What is the difference between a scarcity mindset and an abundance mindset?
The key difference between these mindsets is the feeling of needing to chase, versus attract. The constant chase from one goal to the next can cause serious burnout, feelings of inadequacy, and a lack of appreciation for what's in front of you.
What we focus on is what we attract, therefore if you are always thinking "I don't have this" or "once I get this I'll be happy" you will be caught in a rat race for the rest of your life. What I've learned from my journey is that you will NEVER be truly happy if you're always searching for happiness from an external source.
What if I don't have anything to be happy about?
I know it may seem impossible in trying times, but there is always something. Maybe that's your dog, your cup of coffee in the morning, or even your ability to persevere when things get hard. There is always something that you can be grateful for.
It's so easy to see people on social media living their best life and think to yourself "I wish I had their life", but one thing to keep in mind is that people don't usually post about the things they're struggling with internally.
Here are the 5 ways to shift your mindset
- Stay in a place of gratitude. As mentioned before, there is always something to be grateful for that you already have. Our perception comes from our mindset, if we are always thinking about what we don't have we will never be satisfied.
- Recognize that there are no failures. "Everything in life is either a lesson or a blessing." Though things may not have gone to plan, you can learn something from the experience. If you've learned something, you've won.
- Practice reflection. Your younger self would be proud to see what you've done. Remember to give yourself a pat on the back for the small victories. Think of how far you've come, the hard times that you got yourself through, and celebrate those wins.
- Evaluate who you spend your time with. I know the power of this one all too well. The evaluation is simple, how do you feel after you've spent time with somebody? There is a saying "The people in your life are either an anchor or a sail." The anchors make you feel stagnant, stuck, and lower your vibration. Your "sails" are the people who make you feel empowered and push you forward. They encourage you to be better and do better.
- Surrender to the flow. As a person who LOVES to be in control, this one was hard for me. I realized that no matter how detailed my plans were, the universe has a plan that will trump everything I envisioned. Now I'm not saying don't ever have a plan, but be open to the possibilities of the unexpected. You never know what opportunities will come if you release the relentless need to be in control.