From Abundance to Serendipity

Growing up in my parents' corner store, one of the best parts of the day was when the fresh, hot bread arrived from the bakery across town. Bread was like gold to our customers, and the delicious smell would quickly lead to a sell-out. But beyond the rush to buy bread, this daily routine taught me something important about how we see the world.

This article is all about how we think and act, especially when it comes to scarcity and abundance.

Think about it: have you ever felt like there's just never enough of something? That feeling of never having quite what you need? That's what we call a scarcity mindset. It's like looking at life through a lens of fear and not enoughness.

And it can make us do strange things, like hoarding, being mean, or always feeling like we're in a race against others. At worst, we start to cheat on others; shortchanging customers, shortpaying staff and suppliers and maybe even avoiding tax obligations. Karma catches up on you!

But there's another way to see things—a way of abundance. It's like seeing the world as full of possibilities and plenty. And here's the cool part: when you start thinking this way, amazing things can happen.

It's like stumbling upon unexpected joys and chances you never even knew were out there. We call it serendipity, and it's the magic that happens when you embrace abundance.

Scarcity Mindset

Do you warehouse groceries which were on special only to throw heaps of it out years later when they've perished? Are you a queue jumper? Are you habitually late? Do you hoard or even wear threadbare clothes when you can afford new ones? Are you clingy in relationships? Like there's never enough time, money, or resources to go around? That's indicative of a scarcity mindset. It's like living in a continuous state of lack, where fear of not having enough drives your thoughts and actions.

Scarcity mindset is a psychological state characterised by a pervasive belief in insufficiency. It's the feeling that there's never quite enough - whether it's money, time, opportunities, or even love. This mindset leads individuals to view the world through a lens of deprivation, constantly focusing on what they lack rather than what they have.

Manifestations of Scarcity Mindset

Scarcity mindset manifests in various ways, both externally and internally, shaping behaviours and attitudes related to materialism and self-esteem:

External Symptoms (Materialism)

1. Greed: The belief that there's a limited amount of resources available leads to a hoarding mentality. People with a scarcity mindset may be unwilling to share or collaborate out of fear of losing what they have.
2. Competitiveness: Scarcity mindset breeds a competitive attitude, where individuals see others as threats to their own success. This can lead to cutthroat behavior and a zero-sum mentality, where one person's gain is perceived as another's loss.
3. Short-term thinking: Scarcity mindset often leads to a focus on immediate gratification rather than long-term planning. People may prioritise immediate needs over future goals, perpetuating a cycle of scarcity.

Internal Symptoms (Low Self-Esteem)

1. Comparison Trap: Constantly comparing oneself to others is a symptom of scarcity mindset. This comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy and lower self-esteem, as individuals perceive themselves as falling short in comparison to others who seem to have more.
2. Fear of Rejection: Scarcity mindset often stems from a fear of not being enough or not measuring up to certain standards. This fear can manifest in various aspects of life, including relationships and career, leading to avoidance of risks or opportunities due to a fear of failure or rejection.
3. Self-Doubt: Scarcity mindset fosters self-doubt and negative beliefs about one's abilities and worth. Individuals may question their capabilities and worth, further reinforcing feelings of low self-esteem.
4. External Validation: People with a scarcity mindset may seek external validation to bolster their self-esteem, constantly seeking approval or recognition from others to feel worthy.
5. Self-Limiting Beliefs: Scarcity mindset is often accompanied by self-limiting beliefs about one's capabilities and worth. These beliefs create barriers to personal growth and achievement, perpetuating the cycle of scarcity.

The Limitations of Scarcity Mindset

While it's natural to experience very human moments of scarcity mindset or imposter syndrome, allowing it to dominate your thinking can have serious consequences. Here are some ways scarcity mindset can limit growth and success:

• Stifled creativity: When you're constantly worried about not having enough, it's hard to think outside the box or take risks. This stifles creativity and innovation, hindering your ability to adapt and thrive in a changing world.
• Damaged relationships: Scarcity mindset can strain relationships, both personal and professional. Constantly competing with others or hoarding resources can breed resentment and distrust, leading to fractured connections.
• Missed opportunities: By focusing on scarcity, you may overlook opportunities that could lead to growth and fulfillment. Whether it's a new job opportunity, a potential partnership, or a chance for personal development, scarcity mindset can blind you to the possibilities that surround you.

Let's explore the alternative to scarcity mindset: abundance mindset, and how making the shift can lead to transformative change in your life and business.

Abundance Mindset

If scarcity mindset is like viewing the world through a lens of lack, then abundance mindset is like seeing life through a lens of plenty. It's about recognising and embracing the abundance that surrounds us, rather than focusing on limitations and scarcity.

What is Abundance Mindset?

Abundance mindset is a state of mind characterised by a belief in sufficiency and possibility. It's the understanding that there is more than enough to go around—that opportunities, resources, and joy are abundant and accessible to all. Instead of operating from a place of fear and scarcity, individuals with an abundance mindset approach life with a sense of gratitude, optimism, and generosity.

Characteristics of Abundance Mindset

1. Gratitude: People with abundance mindset cultivate a sense of gratitude for what they have, focusing on abundance rather than scarcity. They appreciate the blessings in their lives, no matter how big or small, and approach challenges with a positive outlook.
2. Generosity: Abundance mindset breeds generosity and a willingness to share resources, knowledge, and opportunities with others. Instead of hoarding or competing, individuals with abundance mindset believe in the principle of abundance, where there is always enough to go around.
3. Creativity: Viewing the world through a lens of abundance sparks creativity and innovation. Instead of feeling constrained by limitations, individuals with abundance mindset see possibilities and opportunities everywhere, leading to new ideas, solutions and action points.
4. Collaboration: Abundance mindset fosters collaboration and cooperation, as individuals recognise that working together leads to greater collective success. They see others as allies rather than competitors, and seek to lift each other up rather than tear each other down.
5. Resilience: Life isn't always easy. Abundance mindset cultivates resilience in the face of challenges. Instead of being discouraged by setbacks or failures, individuals with abundance mindset see them as opportunities for growth and learning. They believe in their own abilities to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Self efficacy and self confidence is then enhanced.

