Mindset is everything. Many of you have heard the saying “life isn’t about what happens to you, but how you react to it”. It has taken me years to fully absorb what this truly means. Life doesn’t always go as planned, and because of this, we must learn how to adapt by turning our heads towards what is in our control. It’s easy to fall into the habit of having a scarcity mindset and it’s something you have to proactively protect against.
Scarcity is defined as having a short supply of something. When you have a scarcity mindset, you are focusing on what you don’t have and ruminating on the moments and situations that have not worked out in your favor. Putting your energy and power towards what is missing and what has gone wrong in your life will eventually give you a glass-half-empty perspective towards just about everything. Your focus will be dominated by what is missing, rather than what is abundant and present.
In contrast, having an abundance mindset is focusing on what you do have. It is choosing to believe that what you have is enough, and focusing on those resources that are within your control. It is choosing to view life with optimism and being grateful for the countless things within your sphere of influence. Here are three simple tips that help me maintain an abundance mindset:
- Write down, or speak aloud, just one thing you are grateful for each night before going to sleep. Regardless of how big or small it may be, focus on what has brought you joy that day. It has been proven that when you choose a grateful mindset, there is less room for dissatisfaction.
- Learn from your hardships. When something doesn’t go the way you would have hoped for, whether it be professionally or personally, think about the lessons you can learn. Ask yourself: what has this taught me and what can I improve upon in the future?
- Know your value. This one can be a difficult thing to do for many people, including myself. If you don’t get the job you were hoping for, or the promotion you think you deserve, remind yourself that your value is not determined by your job title, your portfolio, or your awards. Your true value lies outside of the office, it lies within your heart and mind. Your strengths will eventually shine in the way you hope for, usually at an unexpected time and place, I promise.
Next time you find yourself in a circumstance that tests your spirit, take a second to assess your mindset. Not everything will go your way, and that is OK. Remember, life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. Beware the scarcity mindset, it will suck the life from you. Choose an abundance mindset and watch the positive path in front of you unfold.
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