In his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Stephen Covey, wrote about the scarcity mindset:
“Most people are deeply scripted in what I call the Scarcity Mentality. They see life as having only so much, as though there was 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 tough time sharing recognition and credit, power or profit – even with those who help in the production. The also have a very hard time being genuinely happy for the success of other people.”
Here are thoughts over the years that I have when a scarcity mindset creeps in.
1. I don’t have enough time to do what I want.
2. It’s hard to find leaders.
3. Every business has been called on.
4. If only had more money I could do more.
5. People just don’t understand.
6. Why can’t I have the success like others?
The scarcity mindset lives in the world of fear and lack there of.
It gives us justification for our current environment. It can create jealousy, resentment, short sided short term thinking and a host of other feelings. I tell you this because I too have lead from the scarcity mindset numerous times in my life. A scarcity mindset will not only limit your ability to lead, it will negatively impact the people you lead whether it is your kids, your family, your coworkers and your culture.
Abundance Leadership
Stephen Covey describes it as:
The Abundance Mentality, on the other hand, flows out of a deep inner sense of personal worth and security. It is the paradigm that there is plenty out there and enough to spare for everybody. It results in sharing of prestige, of recognition, of profits, of decision making. It opens possibilities, options, alternatives, and creativity.
Abundant leadership says it may not be happening right now yet my time will come.
An abundant leader is happy about others success. They are not only happy about others success they celebrate it!
When it comes to finances, an abundant leader sees opportunities! Just today I had a conversation with a friend who shared with me how since adopting the conscious awareness of abundance how she doesn’t have to sell people on her ideas people want to help her.
Taking action and moving from scarcity leadership to abundance leadership.
1 . Appreciation- In the words of Oprah Winfrey,” Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” Take not only the time to be thankful for what you have, share your appreciations with others.
2. Declutter your life- Get rid of the junk. What have you been holding on to that you know you should get rid of? Whether it be resentment, a messy desk, closet, etc. The lack of abundance usually stems some lack of order and discipline.
3. Own your environment- Surround yourself with abundant people. Read, listen “GOOD STUFF” that brings you joy and happiness. Cut down on watching the news. (Oh, but how do I stay in touch with the world? If it’s, that important someone will tell you.) Or Cut down on your media consumption. If someone is a negative person in your social media network mute/ remove them.
4. Be aware of your perspectives-6 years ago when I was contemplating the move from North Dakota to Wisconsin I initially had a scarcity mindset of all the things that could go wrong! Thankfully I had surrounded myself with abundant leaders who reminded me of all the great opportunities. Today I can proudly say even though there was a ton of unknowns it was the best career move I ever made because I changed my mindset from scarcity to abundance.
5. Communicate what you won’t tolerate- What you ignore and tolerate is what you encourage. If an abundant mindset and leadership is important to you best let those around you know it. Communicate the environment you want and be the environment you want.
6. Focus on Abundance vs lack of- What you focus on is what you get. A friend of mine in just a matter of 5 months was diagnosed with cancer and had open heart surgery! Yet, he had an amazing attitude. I asked why. He said, “I have a choice either I can focus on the suffering which does nobody including myself any good or I can choose to focus on healing. I choose to heal!!
Be sure also to not reach a point where you find yourself floating through life with no goal or purpose for yourself. Be intentional not only with your thoughts. Be intentional with your thoughts, word AND actions because that is how true abundance happen.
Finally, define yourself by who you are and becoming, not by what you have.
Live with abundance!
Equip, Empower, Educate!
Tony Jalan
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