The Barriers to Thinking Abundantly

One of my earliest memories of selfishness is when my dad gave me a stick of gum and asked me to share it with my sister.?I took 3/4s of it and gave her the rest.?(Sorry, Jenni.)

I was probably 5 years old then.

What motivated my selfishness??I’m sure it was a scarcity mindset.?I assumed there was no more gum left and thought I’d take all I could get.?

I’d like to think that I’m a more abundant thinker as an adult, but I’m not perfect.?My scarcity mindset runs strong when situations like these occur:

·?????I feel resources are scarce – when there’s last seat on the airplane and I’m on standby with a dozen others.

·?????There’s low-trust in a relationship – and if I give, I’m not sure what I’m going to get in return.

·?????I’m at the bottom of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs – when I’m tired or sick, I’m not thinking about others.

Sometimes a scarcity mindset isn’t bad – we’re hardwired to self-defend.?Yet, in other scenarios, self-preservation can limit our ability to build relationships, promote teamwork, and serve those around us.

Stephen Covey, in his groundbreaking book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, introduced the idea of an abundant mindset.?He shares that this mindset, which is a choice, holds the belief that there are enough resources and successes to share with others.?And, when we think about how we can use our gifts to better the lives of those around us, we win.?The wins, also, can be far, far bigger when we work collectively

An example??I like to think of a friend and mentor of mine, Wendy H. Steele – she’s the creator of Impact 100.?She launched her organization when she realized that as generous as women can be, our generosity is limited when we don’t coordinate and collaborate with others. ?She’s pioneered giving circles globally, which is where women pool their resources, like $1000 checks, and give to non-profit organizations.?A random $1000 check makes little impact on a non-profit.?But 100 $1000 checks??That level of investment changes the game!

What does an abundant mindset look like in your world??Here are some ideas:

• When a decision doesn’t have to be made in the moment, collaborating with a few colleagues to get their input.?Being open to collaboration, especially when it’s not necessary, could be valuable and spark a greater “win.”?
• Sharing a job posting on LinkedIn or forwarding along a friend’s resume (with glowing remarks)!
• When someone’s name is brought up in a meeting, and they’re not there, being an advocate and supporter of them in their absence.
• Stop keeping score – rather than getting mad at others for what you view as a deficiency or problem, start thinking that maybe what they’re giving you is actually their best … and their best has value.
• Sharing generously – like credit for a job well done, or even a stick of gum!!?

Our mindset is our choice.?If we find ourselves feeling the pressure of scarcity, make a point to challenge your instincts and think of how you can think differently and, in doing so, act abundantly.?Your commitment to think broader and more collaboratively allows you to building lasting relations that allow trust to thrive.

Want to dig a little deeper? Tune into Bet on You Radio and hear from Lee Towe - he teaches us all how to grow the pie. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Learn more about Angie by visiting her site: www.angiewitkowski.com