Mindset Moment: Scarcity vs. Abundance

Wow!  This is truly a challenge for me.  I have been learning about this lately and grateful that my mentor michelle shared this with my business team recently. It hit me square between the eyes!

As i reflected on my roles as a business entrepreneur, leader etc. i can say living with a scarcity mindset has been a struggle. 

What does that look like really?

With a scarcity mindset, we can look at what we are lacking, what we don’t have. That can be resources, money, opportunities, rewards, and we see only what we are missing. Our outlook is bleak and grim.

We tend to focus on what we are not good at, and then see those around us that have more; more talent, more sales, more money, more things and so we play the comparison game and indulge ourselves in a pity party.

We can go as far as to think what we have is never going to be enough, or we just don’t have what it takes. The odds are ever in our favor. 

In regards to a paycheck we can say, “I only got this much?” “My money didn’t go very far” “I only grew this much in sales” or “it wasn’t as much as i had hoped"

Do you relate?

Does this sound like something you have said out-loud or to yourself?  Maybe we have a friend we can confide in and they know this struggle of our mindset and hear our pity parties. I know that my husband will listen, but will also be quick to help me see the positive. 

Let’s look at the positive, shall we! The abundant mindset focuses on what we DO have, what is working in our lives and business and the reaction is full of gratitude and thanksgiving. This person focuses on what they are able to accomplish and they see the big picture and don’t get stuck on what is not working. 

In regards to a paycheck this person will say: “Look at what i got!” “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to work towards my dreams” “I’m so thankful that I can double my paycheck if i choose”

Are You Glass Half Empty… Half Full?

These mindsets are true of every category of wealth and status. It doesn’t matter if you make $40 a month or $40k a month. You can have a scarcity or abundant mindset in any financial category. It is all about the mindset! What you see! Now you may say, it’s EASY to have an abundant mindset if you are wealthy! But i tell you, there are wealthy people that live with a scarcity mindset and it’s never enough. They are not any happier nor fulfilled.

SO…how can i have this abundant mindset!

James 1:2 says, “ Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

“Consider”, that takes discipline.  It’s a flat out choice to make. You are considering your options. You can choose to see the bad or the good. You can wallow in self pity and throw those pity parties, or you can choose to persevere and grow in maturity. 

This is such a humbling and vulnerable position to be in and it reflects what i believe about myself. Who am I? Am I enough? Do i believe that i have what it takes?

May I encourage you to dig deep and discipline yourself to look for the positive. Take tiny steps but move in that direction. You will find it. You will find joy and at the abundant mindset.  It will shape your future in a beautiful way!

xoxo christine