Don't run your business or life with a scarcity mentality
For once this year I had a new year’s resolution that had nothing to do with food, exercise or money…. which is a nice change … it seems so often we focus on external perceptions of what we should or shouldn’t be doing.
For me, this year is about Abundance. Its about sharing a lot of what I know, giving all I can in all areas of my life, and helping others achieve and reach their goals as well.
I’ve always felt that I’ve lived with abundance, even as a kid I had the sort of personality that led me to help, share, and try to look at the “bright side of life”. But this year I decided to step it up a notch, and actively consolidate my abundance philosophy across all aspects of my life and business in a tangible way.
Here’s how I’m doing it, and you can do it too:
For me, this year is about Abundance. Its about sharing a lot of what I know, giving all I can in all areas of my life, and helping others achieve and reach their goals as well.
I’ve always felt that I’ve lived with abundance, even as a kid I had the sort of personality that led me to help, share, and try to look at the “bright side of life”. But this year I decided to step it up a notch, and actively consolidate my abundance philosophy across all aspects of my life and business in a tangible way.
Here’s how I’m doing it, and you can do it too:
1) Surround yourself with likeminded Abundant beings:
The opposite of abundance is scarcity – and I’ve always had an issue with people who live with a scarcity mentality (even though most of the time they don’t even realise it.) Do you have those people in your life that seem to revel in the misfortune of others? The type of people that are happiest when you are down, or rejoice in your not succeeding because it brings you down to their level. It allows them to have someone to complain with and to. Those people who look at the glass half empty, and have trouble celebrating other peoples’ success? Yep that’s the one.
Move far away from these people as quickly as you can…! That friend who continually posts negative rubbish on Facebook? Delete them. They will figuratively suck the emotional life out of you – energy that you can and should be using for good!
Try to spend time with people (in real life and online) who live life with abundance, who consistently act with generosity and kindness and positivity. The type of people who will lift you up in mind and spirit… that’s the sort of influence you want to have rub off!
2) Think with abundance in business.
If living with a scarcity mentality is detrimental to your health – it can be even more dangerous in the business world. Steven Covey writes in his book “7 habits of highly effective people” that 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 hard time being genuinely happy for the success of other people.
The Abundance Mentality, on the other hand, flows out of a deep inner sense of personal worth or security. It is the philosophy that there is plenty out there and enough to spare for everybody. It results in the sharing of prestige, recognition, profits and decision-making. It opens possibilities, options, alternatives and creativity.
I often tell my retail clients that the more often you share what you know, and the greater the abundance with which you share your knowledge, your time, your contacts and your expertise, the more successful you’ll be in the long term.
In business in 2016 having a strong connection with your tribe and a loyal following of people is one of the most valuable assets you can have, and is a key to success. Give your tribe an abundance of attention and service and they’ll stay with you forever.
And even in the most competitive of markets… there can be an abundance of custom. Just because you want to succeed doesn’t mean your competitor has to fail! In most instances there is enough to go around for everyone.
When I was Advertising Manager at Bunnings we would find that when another competitor in the hardware industry had a big sale, traffic numbers would lift in our stores too, and we would often get calls from people thinking it was us advertising. (Having top of mind brand awareness probably helps!). So in retail remember, when a competitor in your category is on promotion, it’s not always a bad thing, it can be a win/win.
3) Share your knowledge and energy in abundance:
Whether its helping little Johnny’s footy club (passing on that handballing skill and prowess from the 80’s) or helping the local school at the busy bee, giving your time and sharing your knowledge is as good for your community as it is for your own wellbeing.
Everyone has a different skillset and experience that can be of use, so find your niche, pick something in your wheelhouse and get amongst it. Personally I find volunteering in areas that fit into my work is the key to contributing – after all, there are only so many hours in your day so you can’t say yes to everything. I know I’ll never have time to do canteen duty every week, but I produce the school yearbook each year, and manage communications for my son’s footy club, which is much more up my alley.
And besides helping you live with abundance … there is nothing that will make you feel better than giving to others… and if you are capable of helping, what is stopping you?
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