenty of opportunities in general.
- A scarcity mindset believes there is a limited supply of everything, and that someone else must lose in order for you to win.
2> An abundance mindset believes that anything is possible. With that attitude, you’re willing to try new things and you expect that things will eventually go your way. Life becomes much easier!
- If you have a scarcity mindset, you believe that life is difficult. You see success as being harder than it really is. You expect the worst and might convince yourself that it’s pointless to even try.
3> An abundance mindset makes opportunities more visible. Opportunities are easier to see when you expect to find them. Seek and you shall find: your expectations will be met at some point in your life.
- If you believe opportunities are scarce, you’ll struggle to find them. This will be true even if they’re right in front of your face.
4> You take more risks with an abundance mindset. You believe the more you risk, the more you stand to gain. You also potentially have more to lose, but that’s part of the game. The bold ones will outperform those that are fearful.
- You’re more likely to play it safe if you view the world from a position of scarcity. You’re more afraid of losing what you have since you believe it will be difficult to get it back.
5> You are more relaxed if you have an abundance mindset. When you believe the world has everything you need, you view the possibilities as endless. Your overall viewpoint of life is more positive.
- A scarcity mindset results in anxiety and pessimism. You believe you have to fight the world to get what you want and retain what you already have.
Your mindset can be changed
The truth is most people live with a scarcity mindset without even realizing it.
In certain parts of the world, the population has factual reasons to feel that way. For example, there may be a shortage of food, clean water, housing or employment.
Scarcity thinking is also partly driven by advertisers and the media in general. We are always encouraged to consume and have more. Even when we have enough, we’re told that we need a better car, better clothes, or a higher income to be successful.
Yet, as empowered thinkers, we should independently decide how to live our life “successfully”.
The good news is that you have a choice!
Mindsets are just beliefs that you acquired early in life through the way you were raised or your experiences in school. They’re powerful beliefs that have shaped your habits but they’re just something in your mind, and you can change your mind.
Ask yourself this powerful question now:
💡 > Knowing what you know now, which mindset do you want to embrace?
If you choose abundance, trust this: abundance will flow into your life if you allow it.
You do need to “wear” this mindset and actively practice it for a period of time though.
In her research from 2009, health psychology researcher Philippa Lally proved that it takes anywhere from 18 to 254 days for people to form a new habit.
So, if you set this as your next goal, in less than a year your life may look a lot different. 🎯
8 strategies to move from scarcity to abundance
So how can you switch from scarcity to abundance?
💡 Here are 8 pragmatic actions you can start to take from today!
1> Move away from a short-term perspective.
If you’re constantly seeking immediate rewards, you might have a scarcity mindset. The utilization of resources right now prevents them from being taken away later.
Overeating and overspending can be symptoms of a scarcity mindset for example. “Better eat it or spend it now before it’s gone” is a poor way to view the world.
2> Focus on what you can have in the future.
Instead of worrying about what you might lose, spend some time thinking about what you can gain in the future.
Look forward to the future rather than fear it. Visualize an exciting future. Develop positive feelings about the future.
3> Focus on what you already have.
You might already have enough to have a grateful and positive mindset.
When you appreciate that you have enough, you won’t be worried about losing it. You have plenty.
4> Avoid people that complain a lot.
You’re more susceptible to the mindset of others than you think.
Find positive people to include in your social circle. There are so many people out there, why spend time with those that make your life harder?
5> Avoid wasting time.
By taking part in frivolous and unproductive activities, you waste your most valuable resource: your time.
Value your time and you’ll have more of it.
6> Keep a journal.
Keep it positive: list all the things in your life that make you feel grateful. Be sure to mention all the people too.
You probably have a home, a job, a car, a family, 10 good friends, and so on. That’s a good start!
7> Get organized.
Organize your home and office space and your personal agenda. You’ll be surprised by how many things you own. Plus, getting organized will free up more time.
When you realize that you have more things and time than you thought, you’ll think more abundantly.
8> Be generous.
Convince yourself that there is enough for everyone by sharing what you have. The more you give, the more others will be willing to share with you.
Giving will enforce the idea that there is always enough to go around.
💡 Key takeaway: an abundance mindset generates an abundant life.
An abundance mindset won’t magically place a Ferrari in your garage or add few zeros to your bank account.
However, it will allow you to achieve the long-term goals you set in your life. 🎯
Chat To Me.
If you are ready to see some changes in your career or business, let’s chat!
6 replies on “Do You Want To Have An Abundance Or Scarcity Mindset?”
Very informative and helpful!!
Happy to help, Karolin!
This is really cool! the 8 tricks to move from scarcity to abundance are simple and applicable!
I have to try to be more organized… 🙂
That’s the spirit! 🙂
A very well-thought-out article, Gisella! Can I use this as a source for my next ChooseFI group meeting? I will, of course, reference your blog. We had already planned to discuss this topic!
Thanks! Yes, go ahead, happy to help. 🙂