Issue #8: An Appreciation for Scarcity

Tag: Mindset, Workplace, Scarcity, Abundance

The Abundance Mindset

An abundance mindset is the belief that there are enough resources in the world for everyone – and of being grateful for whatever the universe provides.

My first foray with the Abundance mindset was with Juliana Chan’s book “The LinkedIn Success Mindset”. Because of it, my way of thinking was forever changed, and I will always be grateful to Juliana Chan, PhD .

In her book, she lays it out in a clear, unambiguous style that is Juliana’s trademark:

“With an abundance mindset,

• We believe that the pie is big enough for everyone
• If we lose a job, we believe a better job is waiting for us out there
• If we lose a client or an employee, we believe a better one awaits
• If an individual or a company competes with us directly or indirectly, or operates in a manner detrimental to us, we don’t do the same back to them
• If we are disappointed by someone, we move on peacefully and let the world take care of them
• We believe in unleashing so much goodness that the universe cannot help but reciprocate by giving us professional success”

And honestly,

That. Sounds. Amazing.

But, is that simply whitewash toxic positivity at play?

How can true abundance exist in this real world?

An Appreciation for Scarcity

To explore this topic of abundance, I believe we first need to appreciate the concept of scarcity.

The idea of a scarcity mindset is to overly obsess with our lack of something, be it power, money, status, time, resource, and as such compel ourselves to act in a self-serving manner for what we see as self-preservation.

As a 9-6 employee, that is likely the concept that resonates.

• When a co-worker gets that promotion you desire, you are denied of that opportunity.
• When a team member gets a higher performance grade, your chances of getting one is lower because of a bell-curve.

And retrenchment exercises… Oh let’s not even get started on that.

Everywhere we look in our workplaces, there is proof that scarcity is our true state of being.

If a highly desirable mentor already has 3 mentees, he can’t take up a 4th.

If a highly desirable job opens up, only 1 person gets it despite how many others want it.

Despite our “wishful thinking”, we know for a fact that resources are limited, and so are opportunities.

So where then does Abundance lie?

In the Mind

That is where abundance lies.

If we learn to distinguish what is reality and what is our belief, we are then able to truly appreciate that the difference (or similarities) between me and you, is simply the way we think.

The Buffet Spread

What happens when we go for a buffet meal?

We know for a fact - there WILL be enough food for everyone.

I personally have never come back hungry from a buffet meal. Ever.

But why is it that some people will intentionally “camp” at the lobster section and grab half a dozen portions (or whatever their plate’s capacity is) the moment it is brought out?

Do we truly need to eat so much lobster?

How do you feel afterwards when we have eaten all that lobster?

A winner.

That’s how you imagine you will feel.

The taste of having something no one else can get their hands on.

Or perhaps you feel like a “loser”, for being too late to the meal and missing out on the lobsters that the “winners” have cleaned out of the station.

A Different Perspective

But what are you really winning at?

You’ve managed to hog all the lobsters, and now you’re stuffed all the way up your throat.

Then, what?

So, what?

Bragging rights?

Who will you share your joy with?

And if you were on the other end of the stick, not having the chance to savor the #1 dish in the restaurant…

Then, what?

So, what?

What are you really losing out on?

You’ve come to the buffet with friends or family, to celebrate an occasion, perhaps a day away from the kids. Do you need lobsters to appreciate that?

You’re surrounded by people, meaningful conversations, opportunities to learn and grow and develop yourselves. How are you losing?

The same can apply to our work.

Why shouldn’t we celebrate the success of others and genuinely be happy for their journey? Is that beyond us as human beings?

Why shouldn’t we engage in our valuable networks to learn and grow together?

Why shouldn’t we embrace our abilities to earn a living, and make a difference every day? Regardless of what promises of promotion and wealth and status?

Why do we focus solely on what we think we “don’t have”?

The Pie is big enough for everyone

If we believe it!

If we see our successes as one that can be win-win with our colleagues, counterparts and even adversaries.

If we believe in splitting it so that everyone gets a taste of it and can share in the joy of it.

If we understand that our abilities do not simply allow us to eat the pie, but to bake a bigger one with the right community combined.

Now now,

How empowering can that be?

How ENABLING, can that be?

Abundance begins in your mind. It begins when you believe it.

Do you believe?

Hold On, Don't go yet!

Remember our promise about this being a conversation?

Agree/ Disagree/ Can't be bothered? I'd love to hear about it

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To a more empowered Monday morning,

Cheers!