“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” — Vince Lombardi
Understanding Scarcity
When you think of scarcity, what comes to mind? For me, words like fear, limitation, disempowerment, insecurity, and jealousy resonate strongly. On the flip side, an abundance mindset evokes feelings of empowerment, prosperity, happiness, and inner peace.
Now, take a moment to reflect on your own mental framework. Are you operating from a scarcity mindset or an abundance mindset?
What is a Mental Paradigm?
A mental paradigm encompasses the habits and beliefs ingrained in your subconscious. It comprises limiting beliefs shaped by your experiences and influences. These beliefs often feel like truths, but they can hold you back from reaching your full potential.
Consider this: Were you raised with the idea that success follows a specific path—get a degree, find a stable job, settle down? Who defined this “right” way? Often, these beliefs are inherited from those around us, and while they may be well-intentioned, they can stifle our growth.
Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset
In his book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey introduced the concepts of “scarcity mentality” and “abundance mentality.” An abundance mindset believes there are enough resources and opportunities for everyone, while a scarcity mindset is rooted in fear and jealousy, often leading to unhappiness in others’ successes.
Living with a scarcity mindset can feel like living in a constant state of lack. It can make you feel that you need someone else to complete you, preventing you from fully appreciating your life as it is.
Conversely, an abundance mindset nurtures growth, openness, and self-empowerment. It allows you to take control of your life rather than letting circumstances dictate your happiness.
My Journey
I didn’t always have the awareness I possess now. Growing up in a middle-class family in Singapore, I internalized many limiting beliefs. A notable childhood memory is my father saying, “Don’t compare yourself to others.” While he meant well, I often found myself grappling with comparison, especially when he shared stories of others’ achievements.
In 2015, I took a leap of faith and became a scuba diving instructor, defying societal expectations. For years, I felt torn between a fulfilling but financially limited career and a stable corporate job. By 2019, I realized I needed to shift my narrative to embrace an abundance mindset. I started to believe I could enjoy life fully and financially without compromise.
Questions to Reflect On
To help identify if you’re operating from a scarcity mindset, consider these questions:
- Do I feel guilty for wanting more in life (career, relationships, finances)?
- Am I often dissatisfied with my current circumstances?
- Do I feel anxious or insecure when comparing myself to others on social media?
- Do I frequently complain about my situation?
- What topics do I complain about the most?
- Do I use absolutes like “never” or “always” in my self-talk?
- Am I overindulging in areas of my life that provide only short-term gratification?
The Nature of Energy
It’s essential to understand that everything around us is energy, and the universe is inclined to grant us our deepest desires. This means we have the power to shift our energy to align with abundance.
As Steve Angello beautifully puts it in his song Rejoice, “You have to fix the mind before you can bestow the blessing.” This speaks volumes about the necessity of a mental shift to manifest your dreams.
8 Exercises to Shift from Scarcity to Abundance Mindset
1. Cultivate Awareness of Limiting Beliefs
Begin by identifying an area in your life where you feel scarcity. This could relate to finances, love, or career. Reflect on your past experiences and write down the beliefs you hold about this area. Are they rooted in reality, or are they misconceptions passed down to you? Understanding these limiting beliefs is the first step toward shifting your mindset.
2. Rephrase Your Narrative
Transform your limiting beliefs into positive affirmations. Our thoughts have the power to shape our reality. Once you’ve identified your limiting beliefs, consciously replace them with affirmations that reflect abundance. For example:
- “My income is the same every month.” → “I take bold actions to increase my income.”
- “I avoid checking my bank account.” → “I am a money magnet; abundance surrounds me.”
- “Earning money is difficult for me.” → “Money flows easily into my life.”
Write these affirmations down and repeat them daily.
3. Practice Gratitude Journaling
Gratitude helps shift focus from what you lack to what you have. Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for, regardless of how big or small. This simple practice cultivates an abundance mentality by highlighting the positives in your life.
4. Pursue Your Passions
Identify activities that excite you but that you’ve neglected. Whether it’s painting, learning a new language, or diving, engaging in your passions raises your vibrational energy and aligns you with abundance.
5. Visualize Your Success
Visualization is a powerful tool. Picture your goals as if they’ve already been achieved. Use all your senses to make the experience vivid. Imagine the feelings, sounds, and sights associated with your success. This practice helps prepare your mind for the reality you want to create.
6. Set Healthy Boundaries
Surround yourself with individuals who embody an abundance mindset. This may mean distancing yourself from those who perpetuate scarcity thinking. Healthy boundaries protect your energy and support your growth.
7. Prioritize Your Health
Taking care of your physical health boosts your self-worth. Nourishing your body leads to a clearer mind and a more positive outlook. Make conscious choices about what you eat, how you move, and how you rest.
8. Use Bhava: Your Journey Inwards Toolkit
Consider using a structured approach like Bhava, a toolkit designed for inner reflection. This resource covers limiting beliefs, boundaries, and self-worth, helping you prioritize what truly matters in your journey toward an abundance mindset.
Conclusion
Shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset is a journey that requires commitment and self-awareness. It’s okay to acknowledge where you currently stand, but what sets you apart is the will to change. As co-creators of our reality, embracing an abundance mindset opens doors to limitless opportunities.
Remember, the mind can be both a tool for limitation and a source of inner peace and abundance. Choose to nourish the latter, and you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling life.
And don’t forget to check out Steve Angello’s Rejoice for a motivational boost—it’s the perfect anthem for this journey.
Sending you a huge hug as you embark on this transformative path!
