Change Your Mindset From Lack to Abundance

2020 was a year without precedent (at least in living memory). Between the global COVID-19 pandemic, shutdowns, and economic downturn, it’s no wonder so many of our brains have flipped into scarcity-mode. Lack mentality has been at an all-time high. Although current events definitely triggered the lack mindset for many of us, it isn’t what caused it.

The way I look at is this:

Something can happen that triggers an emotional response in us. For example, hearing a certain song can cause you to feel sad. In other words, the song can trigger sadness. But, that same song could sound just fine to someone else and not elicit any real emotion. Why? Because that song might remind you of a bad breakup in college. The bad breakup is the CAUSE of your sadness. The song simply triggered your emotional reaction.

It’s the same way with lack mindset. Things can trigger it (like finding out that your local grocery store is running out of toilet paper and hand sanitizer), but those things aren’t what cause it. Until you get to the root of what is causing your lack mindset, it will continue to show up in your life. You’ll continue to live in fear of getting laid off, or, if you’re already unemployed, you’ll stay stuck with the fear that you’ll never get a new job in this climate.

A scarcity mentality can make it difficult to achieve your goals. Breaking free of that lack mentality, and realizing that you have an abundance of everything you need just waiting for you to claim it, is a much more empowering way to approach life.

From scarcity to abundance

Mindset is an important component to achieve success in all aspects of your life. Here are five tools you can use to switch your brain from scarcity mentality to abundance.

1. Gratitude

Oprah Winfrey once said, “if you look at what you have in life, you will always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you will never have enough.”

Take time each day to write down or think about all the abundance you already have in your life. When you focus on the abundance you have, it attracts even more abundance into your life. Don’t forget to list the small things – we tend to take them for granted.

2. Emotional Freedom Technique (aka Tapping)

Tapping is a healing modality that combines acupressure and neuro-linguistic programming. It’s a powerful way to help you release the unwanted emotions dredged up last year (and beyond) and recalibrate your body and mind to receive abundance with ease.

3. Notice your language

How you speak about things tells you so much about your subconscious beliefs. Are you telling stories of scarcity or abundance? Do you find yourself saying “I can’t, I don’t, Not now, It’s too hard…”? If so, next time you catch yourself starting to say I can’t, change it and say I’m working towards… or one day I will. Speak in affirmations rather than expressing something negatively or as impossible.

5. Believe in yourself

Repeat after me: I am deserving. I am worthy. I can and I will. So many people do not feel deserving of getting a promotion or dreaming big. They are afraid that if they do go for a bigger goal, they will disappoint or not be able to meet expectations. First things first, we have to get your confidence in alignment with your goals.

Make a list of all your positive qualities, your gifts, and all that makes you unique. Having a hard time thinking of positive attributes? Ask a friend or colleague for feedback. Next time you start to doubt yourself, go back to this list and tell yourself, “Yes I can!”

6. Stop comparing yourself

Social media has made it hard not to compare or feel like everyone else is living their best life, while you’re stuck at home taking care of the family and working a demanding job. Remind yourself that most people only share the good stuff on social media, and the truth tends to be exaggerated. If you find yourself getting anxious and upset while being on social media, maybe it’s time to do a little spring cleaning on who you’re following. Delete any accounts that trigger you. Don’t forget to have consistent social detoxes – turn off your phone and be present with the beautiful life you already have.