From Scarcity to Abundance
In our highly competitive world where ‘if only’ is an ever-present thought to overcoming challenges, it’s easy to fall into a mindset of scarcity, with the belief that there’s “not enough” money, time, love, or opportunity dominating our thoughts. And this scarcity consciousness can so easily trap us in cycles of fear, lack and self-doubt.
On the flip side, adopting a mindset of superabundance, where there is a firm belief in limitless possibilities and enough resources for everyone, can have a profound impact on a person’s emotional, mental, and even physical well-being.
And what might be perceived by some, including myself at times, as an ‘airy fairy’ concept has, in fact, been confirmed by several notable academics, including Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck who examined mindsets among young students. She found that children who have a growth mindset, believing that intelligence can be developed are better able to overcome academic challenges than those who have a fixed mindset that intelligence is predetermined.
In another study on middle-aged adults by researchers at Yale and Miami, it was found that those with more positive beliefs around aging lived 7.5 years longer than those with less positive self-perceptions of aging. Which means that not only can your mindset make for a happier and more successful life; it can also prolong your life!
However, shifting from scarcity to superabundance isn’t just about positive thinking; it’s not something you can fake either just by saying it; it’s about reprogramming deeply ingrained beliefs and creating new thought patterns that invite abundance into your life. It’s hard work for those of us to whom it doesn’t come naturally.
Understanding Scarcity Consciousness
Scarcity consciousness refers to the belief that resources are limited, and that competition for these resources is necessary to ensure survival. This mindset manifests in various ways, such as fear of missing out, constantly comparing oneself to others or believing that success comes only at the expense of others. People with a scarcity mindset often focus on what they don’t have, rather than appreciating what they do have.
This way of thinking is rooted in fear — fear of not being enough, not having enough, or losing what one has. Scarcity consciousness can limit personal growth, hinder relationships and create stress and anxiety. When someone operates from this belief system, they are more likely to play it safe, avoid risks, and feel trapped in a cycle of lack, convinced that opportunities are scarce, and that others’ success diminishes their own potential. Having a scarcity mindset can leave one feeling stuck, frozen and in fear living in a world where “if only” is ever present thought to overcoming challenges.
Moving Toward a Superabundance Consciousness
Superabundance consciousness, on the other hand, is the belief that there are infinite possibilities and ample resources available for everyone. People with a superabundant mindset trust that life is filled with opportunities for growth, joy, and success. This mindset isn’t about ignoring real-life challenges or pretending that struggles don’t exist, but about focusing on the potential for good that lies in every situation.
In a superabundant mindset, people believe that success and resources are not limited, and that others’ achievements do not diminish their own potential for success. It’s about fostering a sense of gratitude for what one has, while remaining open to receiving more.
The Power of Thought Patterns
Quite simply, our thought patterns shape our reality. The thoughts we dwell on and the beliefs we hold influence the decisions we make, the opportunities we perceive, and even the energy we project.
If someone consistently thinks about what they lack, they’re more likely to feel discouraged and overlook opportunities. In contrast, someone who believes in abundance is more likely to notice opportunities and take bold actions.
The science behind this is linked to the brain’s reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons that helps filter and focus attention. When your brain believes something is important — whether it’s fear of scarcity or the belief in abundance — the RAS will seek out information to confirm those beliefs.
If you focus on abundance, your brain will filter information in a way that opens you up to new possibilities and resources. It creates an infallible belief system that anything is possible.
The Impact of Shifting to Superabundance
If you’re wondering how much difference your mindset can actually make, the answer is: a world of difference. Shifting from scarcity to superabundance can transform your life in profound ways:
- Improved Mental Health: A scarcity mindset often breeds anxiety, stress and fear. When you shift to a superabundant mindset, you replace fear-based thinking with hope, gratitude, and positivity, improving overall mental well-being.
- Enhanced Relationships: People with an abundance mindset are more likely to support others’ success, collaborate and give freely. This fosters stronger relationships based on mutual growth rather than competition or fear of losing out.
