Most people have been taught from early on that having money and abundance of any kind is a subject of fairy tales. They have been programmed to believe that there is only a certain amount of things they can reach. In Stephen Covey’s words, from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “The Scarcity Mentality is the zero-sum paradigm of life. People with a Scarcity Mentality have a very difficult time sharing recognition and credit, power or profit — even with those who help in the production. They also have a very hard time being genuinely happy for the success of other people.”
Here are 10 signs that you have a scarcity mindset:
1. It’s difficult to be happy for those who succeed around you.
The scarcity mindset doesn’t allow anyone to be happy for those who get a promotion at work, buy a new house, publish a book or anything that doesn’t involve them. The ego dictates the shots.
2. You are constantly comparing your worth to others.
You must “keep up with the Joneses.” Your self-worth and self-esteem are based on the comparisons of those around you. When you cannot keep up it becomes a struggle to keep going. Materialism determines your merits, virtues, and significance in the world.
3. You feel that when others acquire things, you have a less chance of acquiring those things.
You believe that there is a limited amount of things out there. Whenever someone reaches and grabs those things, like nice car for example, there is less for you to acquire.
4. On a subconscious level, you like others to fail.
You get happy when others do not accomplish their goals. You become very supportive during their downfall. But secretly, you rejoice in their inability to get what you believe is yours to receive.
5. When you win, you feel like you have conquered over everyone else.
You are no team player. You believe in survivor of the fittest. This type of mentality is narcissistic in its journey to be the very best at everything. They crave the title of success and they don’t care who they have to step on to reach it.
6. You are full of negative reasons why you don’t reach your goals.
The scarcity mindset is an oxymoron paradox. You crave for success but you find every excuse not to acquire it. You are a go-getter when you speak but you find reasons not to follow through with your goal. Then when others reach those goals you enter into victimization mode. How dare they take your success? They are not equipped to have that!
7. You have a difficult time sharing with others.
What is yours is yours and you worked hard to get it! Chauvinism is masterful for this mindset of scarcity. You become a child with selfish tantrums. The mind chit-chats, “I got this on my own. You go get your own.”
8. You are always trying to be in charge.
You truly believe no one else can do the job you do. You’ll be the leader at all costs. You have what it takes and no one else can possibly accomplish these things. This type of mindset does not allow for advice. It will never ask for help even when they need it the most.
9. Success means beating someone else.
You measure life based on fame, accomplishments and victory over anyone else. You get a tremendous high from feeling like you are the very best.
10. You ignore long term goals.
The scarcity mindset does not allow for long term goals. It is set on instant gratification. What can you get right now? How much can I get for this? Today is one thing, and tomorrow might be another because someone you know might just get that promotion that you deserve! You don’t focus on anything that can’t be reached quickly.
The scarcity mindset is not a genetic disposition. It can be changed, like the old saying, “Change your attitude, change your life.” You get to decide how you will survive in this world. Abundance is a state of mind. When you help others you are also aiding in your growth. When you rejoice in another person’s success you are bringing light into your path for success. Greed does not equal success. It’s temporary. When you continue to step over other folks’ toes, eventually you will be left alone. Your success is scarce based on your fears not because someone else has succeeded.
A shift in perception is vital in order to change from a scarcity to an abundance mentality. Your thoughts are your power. They are your own personal genie in the bottle. You can manifest wealth, health, and unlimited joy, or you can continue to determine your worth based on scarcity. There is no limited amount of supplies in this world. You have the ability to change every second of every day. Being vulnerable and accepting help is part of the process. This life is not meant to be spent alone. The joy and grace you give to others is returned with magical gifts.
“Worrying about scarcity is our culture’s version of post-traumatic stress. It happens when we’ve been through too much, and rather than coming together to heal (which requires vulnerability) we’re angry and scared and at each other’s throats.” ~ Brene Brown
