Have you ever been around a person who always focuses on the bad things in life, this person constantly believes that there’s not enough of anything? They worry that the things they wish for are not in proximity and that they might be impossible to acquire. When it happens that they possess something, they believe it’s safer to preserve it when it runs out and they will never find it again.
For them, this applies to anything, be it a physical item, relationships, or even opportunities, they just believe in scarcity and preservation. This is a serious condition and it’s no way to live.
It’s called the scarcity mindset and according to Choosing Therapy, this a mentality that emphasises the scarcity of resources and the need to conserve them strategically. It can lead to overscheduling, fear of loss, overreliance, fear of failure, perfectionism, and impulsivity, continues the above source.
When it comes to people who live like this, the above source states that “They are likely to become extremely possessive of their belongings and experience signs of money anxiety. In contrast, an abundance mindset is an attitude of optimism that concludes there is enough of everything to go around.”
The Cleveland Clinic mentions that a scarcity mindset can arise from various factors, such as life-changing events, trauma, or a lack of desired outcomes. Examples of a scarcity mindset are said to include weight loss, time concerns, work struggles, and family issues.
It is further stated that the root cause of this mindset can vary depending on the situation, but it can lead to emotional overload, poor food choices, and a lack of time for daily activities and that the focus on what one lacks can also lead to a mid-life crisis.
To get to of this toxic mentality and obtain a more abundant mindset, Very Well Mind states that acceptance is key to moving forward in life, as it helps us understand where we are now. Self-compassion is said to be essential, as any habit or mindset that needs to be changed has its purpose.
It is advised that you identify areas of abundance in your life, such as time or love, by changing habits and being mindful of your scarcity mindset. “Journaling can help identify areas where you already have abundance and areas for improvement.”
Also see: 5 Ways to renew your mind this Spring
