Why does Life get Better when you Develop an Abundant Mindset?

In life, we can choose between viewing the world as abundant or limited. Whether it’s relationships, wealth, success, health, or other resources- our mindset determines which road we travel on. One road is paved in scarcity and the other road is filled with abundance.

As Buddha said, “What you think, you become” – your mindset determines your reality. Overwhelming research on mindset shows that the way you think about yourself and the world around you, can drastically change your lifestyle, the way you learn, how you handle stress, how you create success, your resiliency, and even how you manage your health.

If you focus on lack, you’ll have plenty of lack in your life. On the other hand, if you focus on abundance, you will have more than you need. The good news is that at any moment, you can choose to change your mindset.

In the book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Stephen Covey coined the term abundance mentality or abundance mindset. He defined the term simply as ”a concept in which a person believes there are enough resources and successes to share with others.”

Abundance Mindset

A person with an abundance mindset focuses on limitless opportunities. They see more in life: more options, more choices, and more resources. They choose to focus on the positive things in their life rather than the negative things.

Someone with an abundance mindset is grateful, happier, and more creative. An optimist who is always looking for ways to learn, grow, and achieve the goals that are most important to them. 

A Harvard study found that when we focus on one particular thing very intently, other possibilities that are right in front of us can go completely unnoticed. The brain can only absorb so much, so if your belief is “I can’t do it” or “it’s impossible” then any other thoughts contradicting that will get thrown out.

But the question is: Is creating abundance in life really so simple? The answer might surprise you. If you’re like most people, you want more. More success, more wealth, more freedom, and more fulfillment. The good news is that it’s possible to have all of those. The bad news is that you will have to do some inner work to make it happen. 

The Benefits of having an Abundance Mindset

• You take full advantage of and enjoy new opportunities that come your way
• Live an unlimited, full, and satisfying life
• Exude happiness despite circumstance
• Feel secure and confident in your life endeavors and create successful outcomes
• Feel plentiful, creative, and inspired
• Create memorable and meaningful life experiences

9 Simple ways to Develop the Abundant Mindset

1. Recognize the Power of Your Thoughts

Take the time to notice what type of thoughts are circulating in your head. Practice mindfulness since this can help you decipher when your thoughts are creating a mindset of scarcity or of abundance, begin to make a conscious effort to shift your thoughts towards abundance.

2. Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude is one of the most powerful and widely recognized tools for creating abundance and happiness. According to Oprah Winfrey, “If you look at what you have in life, you will always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you will never have enough.” Be grateful and focus on what you have. A scarcity mentality sees limitations instead of opportunities.

3. Pick Your Words Wisely

The language you use, as well as what you tell yourself and others, shapes your reality. Are you telling stories of scarcity or stories of abundance?

4. Build Beyond a Growth Mindset

The concept of a growth mindset was developed by psychologist Carol Dweck in her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. According to Dweck, “In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work, brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.”

5. Surround Yourself with People that have an Abundance Mindset

Do you know those people who always seem positive and see the glass as half-full instead of half-empty? They should be your influences. Attitudes rub off, and if scarcity-minded individuals surround you, you will waste energy trying to counteract their beliefs.

6. Think Like a Beginner

Be hungry to learn and grow. Have a never-ending thirst for knowledge and developing new skills. This requires an underlying knowledge that you don’t know everything. The beginner’s mindset is about having the ability to maintain an attitude of openness and enthusiasm, along with the willingness to override existing preconceptions.

7. Create Win-Win Situations

A scarcity mindset believes that if one person wins, another loses. Try to create win-win conditions in your life. Look for ways for both parties to leave with a sense of accomplishment and a better feeling about the relationship. 

8. Speak Daily Abundance Affirmations

Carnegie Mellon University suggests that the use of positive affirmations can improve your problem-solving skills and decrease signs of stress. Using affirmations can help to shift your mentality from scarcity to abundance.

9. Train your Mind to Recognize the Possibilities

• Thinking Big vs Thinking Small
• Plenty vs Lack
• Happiness vs Resentment
• Embracing Change vs Fear Of Change
• Proactive vs Reactive
• Learning vs Knowing It All

Don’t worry, you are not alone- all of us are not born with an Abundant Mindset. This mindset is learnable, when you make this shift your life will start to change. Take it one step at a time.  

Here’s another great read: YOUR PAST IS NOT YOUR FUTURE: SIMPLE WAYS TO THRIVE