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An abundance mindset is the mentality that everything you need is being afforded to you. If you’re a man or woman of faith, you believe that God is providing everything you need and is working in your favor. Others claim the universe has their back. Whatever your beliefs, mindset is everything!
The alternative to an abundance mindset is a scarcity mindset. An example of scarcity mentality is when you feel broke. You live in fear of how you’ll pay your bills, whether you’ll get that promotion, or how you’ll ever pay off your debt. It’s really a hopeless feeling, and it’s one that I’ve personally struggled with at different times in my life. So if you find yourself stuck in a scarcity mindset, please know that you’re not alone.
Free-spirited nerds like me struggle with bouncing back and forth between the scarce and abundance mindset. One day, all is well and money is flowing to you effortlessly…the next day, you might be digging in the couch for change. A free-spirited nerd is a person who struggles with knowing what to do and how to do it, but her wild-child personality (the free-spirited side of her) tends to sabotage her efforts.
Raised one of the “middle children” in a family of 9 in a 3 bedroom home, we lived with bunk beds in the living room along with outdoor wicker patio furniture instead of a traditional five-piece set from Ashley Furniture. We constantly struggled, living paycheck to paycheck, and I vowed to always try to do better for my family. Because I always grew up with a lack of what I needed, I’ve often fought with a “lack mentality” or scarcity mindset.
So what’s the one trick that can give you an abundance mindset when you’re feeling without all that you need or want?
The answer is simple. Give.
I’m a woman of faith, and 2 Corinthians 9: 6-7 says:
[click_to_tweet tweet=”6 Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully[a] will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor 9: 6-7 ESV” quote=”6 The point is this. Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully[a] will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. “]
But how many people give with a cheerful (joyful) heart? Some Christians feel that if they give their 10% to the church faithfully week after week, month after month, year after year, the blessings will come back to them tenfold! But they give with an expectant heart….not a joyful one.
Walmart Almost Always Has Charitable Organizations out Front + Children’s Miracle Network!
When you feel like you’re in a rut, find someone to help. Go to Walmart. There’s almost always organizations standing outside asking for donations to help their cause. A few weeks ago, there were some kids standing outside Walmart selling coupon cards for the next 12 months to different restaurants and the local waterpark. They were $5 each, and I didn’t have any cash, so I told them I’d see them when I came out of the store. When I came out, I told one of the kids I had $20, and if he could tell me how many tickets I could get if I gave him the full $20, I’d let him have it. He shouted FOUR! It was fun testing his Math skills (he was maybe 9 years old), and it felt even better handing over that $20 bill. I hope that I encouraged he and his buddies to compete for who could sell the most tickets!
The Ronald McDonald House
My sister was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease at the age of 3 and was in and out of hospitals every year in Galveston, Texas. The Ronald McDonald House became my family’s refuge during those times. So every time I go to McDonald’s, I give something. Every little bit helps.
The Lion’s Club
I had such poor eyesight in high school that my Math teacher approached the counselor, who approached The Lion’s Club about getting me some glasses. Within a couple of weeks, I was able to go to the eye doctor and pick out glasses, and I was able to actually see the board in class! Your donations help these organizations put food on the table, provide glasses, pay for a kid’s sports enrollment fees, give families a place to stay when they’re traveling for medical reasons.
So if you’re feeling like you have nothing, my challenge to you is to give some of whatever you do have to someone in need. And see what happens.
How Tony Robbins Mastered Abundance Mindset
In this video, Tony talks about how he was in a really dark place, with about $20 left to his name and he had no idea how he was going to eat. Listen to what he did and what happened as a result!
If you want to have an abundance mindset, the trick is to give with a joyful heart.
[click_to_tweet tweet=”‘Do one thing every day that scares you.’ ~Eleanor Roosevelt” quote=”‘Do one thing every day that scares you.’ ~Eleanor Roosevelt”]
Life is a collection of memories and experiences. There are ups and downs. I am so grateful for God’s grace and am on the journey to a renewed spirit, free of perfectionism. Perfection Hangover offers the sober truth – no filter.
Thanks, Melissa for this beautiful article. This is really great & helpful. The way you described your thoughts & ideas are really great. I loved your article. Great.