Choosing the Abundance Mindset
Will you choose the abundance mindset or the scarcity mindset?
By default, a lot of us choose the scarcity mindset. It’s not our fault; well-meaning others and the media have programmed us.
So what could you do now?
First, you could choose to identify when you are operating from the scarcity mindset. Next, you can choose to release those beliefs backing the scarcity mindset. This way, you can let your natural abundance mindset shine through you.
Catch and Release the Scarcity Mindset
Complaining
Do you find yourself complaining sometimes? You may rationalize that you are just “venting,” but if the recipient can’t help you, it is still just complaining.
One solution is to challenge yourself to stop complaining, at least for a while. Will Bowen’s fantastic book, “A Complaint-Free World,” offers a solution.
Another solution is to pivot to the practice of gratitude. By showing gratitude, you can instantly shift your mindset. You may ask yourself, “How can I express gratitude for a toxic work environment or an illness?” Sometimes, you have to search a bit. You could find a supportive co-worker or family member you can feel grateful for.
I have a gratitude practice with family members. It involves taking turns finding things in our lives that we are grateful for until we have each listed five things. It makes us feel better and raises our vibration.
Buying Into Scarcity
The news media tends to focus on all the trouble in the world. This is especially true about economics. If you buy into their message, you will believe that there is a growing scarcity of:
- Time
- Peace
- Food
- Money
- Integrity
- Safety
Blah blah blah…
The real problem is that the news media focuses on a very tiny representation of reality when they report. For instance, I remember a relatively minor earthquake that I experienced. Very few buildings in my area were damaged, but the news broadcasts zeroed in on the damage and repeatedly showed it. It looked like a major catastrophe.
Why do they do that?
They are in the business of selling to the public. The public, as a whole, is addicted to watching lousy news.
What to do about that?
You have two choices:
- Become aware of what you are being sold. This, however, makes the media less captivating and exciting.
- Could you tune it out and use your time on something else? You may do this more often after trying #1 above. If you get bored, do a gratitude exercise, meditation, or something other than tune in to the media.
Other people, primarily well-meaning, will try to convince you of scarcity because they firmly believe it. Arguing with them wastes time because they usually dig in their heels and try to provide “evidence” to support their conclusion.
Hoarding
No behavior is more characteristic of the scarcity mentality than hoarding. It is based on the belief that there is not enough to go around, so get all you can now. This becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy like the toilet paper shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hoarding, in its extreme, is a highly destructive behavior with far-reaching consequences. It transforms living spaces into hazardous, unlivable environments, strains relationships, and isolates individuals. The emotional toll is immense, with anxiety, depression, and shame taking hold. Financial burdens mount as well. Beyond personal impacts, hoarding can disrupt entire communities and lead to legal interventions in severe cases.
The antidote to hoarding and clutter is generosity and letting go. Have something you last used years ago? Donate it, sell it, or trash it.
Giving Up Too Easily
“Anyone can give up; it is the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone would expect you to fall apart, now that is true strength.”
― The Way of the Sword
Many people lose out on their desires because they give up too early.
I know it can get tough on your path to your dreams. Sometimes, it might feel like you’re trudging through mud, and the finish line is nowhere in sight. But here’s the thing: the magic often happens when you’re on the brink of giving up. That’s when you’re just a step away from a breakthrough. So, don’t let those doubts and challenges convince you to throw in the towel too soon. Keep pushing forward, keep learning, keep growing. Your dreams are worth every ounce of effort. It’s not about how fast you get there; it’s about the journey and the person you become along the way. Keep the faith, keep hustling, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. 🚀💪✨
Being a Naysayer
Don’t be your naysayer when it comes to your dreams. It’s easy to let doubt creep in, to tell yourself you can’t do it or it’s too big. But guess what? Those who dared to dream big once stood where you are now. They are now considered visionaries. They didn’t listen to the naysayers, even if one of them happened to be their inner voice. So, embrace your dreams, nurture them, and let them thrive. Surround yourself with positivity, believe in your abilities, and take one step at a time. Remember, the world is full of possibilities, and you’ve got what it takes to turn your dreams into reality. Don’t just be a dreamer; be a doer and a believer.
Hiding Your Wealth Away
Matthew 25:14-30
The Parable of the Talents
14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[1]each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ 21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ 22 “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ 24 “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ 26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. 28 ” ‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. 29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Whether or not you are religious, Jesus’s wisdom shows through in this Bible verse.
The parable of the talents, as told by Jesus, offers a timeless lesson on the importance of stewardship, diligence, and maximizing one’s potential. In this parable, a master entrusts different amounts of money to his servants before he departs. The servants who invest and multiply their talents are rewarded, while the one who buries his talent out of fear faces the consequences. This parable is often interpreted as an invitation to recognize and utilize the unique gifts and abilities each of us possesses, emphasizing that we are all responsible for cultivating and growing our potential. It encourages us not to fear taking risks but to have faith in our capabilities and use them to impact the world positively. Ultimately, the parable reminds us that we should strive to be good stewards of the gifts we’ve been given, whether material or spiritual and live our lives with purpose and initiative.
Forcing Things When They Aren’t Ready or Not Meant to Be
“Power versus force” is a concept that distinguishes between two ways of influencing or achieving things. Power represents authentic strength and influence from a place of authenticity, truth, and inner harmony. It is associated with qualities like love, integrity, and wisdom, inspiring and uplifting others. Conversely, force relies on coercion, manipulation, or external pressure to make things happen. It often stems from fear, control, or deceit, leading to resistance or negative consequences. Understanding the difference between power and force reminds us that actual influence and impact come from a place of authenticity and alignment with our values. In contrast, force may bring short-term results but can have detrimental long-term effects.
How do you know if the power is with you or if you are forcing something? Could you take some time to quiet down? Let go of any fear or doubt that may be clouding your emotions. See if you can come to a warm, cheerful place about what you are about to undertake.
Holding a Grudge
“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.”
– Buddha
Letting go of grudges is like releasing a heavy burden from your shoulders. When we hold onto grudges, we essentially allow past hurts and negativity to weigh us down, affecting our mental and emotional well-being. Forgiveness and letting go don’t mean condoning or forgetting what happened; instead, they are acts of self-compassion and emotional freedom. By forgiving, we grant ourselves the gift of healing, peace, and the ability to move forward without carrying the weight of resentment. It’s a powerful step towards personal growth and building healthier relationships, as it opens the door to empathy, understanding, and a brighter, more peaceful future.
Being Rigid and Inflexible
Being flexible in your approach to life is like being a reed that bends with the wind rather than a rigid tree that breaks in the storm. It’s about embracing change, adapting to new circumstances, and being open to different perspectives. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and those who can adjust their sails and go with the flow often find greater resilience and happiness. Flexibility allows you to navigate challenges gracefully, learn from experiences, and find creative solutions to problems. So, rather than clinging to rigid plans or expectations, try to be like that supple reed, bending and flexing as needed, and you’ll discover that life becomes more exciting and enriching.
Assuming the Worst
Optimism, the bright outlook on life and its possibilities, profoundly impacts creating a better life. It is a powerful catalyst for positive change, fostering resilience in the face of adversity. Optimistic individuals approach challenges as opportunities for growth, finding solutions even in difficult circumstances. Their positive mindset strengthens relationships as they radiate hope and support to others. Also, optimism has been linked to improved physical and mental health, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being. With optimism, individuals can unlock their potential and actively shape a life built on hope, positivity, and a belief in the possibility of a better tomorrow.
Conclusion
I hope that you will join me in choosing the abundance mindset. Be the change that you want to see in the world. Happy Journeying!
