Do You Have an Abundance or Scarcity Mindset?

Abundance or Scarcity?

How you view the world can affect the opportunities you see, your expectations, and ultimately your results. You can choose to see the world as a place of abundance or a place of scarcity. One is certainly more optimistic than the other! Your view of the world is very different if you choose one over the other.

An abundance mindset is hopeful, positive, and expects the best. It is also more altruistic since you believe that you’ll receive what you need. It frees you up to do more for others. Regardless of the challenges it faces, an abundance mindset sees possibilities and takes a proactive approach to life.

A scarcity mindset, on the other hand, leads to negativity and selfishness. You feel the need to look out for yourself, even at the expense of others.

“People with a scarcity mentality tend to see everything in terms of win-lose. There is only so much; and if someone else has it, that means there will be less for me. The more principle-centered we become, the more we develop an abundance mentality, the more we are genuinely happy for the successes, well-being, achievements, recognition, and good fortune of other people. We believe their success adds to…rather than detracts from…our lives.”

– Stephen R. Covey

Viewing the world from a position of abundance has positive effects on your life.

An Abundance Mindset Makes Life Easier

1. An abundance mindset believes that there is plenty to go around. You believe there is plenty of money in the world, 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 for you to win.

2. Life is easier with an abundance mindset. You believe that anything is possible. With that attitude, you’re willing to try and you expect things will eventually go your way.

• 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. It’s much more challenging to be successful with a scarcity mindset.

3. Those with an abundance mindset are more relaxed. When you believe the world has everything you need, you can relax and enjoy life. You view the possibilities as endless. The overall viewpoint of your life is more positive.

• A scarcity mindset results in fear and pessimism. You believe you must fight the world to get what you want and need. You must protect what you have from loss. Your life is viewed negatively.

An Abundance Mindset Expands the Possibilities

4. Opportunities are easier to see when you expect to find them. An abundance mindset makes opportunities more visible. Seek and ye shall find. Your expectations are often met in life.

• If you believe opportunities are scarce, you’ll struggle to find them. This is true even if they’re right in front of your face.

5. You take more risks with an abundance mindset. You believe the likelihood of success is greater, so you take more risks. The more you risk, the more you stand to gain. You also potentially have more to lose, but that’s part of the game. Those that are bold tend to outperform those that are timid.

• 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.

Is your view of the world one of abundance or scarcity? 

If you hold a scarcity mindset, it’s worth trying another viewpoint on for size. One of the best ways to start viewing the world with abundance is to give more. You can give money, your time, or give away a few of your possessions. Giving will enforce the idea that there is always enough to go around.

“Giving is the secret of abundance.” – Sivananda

Abundance will flow into your life if you allow it. After holding an abundance mindset for a few months, contrast that with your previous experience with scarcity. Choose the one that works for you.

Let’s talk about your mindset if you want more abundance in your life. And be sure to read next week’s post to learn how to move from scarcity to abundance.