The Truth About Scarcity Mentality

Have you ever noticed the thoughts that run through your mind the minute you wake up and the moment before you fall asleep? Unless you make mindfulness a daily practice, chances are probably not. Despite the fact that we live in an abundant world our usual daily reflections are those of lack, what we don't have and what we don't get enough of.

Think about it. How many times have you woken up, pushed snooze on the alarm and your first thought is "I didn't get enough sleep." Interesting.

How often as you lay your head to rest in the evening do you run through the days events lamenting all the things you didn't accomplish and thinking "I never seem to have enough time" Guilty?

Listen all around you, on the bus, in the checkout queues, at the coffee shop, sadly you will notice that many of us spend most of our lives explaining, complaining, worrying and grumbling over our lack and what we don't have enough of. We never seem to have the money, time, rest or space, we're never thin enough, smart enough or rich enough to do - whatever! It's draining just thinking about it! Is it any wonder we wake up feeling like we didn't get enough sleep? Our unconscious mind has spent the night burdened with the litany of scarcity thoughts we fed it the night before.

The truth about scarcity mentality is that we've been brainwashed by society to believe that we live in a world of scarcity, a world where "There isn't enough money go around," the truth is that's a lie, yet we believe it.

According to a recent Medicare Private commissioned report, stress and low mood account for 33 per cent of lost productivity in Australia. This presenteeism (employees at work but not fully functioning) and absenteeism are directly costing Australian employers $10.11 billion per year. Since the report 2 years ago, workplace counselling for anxiety and stress have increased 68 per cent and 76 per cent according to Davidson Trahaire Corpsych, Australia’s largest EAP providers.

To avoid slipping into the scarcity mentality trap, stop associating with people who have a scarcity mentality and be more selective about what you feed your mind (eg: television). Make the decision to create your own environment of abundance.

Embracing abundance doesn't mean you're taking it away from others. On the contrary, the more successful you become, the more your example will uplift and inspire others to do the same. Have a positive attitude to the success of your friends, family and colleagues. Read, attend and listen to personal development material and be generous and share your own information and knowledge. An abundance mentality, is shaped by thinking such as "The more I give, the more I will receive and the more there is to give." This means taking responsibility for your own growth and learning and stop blaming other people or circumstances.

Start appreciating what you already have. Even if it feels like you have a scarcity right now, you can turn that around by reminding yourself of all the things to appreciate in your life. As you build your positivity you will find it easier to contribute to others and to your life purpose or legacy. You will probably also find that your sense of abundance will spill over and positively affect those around you - don't you love that! Avoid falling for the scarcity lie and becoming a negative self-fulfilling prophecy. Believe you will succeed and then start taking action on your goals and plans. By having this paradigm of abundance, you will discover that many things begin aligning for you and living the life of your dreams is within your reach.