Benefits of Abundance Mindset

Embracing abundance mindset offers numerous benefits, both personally and professionally:

• Increased Happiness: Abundance mindset cultivates a sense of gratitude and contentment, leading to greater overall happiness and well-being.
• Improved Relationships: By fostering generosity, collaboration, and positivity, abundance mindset strengthens relationships and builds trust among individuals and communities.
• Expanded Opportunities: Finally, abundance mindset opens doors to new opportunities and possibilities, as individuals recognise and seize the abundance that surrounds them.
• Serendipity: One of the magical aspects of abundance mindset is the concept of serendipity—the occurrence of unexpected joys and opportunities that arise when we approach life with openness and abundance and try new things. When we embrace an abundance mindset, we open ourselves up to the possibility of serendipitous moments that can lead to profound growth and transformation

In the next section, we'll explore practical strategies for cultivating abundance mindset in your own life and business, and how making the shift can lead to transformative change.

Tips for Cultivating Abundance Mindset

1. Practice Gratitude Daily: Start each day by expressing gratitude for the abundance in your life, whether it's your health, relationships, or opportunities. Keep a gratitude journal or simply take a moment each morning and evening to reflect on what you're thankful for.
2. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Avoid negative influences and surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Seek out supportive friends, mentors, and colleagues who share your values and encourage your growth.
3. Shift from Scarcity to Sufficiency: Catch your thoughts. Challenge scarcity thinking by reframing your mindset from "not enough" to "enough." Recognise that you have everything you need to thrive in this moment, and trust that more opportunities will come your way.
4. Set Intentions and Goals: Clarify your vision for what abundance looks like in your life, whether it's financial success, personal fulfillment, or meaningful relationships. Set clear intentions and actionable goals to manifest abundance in each area of your life.
5. Be Accountable with Buddies: Partner with accountability buddies or mentors who can support you in staying focused on your goals and maintaining a positive mindset. Regular check-ins and encouragement can help you stay accountable and motivated on your journey towards abundance.
6. Embrace Challenges as Opportunities: Instead of viewing challenges as setbacks or obstacles, see them as opportunities for growth and learning. Embrace the process of overcoming challenges with resilience and optimism, knowing that each obstacle brings you closer to abundance.
7. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion during times of difficulty or setbacks. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend, and remember that mistakes are opportunities for growth, not reflections of your worth.
8. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Adopt a growth mindset that embraces the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and effort. See failures and setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve, rather than as evidence of inherent limitations. Read or study subjects outside your normal zone. Travel off the beaten track and observe and celebrate diversity.
9. Celebrate Successes, Big and Small: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Celebrating success reinforces the belief that abundance is attainable and encourages continued progress towards your goals.
10. Practice Generosity and Service: Cultivate abundance by giving back to others and contributing to causes that align with your values. Acts of generosity and service not only benefit others but also deepen your sense of connection and abundance. Mentor a younger colleague. Volunteer for service in your community.
11. Declutter: Give away unnecessary belongings. Meditate often to declutter your mind. Live as simple as possible in your world. Physical exercise and walk in nature to detox and enjoy the natural world.

By incorporating these practical tips into your daily life, you can gradually shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset, leading to greater fulfillment, success, and serendipity in all areas of your life.

Conclusion

As we journey through life, we are faced with the choice to view the world through the lens of scarcity or abundance. While scarcity mindset may cloud our vision and limit our potential, embracing abundance mindset opens the door to a world of possibilities and serendipitous moments.

By cultivating gratitude, embracing challenges, and giving back to others, we can shift our mindset from scarcity to abundance. In doing so, we create space for joy, fulfillment, personal growth and unexpected blessings to enter our lives.

So, let's choose abundance. Let's see the world as overflowing with opportunities, connections, and abundance waiting to be discovered. And in embracing abundance, may we experience the magic of serendipity and the limitless potential of a life lived with open hearts and minds.

To your success!

Frank Choy

21 April 2024

Recommended reading:

1. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck, Robinson, 2017 - This book explores the concept of mindset and how our beliefs about our abilities can shape our lives. It discusses the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, and how cultivating a growth mindset can lead to greater success and fulfillment.
2. "The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment" by Eckhart Tolle, Hatchette, 2018 - Eckhart Tolle explores the concept of living in the present moment and how letting go of past regrets and future worries can lead to greater peace and abundance in our lives.
3. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change" by Stephen R. Covey, Simon & Schuster, 2020 - Covey presents seven principles for personal and professional success, emphasizing the importance of proactive behaviour, personal responsibility, and continuous improvement.
4. "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear" by Elizabeth Gilbert, Bloomsbury, 2016 - Gilbert encourages readers to embrace their creativity and pursue their passions with courage and curiosity. She shares insights and anecdotes about the creative process and the importance of cultivating a mindset of abundance and possibility.
5. "Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think" by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler, Free Press, 2014 - This book explores the concept of abundance and how technological advancements and innovation are creating a future of abundance for humanity. It offers insights into how individuals can tap into this abundance mindset to create positive change in their own lives and the world.
6. "The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM)" by Hal Elrod, John Murray One, 2023 - Hal Elrod shares his personal journey of transformation and introduces the concept of the Miracle Morning routine, which incorporates practices such as meditation, exercise, visualisation, and affirmations to kickstart each day with purpose and abundance.