Moving from A Poverty Mentality to an Abundance Mentality !
“As a man thinketh, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7
This article is inspired by a recent conversation with my friend and associate Jill Harrison, (as I often am !), on the contrasting mindsets of ‘poverty’ and ‘abundance’ thinking. Specifically noticing how one limits our actions and relationships ………….and how the other opens up our opportunities in life and nourishes our relationships with others…………………………
A poverty mentality is one that influences behaviours consistent with beliefs that money shouldn’t be spent, opportunities are limited, any risk at all is dangerous, any success is temporary and non-replicable, and generally remaining in the back of the pack is safest.
An abundance mentality is one that assures you that you are successful and can replicate that success, you have value and talents in strong demand, and you can handle most situations that come your way very successfully. (And those times you can’t, you’re resilient and bounce back quickly.)
Here is a quick comparison:
Poverty Thinking |
Abundance Thinking |
| Focus on cost cutting | Look for ways to increase income |
| Limit ambitions | Set achievable goals |
| Decrease motivation | Celebrate each little success |
| Never feeling you have enough reserves or resources | Keep money moving – be generous with others |
| Analysis paralysis in decision making | See the opportunity in every problem/setback |
| Develop a ‘Hold back’ habit | Keep moving forward |
| Complain | Show gratitude |
| Seek outside approval | Recognise own successes and build self confidence |
| Belief that you are a victim of others’ decisions and choices | See your own part in interactions with others and learn from them |
| Jealously protect your work and thinking as if you will never create anything again | Share in the confidence you can create much more |
Where do you sit………..and what difference does knowing this make for your future actions ?
