The Power of Plenty: Overcoming Scarcity Mindset
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Hey there, fabulous ladies!
Have you ever felt like there’s just never enough? Not enough time, not enough opportunities, not enough... anything? If nodding your head vigorously could create a breeze, then you might be experiencing a scarcity mindset.
I often hear women saying things like:
“I wish I had more time to myself”
“I never have enough money for the things I want”,
“I’m not talented/smart/pretty enough”.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we are lacking in some way, and that there will never be enough to go around.
What if I told you that you hold the power to break free from this mentality and create an abundance of whatever it is that you desire?
Yes, my friend, it’s time to tap into the power of plenty.
Let's unpack this, shall we?
What is a scarcity mindset?
When you hear women talk about each other in terms of being "too much" or "not enough," what do you think that says about our society? It's almost like we're programmed to believe that there is a limited amount of success, beauty, intelligence, and everything else. And the truth is, there's plenty to go around!
A scarcity mindset is the belief that resources are limited and if one person gets more, there will be less for others. And in a patriarchal society, where women are often pitted against each other for scraps, it's no wonder we fall into this trap.
In a 2017 experiment (you can check it out here), researchers discovered that the stress of not having enough money or resources can really mess with your mental state. Many folks seek out therapy to sort out why they believe themselves empty and lacking.
Why does this happen? Well, they suggested that constantly worrying about what you don't have can lead to poor decisions and kick up your stress levels.
My anxious girlies, you know this cycle well. Hyper fixation paired with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings can lead to panic, chronic stress and more.
It's like trying to juggle while riding a unicycle – utterly ridiculous. Who owns a unicycle?!
This mindset can manifest in various aspects of our lives - from finances and career opportunities to relationships and even self-worth. It can be a vicious cycle, where the more we focus on what we lack, the more it seems to evade us.
What causes a scarcity mindset?
There are many factors that can contribute to a scarcity mindset, including societal conditioning, past experiences, and even our own thoughts and beliefs.
Growing up in a world where women are constantly told they are not enough, it's no surprise that we internalize this message and start to believe it. This happens too at such a young age that the conditioning is strong.
The comparison trap
One major culprit behind the scarcity mindset is the constant comparison game. We scroll through endless social media feeds, seeing everyone else’s highlight reel while we’re struggling to make ends meet or figure out our own paths.
It’s like walking into a party and feeling like you’re the only one without a designer outfit on (spoiler alert: you’re not).
Instead of focusing on what we have, we get caught up in what others seem to have more of. Much of this is perception and filling in the blanks. We don’t actually know what others have or don’t.
The fear of missing out
Another contributing factor is the fear of missing out - the anxiety that if we don’t act now or take advantage of every opportunity presented to us, we’ll fall behind and miss out on something important.
FOMO is real trendy and talked about freely. This concept is widely understood and pretty socially acceptable.
This can lead to saying "yes" to everything and spreading ourselves too thin, resulting in burnout and further reinforcing the scarcity mindset. FOMO may be the cool thing to experience while also causing some damage long term.
Read more: The Art of Saying No: Embrace Your Power and Set Boundaries
The impact of a scarcity mindset
Ladies, I see you. We're often juggling careers, personal lives, social obligations, and maybe even a side hustle or two. This mindset can hit us hard, making us feel less than, even when we’re doing more than enough.
It can put a cap on our dreams and hold us back from achieving our true potential. And let’s not forget the pressure to “do it all” and “have it all” that society places on us - adding even more fuel to the scarcity fire.
Michelle Obama spoke about this years ago and says it with grace and sass! Can ANYONE have it ALL?
How scarcity mindset affects your growth
As mentioned earlier, a scarcity mindset can lead to poor decision-making and increased stress levels. When we are constantly worried about what we lack, we may miss out on opportunities or make decisions based on fear rather than abundance.
This can hinder our personal growth and hold us back from taking risks that could lead to success. Looking at the absence of things genuinely keeps you from looking at abundance.
Furthermore, a scarcity mindset can also limit our ability to see the potential in ourselves and others. We may dismiss opportunities or ideas because we believe there is not enough room for everyone to thrive, instead of recognizing that there is more than enough abundance for all of us.
This behavior reinforces low self esteem and worthlessness, the genuine belief and movement in life that you are not worthy or deserving.
You might settle for a job you don’t love or stay in a situation that doesn’t make you happy simply because you believe there are no better options. Spoiler alert—there are always better options!
The toll on mental health
Constantly worrying about "not enough" can drain you emotionally and mentally. It breeds anxiety, stress, and even depression. It's like carrying an invisible weight that gets heavier with each passing day. And the worst part? It keeps you from enjoying the here and now. The focus is so great that you lose the ability to be right here right now.
