abundance vs scarcity

the lens you see through determines what you see

two people can look at the exact same situation and see completely different things. one sees threat, the other sees opportunity. one sees competition, the other sees collaboration. one sees a closing door, the other sees ten doors that haven't been tried yet.

the difference isn't intelligence or talent. it's mindset — and specifically, whether you're operating from scarcity or abundance.

the scarcity mindset

scarcity thinkers believe resources are finite and shrinking. there's only so much success, money, love, and opportunity to go around. if someone else gets more, that means less for them.

this mindset creates behaviors like:

• hoarding information instead of sharing it
• viewing other people's success as a personal threat
• avoiding risks because failure would be catastrophic
• negotiating as if every deal is zero-sum
• staying in bad situations because "it could be worse"

the abundance mindset

abundance thinkers believe there's enough to go around and more is always being created. they share freely because they trust more will come. they celebrate other people's wins because they don't see life as a fixed pie.

this mindset creates behaviors like:

• sharing knowledge and resources generously
• taking calculated risks because they trust their ability to recover
• collaborating instead of competing
• leaving bad situations because they believe better ones exist
• investing in growth because they expect returns

which one are you?

be honest. when a coworker gets promoted, is your first reaction genuine happiness or a twinge of resentment? when you hear about a friend's new relationship, do you feel inspired or jealous? when an opportunity requires a risk, do you focus on what you could gain or what you could lose?

how to shift

scarcity thinking is usually learned in childhood and reinforced by culture. shifting it requires conscious effort:

1. catch yourself in scarcity thoughts and label them
2. ask "what would an abundance thinker do here?"
3. practice generosity even when it feels uncomfortable
4. surround yourself with abundance thinkers

the world tends to give you what you expect from it. expect scarcity and you'll find evidence everywhere. expect abundance and you'll find that too.

if this resonated, share it with someone who needs to hear it.