Scarcity vs Abundance
In the simplest terms, a scarcity mindset is the belief that there will never be enough — whether it’s money, food, emotions or something else entirely — and as a result, your actions and thoughts stem from a place of lack. Instead of believing that you have enough, are enough, and there is plenty to go around, you cling to everything you have out of fear of coming up short.
Scarcity can manifest itself as something as small as tipping a server less than what they deserve just to keep your bill cheaper, to more substantial decisions, such as not investing in the market because you’re afraid to lose money. For us as an example, we exhibit our scarcity beliefs every time we buy less expensive, unhealthy foods instead of paying more for healthier options, because it seems to come with a more premium price. (And so does doctor visits, and medical bills - but I digress!) Regardless of how it shows up from one person to the next, when you have a scarcity mindset, all decision-making is based on the false notion that there isn’t anything else coming, or that you can’t make more money.
Up until about a year ago, we completely operated from a lacking mentality, or scarcity mindset. Even now, if we're not embodying our highest selves, it's easy to fall back into old limiting beliefs that we were conditioned to hold from a very early age. While it takes conscious effort - especially in the beginning - to transmit the frequency of abundance, it is completely possible for anyone to do, no matter your external circumstances. And no - that's not just some gimmick-y thing to say in order to create some fluff content. We've lived it, and implemented that mindset even when we were barely living paycheck to paycheck. And even though we aren't where we envision ourselves being eventually - we are climbing our way to the top, because an abundance mindset is where we've literally found miracles possible.
So how do you overcome the scarcity mentality, especially when it’s been your predominate way of thinking for most of your life? Here's some tips to get you on your way to shedding things holding you back:
1. Use the language of prosperity. Shift your thinking, and focus on the abundance that you do have, while also acknowledging that more is on its way. When you spend money, tell yourself "There's always more where that came from", because there is.
2. Let go of “stuff.” The scarcity mindset can often manifest as hoarding, as people often hold on to things long past their usefulness for fear they will have to go without. Donate unused or unwanted items to a worthy cause, and you’ll instantly feel lighter, and wealthier because you were able to give without expecting anything in return.
3. Avoid comparisons. Scarcity thinking often causes overspending, usually because you want to "Keep up with the Jones-es". Don’t compare yourself to others; they may be overspending as well.
4. Acknowledge others’ success. The scarcity mindset leads to jealousy not only in the material sense, but also in feelings of inadequacy or competition when others seem to be crushing the pie that you want a piece of. There's more than enough room for everyone at the table, and an endless amount of pie to go around.
5. Make small steps toward growing your wealth. Open a savings account. Invest a small amount of money in the stock market. Increase your 401(k) contributions. Spend and invest wisely, but without fear. Build your financial investments, realizing that you won’t miss that money in the overall big picture.
6. Say, or write daily affirmations that help to bring your thoughts back to abundance. God, the Universe, Source is listening - and whatever you call in will come, whether it's positive or negative. So, speak life into your situation. No need to worry about the how - that's where miracles can come in!
When you change your mindset from scarcity to abundance, you become more tolerant of risk, and understand that the energetic flow of money never stops. Every time you circulate money by spending it without an attachment of fear, you contribute to others' abundance, before it makes it's way back to you, and then some. Money is nothing more than a physical "body" for the energy of abundance, and it is limitless despite the cash in your wallet, or numbers posted in your bank account. You only need to not get in your own way of calling it into your life.
