Living a life out of abundance instead of scarcity is on my mind as Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Thankfulness and gratitude are two things I have been pondering.
When I was at a restaurant a couple of nights ago, there was a family with several children sitting next to our table. Instead of each of them ordering their own dessert, they ordered one dessert to share. The little kids were getting upset out of fear that when the dessert came to them there wouldn’t be enough.
That is how we are as adults. We can operate out of an abundance mindset or a scarcity. When the piece of cake goes around, are you fearful that there won’t be enough? When the cake comes to you, are you going to take more than your portion?
As business leaders, if we’re not careful and we operate out of a scarcity mindset, our office or our team will operate out of fear when it comes to opportunity, money or recognition. There will be paranoia, interoffice or inter-team drama or gossip. People will be afraid to make mistakes because you as a leader are operating from a scarcity mindset.
If you are an abundant leader, then you are going to run your team or office with high recognition. When trouble comes your way, when there are snags within your company or within the project, you’re going to brainstorm with your team. Abundance flows from our inner worth, our inner security and our inner confidence. Scarcity flows out of low-self worth, limiting beliefs and no confidence.
Stephen Covey says, “An abundance mentality springs from internal security, not from external rankings, comparisons, opinions, possessions or associations.”Click To Tweet
Here are some characteristics of someone who has an abundance mindset and a scarcity mindset. Spend some time reflecting on these traits and decide which person you are.
Abundance mentality
- They’re going to give it a shot. They have nothing to lose.
- They believe, “You only live once. Life is short.” “You can’t take it with you. You can’t take anything with you when you die.”
- The person is going to share their knowledge and connect people they know.
- The person is optimistic.
- “The sky is the limit.”
- The person is a risk-taker.
- They’re going to have the attitude, “You never know until you try.”
- They welcome competition.
- They promote others.
- A person of abundance trusts people and they step out of their comfort zone.
Scarcity mentality
- The person is pessimistic.
- The person is very suspicious.
- Scarcity says, “I’m going to go to solo. I know everything.”
- They hate competition and see it as a threat.
- A scarcity person thinks he/she has all the answers.
Remember scarcity flows from low self-confidence and low self-esteem. Abundance flows from confidence and inner security.
How you can have an abundance mindset
- Select the company who you’re hanging around with. If you are with people who are scarcity-minded, a Debbie Downer/David Downer, then you can try to spend more time with those who have an abundance mindset.
- You can acknowledge and appreciate all the blessings that you have in your life. You can focus on that, what you have instead of what you don’t have.
- You can also begin giving. You can be a river where things flow from you instead of a reservoir where you keep things close.
We are all leaders. Leadership only means that you have influence and everybody has the opportunity to influence people. As a mom or dad, you’re influencing your children. If you are a boss, you’re influencing your team or your office. If you are a friend, you can influence your friends. If you are a driver going down the highway, you are influencing the other drivers by waving or letting them cut in line. You are a leader when you’re standing in the checkout line. You’re influencing people by your smile.
Those with scarcity do not live fully. We need to keep this at the forefront: Life is short. We’re not guaranteed tomorrow, so live large and live out. Create memories that you will cherish forever. Choose abundance.