- Increased Opportunities: When you believe in abundance, you are more open to taking risks and seizing opportunities. This mindset encourages a proactive approach to life, where you trust that there are plenty of chances to succeed.
- Financial Growth: People with an abundance mindset are often more financially successful. Instead of being paralysed by fear of loss, they see investment opportunities, collaborate with others and take actions that align with long-term success. I learned a great tip once: always have a nice-looking wallet that you are proud of, and it must contain cash and, if possible, some foreign notes or coins. By witnessing abundance when opening and closing your wallet it unconsciously shifts your mindset around money.
- Greater Happiness: Focusing on abundance cultivates gratitude and contentment. By appreciating what you already have, while being open to receiving more, you invite more joy and fulfilment into your life.
How to Shift Your Consciousness
Unfortunately, there isn’t an overnight quick fix – shifting from a scarcity mindset to a superabundant one takes time, patience, and practice, These rooted beliefs start in childhood and the way you are brought up and the language you were surrounded by, that’s why you will see familial patterns around scarcity and abundance. However, if you work really hard at breaking the patterns and changing your mindset, you will have altered the course of the rest of your life.
- Practice Gratitude Daily
Yes, we hear this all the time, but research shows that gratitude is the foundation of an abundance mindset. By regularly focusing on what you are thankful for, you train your brain to notice abundance rather than lack. Start a daily gratitude practice by writing down three things you’re grateful for every day. Over time, this rewires your brain to seek out the positive, helping you develop a superabundant perspective.
- Visualise Abundance
Visualisation is a powerful tool that can help shift your mindset. Spend time each day visualising the life you want, imagining yourself surrounded by abundance in all areas: financial, emotional, social, and spiritual. Picture yourself thriving, not just surviving. This practice can help align your thoughts with the energy of abundance.
- Surround Yourself with an Abundant Community
You are who you hang around with, period. The people around you influence your thoughts and beliefs. If you spend time with people who have a scarcity mindset, it can be difficult to shift into abundance so rather choose to surround yourself with people who believe in growth, possibility, and abundance. Engage with communities that foster support, collaboration, and positivity, rather than competition and fear.
- Focus on Giving
One of the most powerful ways to move into superabundance is to give. Whether it’s your time, resources, or support, giving without expecting anything in return helps you realise that there is more than enough to go around. Giving creates a sense of abundance because it shows that you have something valuable to offer and that your contribution makes a difference.
- Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone
People with a scarcity mindset often view failure as a sign of lacking — lack of ability, resources, or opportunity. In a superabundant mindset, failure is seen as a learning experience and a necessary part of growth. By reframing failure as feedback rather than a dead end, you open yourself up to new possibilities and personal development.
Shifting from a scarcity consciousness to a superabundance consciousness requires intentional effort and hard work. It starts by catching your current limiting scarcity beliefs and rewiring those beliefs to those of abundance. If you can put in the work the rewards are immeasurable. It is a transformation that empowers you to live with greater joy, freedom, and creativity. It’s also a work in progress for many of us because, unfortunately, through life experience we are often more inclined to think negatively as opposed to positively.
By reprogramming your thought patterns, practicing gratitude, reframing negative thoughts, and surrounding yourself with abundant thinkers, you can break free from the chains of scarcity and invite superabundance into every aspect of your life.
Remember that your mindset is the lens through which you experience the world and, by choosing to believe in abundance, you are choosing to live a life filled with possibilities, hope, and limitless potential.
Yael Geffen is the CEO and shareholder of Sotheby’s International Realty, South Africa. She grew up in a real estate dynasty established by her grandmother, Aida, and, prior to joining the family business in 2009, she acquired extensive real estate marketing, brand building and business development experience in the United States. Yael is also an accomplished public and motivational speaker and her broadcast experience includes hosting and producing her own radio show from 2013 to 2017. Yael is a sought-after Life and Business Strategy Advisor.