Do you have a scarcity mindset with a chronic disability? Would you rather have an abundance mindset? And how do you get there?
First, let’s define scarcity and abundance. Simply put, a scarcity mindset is looking at things as half-empty or having lots of negative thoughts. An abundant mindset is looking at the glass half full. Having a more positive or optimistic outlook about life.
A scarcity mindset can be sneaky. Recently, I have been working on improving my mindset from one of scarcity to abundant. And I’ve noticed how often I fall into a scarcity mindset. It’s easy to think about the things that have gone wrong. And some thoughts I have had for so long, they seem normal and true to me.
Scarcity and Chronic Disability
What about you? Are you living in a scarcity mindset with a chronic disability? Or after your injury or health event? Some common scarcity thoughts I have heard from people living with a chronic condition include:
This will never end.
I can’t move beyond what has happened.
I can only think about what I have lost.
No one understands what I am going through.
Everything is hard.
The list could go on, but you get the point. If this is you, maybe you have told yourself these thoughts so often they feel normal and true. But thoughts like this can also make you feel small, empty, tired, or defeated. That’s a scarcity mindset. And a scarcity mindset can negatively affect our well-being. Leaving us with poor mental, social, or spiritual well-being. And a poor quality of life.
From Scarcity to Abundance
So, how do you change from a scarcity mindset to an abundant mindset? An abundant mindset, one that is half-full, intentionally looks for good things that have happened or things to be grateful for, even during difficult circumstances. Examples of abundant thoughts might include:
I am grateful for the doctors, nurses, and therapist who have worked with me.
My spouse or family have been here for me.
I may not be able to do this anymore (insert activity), but I can still do this (insert activity).
My community has supported me or my family in different ways.
I have made progress with (insert activity).
How does an abundant mindset make you feel? Maybe grateful, optimistic, loved, or supported. And, as you might have guessed, an abundance mindset can positively affect your mental health. And many areas of your well-being. An abundance mindset helps you to live as well as possible, even in difficult circumstances.
Putting Abundance Into Action
So, if you have a scarcity mindset with a chronic disability, how can you create an abundant mindset? Try these three steps.
- Be aware of what your thoughts. It’s important to identify if we have scarcity thoughts. Take a few minutes and think about frequent thoughts you have that might be considered scarce, negative, or half-full.
- Then, think about those things that have gone well or that you can feel grateful for or optimistic about. Write them down in a journal. Or make time at the end of each day to think about what went well.
- Reflect on abundant thoughts daily. Even if you consider yourself pessimist, with practice and repetition you can change your mindset from scarcity to abundant.
If you are struggling to work through a scarcity mindset, let’s work together. Learn more about one-on-one coaching services here.
Disclaimer: This blog is a resource through which you may obtain information regarding your health and wellness. Information is intended for the general reader and is not a substitute for medical advice. The content in this blog is intended to be informational only and not interpreted as specific advice for you. There may be delays, omissions, or inaccuracies in information contained in this blog. You should always consult with a licensed healthcare professional who is familiar with your health and past medical history before making any changes you may read about in this blog.