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In this post we will explore the difference between abundance mindset vs a scarcity mindset.
It is shocking how much a shift in perspective toward abundance can positively impact your life. Let’s talk about why!
What is a Scarcity Mindset?
A scarcity mindset is focusing on the things that you do not have, and believing that it is not enough. Scarcity mindset is also the viewpoint that there is not enough to go around, and that you will never get what you want and need.
Why is a Scarcity Mindset Bad For You?
There is quite a bit of research on this topic and the many different ways it can hold us back. Here are a few examples, if you are interested in reading more, everything underlined is a clickable link to the source material.
In a study by Kristi Mitsui, “The relationship between coping mechanisms and the scarcity mindset”, research shows that a scarcity mindset can affect your decision-making negatively.
The abstract of this article states, “...scarcity leaves less cognitive resources to use towards managing other tasks, leading to forgetfulness, impulsivity, poor decision making, and decreases in IQ and fluid intelligence.”
In this other study on scarcity mindset and consumer decision-making, it is shown that scarcity mindset creates a cycle where you are more likely to make decisions that hinder you out of fear, thereby continuing the cycle of scarcity. Here is a quote from this article.
– “A scarcity mindset alters neural processing underlying consumer decision making”
It has even been found that a scarcity mindset reduces empathy towards other peoples’ pain.(1)
Overall, a scarcity mindset makes you miserable. It also carries the stress and misery onto others around you. It causes you to fixate on lacking and make poor decisions that only worsen your situation.
Now that we know that, let’s explore the much-preferred alternative.
What is an Abundance Mindset?
An abundance mindset is the belief that there is enough. That what you have is enough, that you will receive enough, and that there is enough to go around for everyone. It is redirecting your thoughts onto everything you can be grateful for, and excited for more blessings on the way.
How an Abundance Mindset Can Help You
Overall an abundance mindset is just a more pleasant way to live, but there are some interesting details on how exactly it improves your life.
There is power in a placebo. If you fixate on a red car, suddenly red cars are everywhere, at least more than before.
Similarly, if you have an expectation that you will and do receive abundance, you notice the good things in your life. You are no longer restricted by tunnel vision, forced to only see the negative through stress and fear.
Another bonus is that people will be more eager to be around you because you give off positive and comforting energy. It is a chain reaction that calms your stress, strengthens your relationships, and makes life more pleasant!
Having an abundance mindset allows a clearer, more calm mind to make decisions that feel right and are not fueled by fear.
It will also quiet your envy and subconscious jealousy of others because of the knowledge that another persons’ success does not take away from your own.
There is a big difference between playing to win vs playing not to lose.
If you have a job and you would do anything to get out of that job, you will settle for a different one that pays less rather than try to negotiate or wait slightly longer for another company to give you a better offer.
When you have an abundance mindset, you are more willing to explore and be open to many possibilities, as well as hone in on one with the belief that it will bring you the abundance that is waiting for you.
If you are still in doubt of how astronomical a difference this mindset shift can make for you, let’s explore more proven benefits of an abundance mindset.
How to Get an Abundance Mindset
Like most other concepts on this blog, one of the biggest keys is to practice, practice, practice!!
Practice shifting your thoughts and perspectives. Change your phrasing and start believing that everything is happening for your benefit. Every challenge is allowing you to grow, every rejection is a dodged bullet, every dead end is leading you down the path you are meant to take.
Adjust “I wish I had more money” to “I’m so excited to get more money. I trust that it will get to me at the perfect time”
To help you practice this, make a habit of saying daily positive affirmations! These are a game changer and there is a good reason everyone talks about them. They are similar to the psychological and physiological effect of a “power pose” before doing something like public speaking.
Say affirmations in the mirror or listen to a guided affirmation meditation. If you’d like some ideas on affirmations to practice, here’s a short list.
- I am loved by others and the universe
- I deserve success and joy
- Everything is happening for my benefit
- I decide to trust and flow with nature
- I am beautiful
- I am so grateful for everything I have been given
- My future will be better than I can even imagine
Conclusion
Shifting to an abundance mindset from a scarcity mindset is one of the most transformative and beautiful changes you can make. It takes a bit of work and practice, but the payoff is well worth it.
Your mind is powerful, and your thoughts dictate your reality. Luckily, your mind is something you can influence and change. To quote Lao Tzu, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Other Resources
- Here is an amazing video by Tam Kaur on this topic if you’re interested! She really puts her all into her content and it shows!
- The books The Secret and The Law of Attraction are fairly similar, but both have so much value if you are trying to change your mindset!
References
(1) Li, Wanchen, Jing Meng, and Fang Cui. “Scarcity mindset reduces empathic responses to others’ pain: the behavioral and neural evidence.” Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience 18.1 (2023): nsad012.
(2) Mitsui, Kristi. “The relationship between coping mechanisms and the scarcity mindset.” Undergraduate Research 2.2 (2022): 21.
(3) Huijsmans, Inge, et al. “A scarcity mindset alters neural processing underlying consumer decision making.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 116.24 (2019): 11699-11704.
(4) Denti, Leif, Erik Sturén, and Lars-Olof Johansson. “Scarcity mindset among schoolteachers: how resource scarcity negatively impacts teachers’ cognition and behaviors.” Frontiers in Psychology 14 (2024): 1333735.