The power of abundance mindset
When we shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset, the possibilities are endless. We become open to new opportunities, confident in our abilities, and grateful for what we have.
We start seeing the potential in ourselves and others, leading to stronger relationships and personal growth. And most importantly, we learn to appreciate and enjoy the present moment instead of constantly worrying about the future.
5 Strategies to overcome a scarcity mindset
Good news—overcoming a scarcity mindset is entirely possible! Of course it's not a one-and-done deal, and with conscious effort and mindfulness, you can shift your thinking towards abundance. This requires a continuous decision and commitment to the bigger goal: abundance.
Here are some strategies to shift toward abundance:
1. Practice gratitude
One way to combat the scarcity mindset is by practicing gratitude. When we focus on what we do have instead of what we lack, our perspective shifts to abundance.
Gratitude is like a breath of fresh air for your mind. Keep a gratitude journal and jot down three things you're thankful for every day. It’s a game-changer with consistency.
2. Reframe your thoughts
Notice when those scarcity thoughts start creeping in and consciously reframe them.
Instead of thinking "I'll never be successful," try "I am capable and deserving of success." Positive affirmations can help reinforce this mindset shift. More abundance affirmations below.
Work with your therapist to create a list of these powerful affirmations and review the list constantly!
3. Set realistic goals
Sometimes, a scarcity mindset comes from setting unrealistic goals or comparing ourselves to others who have already achieved their goals. Make sure your goals are aligned with what truly matters to YOU and not just societal expectations.
Some folks struggle with scarcity because they are operating in life based on others’ rules and beliefs. When setting goals, get real honest about what YOU want and need so the work you do to navigate a scarcity mindset will genuinely give you what you want, not what someone else wants for you.
Break your big dreams into smaller, achievable steps. Celebrate each milestone—no matter how small– whether with a sweet treat from Dunkin or 60 seconds of intense smiling and WOO HOOs. Make time and energy to celebrate!
4. Surround yourself with positivity
Choose to spend time with people who uplift and support you. Hang out with people who uplift and inspire you. Ditch the naysayers and energy vampires.
Surround yourself with positive affirmations, whether it's through décor in your home or daily mantras on your phone. The more positivity you surround yourself with, the easier it will be to shift towards abundance thinking.
Positivity can mean a few things, one of which is the presence rather than the absence of something. Consider that for a moment– surround yourself with SOMETHING and you’ll experience the force from that. Now, decide to surround yourself with things you love, people that feel safe and loving, places that are sentimental and special. Notice how this intentionality affects you.
5. Seek professional help
Sometimes, you need a little extra support. And there is ZERO shame in that. In fact, it’s quite powerful to recognize the need for and to recruit a little help.
If you feel like your scarcity mindset is deeply ingrained and affecting your mental health, seeking professional help can be beneficial. A therapist or coach can provide personalized techniques to help you overcome this mindset and reach your full potential.
That’s where I come in! Book a free consultation with me and let's work together to shatter that scarcity mindset. Let’s build your self esteem and confidence to a level that NEEDS abundance, that fosters it, that knows no life without it.
Abundance affirmations to help you shift your mindset
As promised, here are some positive affirmations to help you cultivate an abundance mindset:
"I am worthy of abundance in all areas of my life."
"There is more than enough success and happiness for everyone."
"My value is not based on what I have but who I am."
"Every day, I attract opportunities for growth and abundance."
"I choose to focus on gratitude and appreciate the present moment."
"My success does not mean someone else's failure."
"Comparison is a thief of joy, I choose to focus on my own journey."
"The universe is abundant and I am open to receiving its blessings."
"My potential is limitless and I trust in my abilities."
"I release all scarcity thoughts and embrace abundance in my life."
Now, practice these DAILY, at least for 3 minutes, either in the car driving to work or in the mirror when brushing teeth. Don’t overthink it, Sassy gal. JUST DO IT, like Nike 😏
Let's break free from scarcity thinking!
Ladies, we deserve so much more than a limited way of thinking. It’s time to let go of that scarcity mindset and embrace abundance. Whoever or whatever told you early on in life that you were not deserving of everything you want was WRONG.
Remember, there is more than enough for all of us to thrive and succeed. So let’s ditch the “not enough” mentality and start living in abundance! Keep shining, you badass boss babes!
“Powerful women don’t hold back out of fear of scarcity - they create their own abundance! ⚡️ ✨ 🌟”
So go out there and chase your dreams with an open mind and a full heart, knowing that success is within reach if you believe in yourself and the power of abundance. We got this!
Ready to take the first step toward an abundant life? Confidence coaching can help you gain clarity, confidence, and courage to achieve your goals. Book a free consultation with me today and let's make abundance our reality! 🎉
And don't forget - the only thing truly scarce in this world is your fabulousness. So embrace it, own it, and let that abundance mindset shine through.
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