Imagine that you and I are walking down the street.
You breathe in and out, I breathe in and out. We both need oxygen to survive. Would you worry that there would not be enough oxygen for both of us? Of course not, air is abundant.
Now imagine suddenly that air becomes a precious commodity. It is scarcity that makes us worry. What if there is not enough for both of us?
Our attitude towards scarcity and abundance in other aspects of our lives greatly influence our success.
Most people see life as having only so much, as though there were only one pie out there. And if someone were to get a big piece of the pie, it would mean less for everybody else.
The Scarcity Mentality is the zero sum paradigm of life. People with a Scarcity Mentality have a very difficult time sharing recognition and credit, power or profit, even with those who help in the production. They 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, options, alternatives and creativity.
Covey tells us that when you live in a world of scarcity, you compete for available resources, even when there is an abundance of them.
More often than not, the challenges people face stem from a scarcity mindset.
Leaders who allow a scarcity mindset to work its way into their culture pay a high price. When resources (money, opportunity, recognition) are perceived to be limited, paranoia, fear and politics thrive. In this environment, people become nervous and afraid to make a mistake. As a result, teamwork and innovation suffer.
Effective leaders, on the other hand, develop and model an abundance mindset. By doing so, they create an environment where they can positively influence the people around them and help them to thrive.
Here is how to spread this positive mentality:
Offer words of appreciation.
Let people know how much you value their contributions. People want to know that their work matters. Your influence and happiness will increase in direct proportion to the appreciation that you show them. This is one of the fastest and simplest ways to build a more abundant life.
Choose to see opportunity.
The next time your are faced with an obstacle, flip it around and consider it an opportunity. Face the challenge with optimism and make sure everyone sees you modeling that attitude. You willl be surprised at how quickly problems dissolve and how soon optimism becomes your default mechanism.
Remind yourself that 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 become second nature.
Carefully select the company you keep.
Mindsets are contagious, limit your time with the "glass is half empty"type of people.
Spend time in reflection.
Learn to acknowledge and appreciate all the positives in your life. Gratitude is a powerful aspect of an abundant mindset. A grateful heart is at the centre of an abundant life. People with a grateful mindset tend to see the message in the mess. And even though life may knock them down, the grateful find reasons, if even small ones, to get up..
Give more of what you want.
Although it may sound counterintuitive, one of the best ways to increase your abundance is to give. Do not feel like there is not have enough time to slip away from your obligations, even if just for an hour, to help someone in need. Or feel like you do not have enough money? Give to someone less fortunate. In other words, be a river, not a reservoir. Giving is sure to put you in a more abundant and appreciative frame of mind.
Reflect on the influence you have on other people. Which mindset do you model? Do you see a positive, abundant mentality reflected in your family and friends? Or are they pessimistic, stingy and competing among themselves for your attention? Remember, you set the tone.
I challenge you to foster an abundance minded culture. Encourage people to see options and opportunity when they face obstacles or challenges. Express appreciation regularly, and recognise others who do the same. Communicate and share your hopes for yourself and the people around you.
Remember, we are all leaders. Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less. We influence the people around us wherever we are, whether it is at home, work, on the motorway or in the checkout line. As you build an authentic and sincere abundance mindset, you will find that your positive outlook can spill over and influence the people around you.
William James said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.” Let your mindset be your biggest asset!
With thanks to JJimenez
