Our attitudes toward scarcity and abundance in all aspects of our lives greatly influence our success. I read all the time and one book in particular comes to mind by Stephen Covey. He explains these concepts in easy to understand language in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. He writes about how people are scripted in Scarcity Mentality. They see life in terms of lack and competition and that there is only so much available to go around.
People with a Scarcity Mentality have a very difficult time sharing recognition and also have a hard time being genuinely happy for the success of other people.
The Abundance Mentality, on the other hand, flows out of a deep inner sense of personal worth or security. It is the paradigm that there is plenty out there and enough to spare for everybody. It results in the sharing of prestige, recognition, profits and decision-making. It opens possibilities which is why I try to view things with an abundant mindset.
Stephen Covey talks about scarcity exiting even where there is abundance, some feel that they are always in competition for available resources.
During my coaching calls, I often hear about the challenges people face in the workplace, sometimes the conversation focuses on a scarcity mindset.
Where this exists in corporate culture, teamwork and indivuality are at risk. Leadership is a title that must be earned everyday. How are you as a leader developing and modelling an abundance mindset?
You can positively influence your team and help them flourish authentically if you adopt an abundant mindset, offer praise and share gratitude on a regular basis for the creative, capable wise and good people around you.
Here’s how to spread this positive mentality through your team and community:
1) Show appreciation ~ Let people know how much you value their contributions, they matter and so does the work they are producing. Sharing a sincere moment of appreciation is a great way to demonstrate your abundant mindset.
2) See the opportunities. ~ Do you have a 90 second solution scorecard? When an issue arises, invite your team to think through the issue and move to solution quickly to help them see it as an opportunity. The next time your team is faced with an obstacle, flip it around and consider it an opportunity.
3) There is more than enough. ~ As Covey said, there is enough pie to go around, so break that nasty habit of comparing yourself to others. Repeat after me: “There is plenty for everyone.” Say the sentence often enough, and it will help shape your abundant mindset.
4) The company you keep matters. ~ Mindsets are contagious and you want to be around people who don’t worry about whether the glass is half full or not. You want to be around those who went ahead and drank it!
5) Reflection is key ~ Gratitude is a powerful aspect of an abundant mindset.
6) Give more. ~ One of the best ways to increase your abundance is to give. I know we are all busy. I invite you to think about it, when was the last time you gave of yourself to a worthy cause just because you have the ability to help someone in need? Prosocial spending is also a sure way to put you in a more abundant and appreciative frame of mind. Check out my post written in October 2014: Prosocial spending- A guaranteed way to brighten your day!
I invite you to foster an abundance-minded culture. Encourage people to see the abundant possibilities around them. Express gratitude on a daily basis and journal once a week about all that was amazing.
As your mindset shifts to abundance, you will find that your positive outlook can spill over and influence the people around you.
Need an abundance adjustment? Find out how to partner in possibility and leverage positive psychology practices.
Maintain momentum and make it a great day!
Image credit and artist: LA artist and old friend Jennifer Verge
Inspired by: My email sign off:)
