I have been thinking about scarcity a lot lately. It seems to be coming up often in a business class I am taking. I have a clear understanding of scarcity when I apply it to business. But in my personal life and taking care of 4 kids? At times I have a scarcity caregiver mindset more than an abundant mindset. But what exactly does that mean? And how does a scarcity caregiver mindset effect our experiences as caregivers?
In business, a scarcity mindset means that you look at things half empty. Or you anticipate failure. Thoughts like:
- Opportunities or resources are limited.
- There isn’t enough time for me to build my business.
- I am not smart enough to succeed.
- I better not share my idea with anyone because they might take my idea and do it better.
Alternatively, an abundant business mindset looks at things more positively. Failure is not bad, but a steppingstone to success. Abudnant thoughts might be:
- I have valuable experience and skills to offer.
- There is more than one person who can do what I am doing and we can both succeed.
- A failed marketing effort is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Half Glass Empty or Full?
Scarcity and abundant mindsets are looking at things half empty or half full. My mindset for business is half full. So, when something doesn’t go as planned, I pick myself back up and try again.
But if I am honest, I am feeling worn down in other areas of my life. For example, being home with my kids now for nearly a year with virtual school. Some days, I feel exhausted, frustrated, or overstimulated. That’s when it hit me that maybe I am currently having a scarcity caregiver mindset. And that made me think of you.
Do you have a scarcity mindset as a caregiver to your loved one? If yes, how is that affecting your caregiving experience?
First, what does scarcity look like or feel like? You could describe scarcity with words like tired, exhausted, or empty. Or lost, fearful, anxious, and uncertain. As a caregiver, you can give until you are empty and exhausted. Or, uncertainty about the future might leave you feeling anxious and fearful.
So, what would an abundant caregiver mindset feel like instead? Words to describe abundance might include energized, purposeful, hopeful, confident, and grateful.
To put it another way, an abundant mindset looks at life as the glass half full. Yes, things are difficult right now. But what’s going well? What can you find to be grateful for? What good things can emerge from this new normal?
From Scarcity to Abundance
Which mindset describes you?
If you feel like you have a scarcity caregiver mindset, how can you go from scarcity to abudance?
I looked through articles about how to build an abundant mindset. Here are three common suggestions:
1. Practice gratitude. This can include intentionally looking for small gifts throughout the day. Reflecting on what went well at the end of the day. Or keeping a gratitude journal.
2. Think positively. I have talked about creating a positive mindset before here. Negative thoughts create a scarcity mindset. Learn to recognize negative thoughts. And intentionally create more positive thoughts that lead to abundance.
3. Accept that change happens. Instead of focusing on what change has taken away, try to be open to what change can bring into your life.
Final Thoughts
Changing from a scarcity to abundance mindset might not happen right away. And it may not be easy. For me, thinking positively is a challenge sometimes. But practicing one or more of these strategies each day can create the change you are looking for over time. If you need help starting change, let’s talk.
And if you want to read more about scarcity vs abundance, try this article:
How To Practice Abundance (even with a scarcity mindset)
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