How to Build an Abundance Mindset
"When we shift our mindset from scarcity to abundance, the universe opens up and the possibilities become infinite."
What Is an Abundance Mindset?
Adopting a strong, positive mindset is one of the best ways to overcome challenges throughout life. An abundance mindset is an optimistic mental perspective and attitude that focuses on the belief that there are ample opportunities, resources, outcomes, or possibilities in your life, other’s life, and the world. People who have adopted an abundance mindset see success and fulfillment as achievable and believe that challenges are opportunities for change. Individuals with this outlook believe that what is meant for you will not miss you.
Contrasting with a scarcity mindset, many who live with this perspective often believe there are limited resources. Often they operate out of fear of losing anything from a job, opportunities, a relationship, people, money, material objects, and more. Studies suggest that the pain of losing is greater than the joy of gaining. Therefore, people will go to great lengths to protect what they think they already have.
Why do we get stuck in a scarcity mindset?
Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and rewire, plays a crucial role in shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset. When stuck in a scarcity mindset, our brains reinforce negative thought patterns associated with lack and fear. To change this, we must actively work on rewiring our brains. By consciously practicing gratitude, positive affirmations, and visualizing abundance, we can stimulate neuroplasticity, forming new neural pathways that promote a more positive and abundant outlook. Over time, this rewiring can help us break free from habitual scarcity thinking and embrace a mindset of abundance and possibility.
Why is an Abundance Mindset Important?
Empowerment, confidence, contentment, and resilience are all characteristics of the emotional experience of an abundance mindset. Rather than viewing themselves as a victim, individuals with an abundance mindset see themselves as the hero of their own story.
There are many benefits to adopting an abundance mindset. People are often happier because of their faith that things will work out for themselves. They also tend to be more successful by taking new risks. Believing in an abundance of time is also important in relieving physical stress from the pressure of pursuing one’s goals.
An abundance mindset values personal growth and enables one to be open-minded and more innovative, leading to trying new things. It is important to shift your beliefs and thinking patterns to that of abundance because of the freedom and empowerment that naturally come when you have hope for the future. Rather than viewing failures or hardships as insurmountable obstacles, an abundance mindset reframes these as temporary setbacks.
How to Build an Abundance Mindset in Your Daily Life
Focus on what you can control and what you already have, put your energy here. Accept yourself + the present moment exactly as it is. Instead of comparing yourself to others, ask yourself how you can be inspired by them and what you can learn from others’ success. Acknowledge your strengths and give yourself daily affirmations. When your needs and wants are not met, remember that there are ample opportunities and time to get what you desire. Name people, things, and circumstances you are grateful for (keep a gratitude journal).
Day-to-Day Practices: A Mini Guide
*It is important to remember that like anything meaningful in life, this takes time to rewire our neuroplasticity.
Tend to yourself
Taking care of your well-being may include daily check-ins with yourself to assess your energy. This may look like asking yourself “Is this serving me to put my focus here?” It might also look like doing the basics: good hydration, sleeping routines, a healthy, balanced diet, connecting with loved ones, and doing things you enjoy.
Let Go of Scarcity
Whenever you catch yourself thinking in terms of scarcity, consciously replace those thoughts with more positive, abundance-oriented ones. This may look like shifting the narrative from “I will never be able to...” to “This time it did not work out but there is a bounty of opportunity for...”. Reframing can be a powerful tool to help change the neural pathways in the brain.
Embrace Challenges
See setbacks and challenges as temporary and part of your journey toward abundance. Anytime we encounter a challenge, we can shift our thinking to viewing it as an opportunity. An opportunity to learn, grow and evolve. Of course if it is an intense challenge, we need to create space for the feelings associated with that experience. When we feel like we have processed our emotions healthily, then we can ask ourselves, what do I need now, even in spite of this challenge?
Increase Positive Influence
Spend time with individuals who actively seek optimism, growth, success, happiness, and abundance. When we surround ourselves with people who lift us, inspire us, or help us be our authentic versions of ourselves, we may notice boost in mood, connection to self and others, and a sense of lightness.
Keep a Success Journal
Writing down a few things you are grateful for reinforces the belief that you already possess much. Reviewing your achievements can remind you of your ability to manifest abundance. When we also highlight our success, we ensure we are celebrating even the small wins. Research studies have shown that keeping a gratitude journal can have a positive impact on mental well-being. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology revealed that individuals who practiced gratitude by maintaining a journal reported higher levels of optimism and increased satisfaction with their lives. Another research conducted by Emmons and McCullough in 2003 supported these findings, demonstrating that those who actively expressed gratitude tended to have a more positive outlook on life.
Visualization
Spend a few minutes each day visualizing your goals and aspirations as if they've already been achieved. Imagine the abundance of success and fulfillment in your life. Visualization, also known as mental imagery, is a commonly utilized technique in various fields, including sports, psychology, and personal development. Research on visualization techniques suggests that mentally picturing an action or outcome can lead to improved performance and increased motivation. Studies have shown that when individuals vividly imagine themselves succeeding at a task, their brain patterns often mirror those of people actually performing the activity. Visualization has been linked to reduced stress and anxiety levels, as well as enhanced focus and self-confidence. Research also indicates that incorporating visualization exercises into daily routines can help individuals better cope with challenges and setbacks by reinforcing a positive mindset.
If you are in the state of California and looking for more support, please do not hesitate to reach out! We’d love to support you!
About me;
Hi! I’m Dr. Kelly Vincent, Licensed Psychologist and owner of Nourished Wellness Group (CA PSY30672). My area of expertise and specialty focuses on working with women struggling with anxiety, high “functioning” anxiety, burnout, nervous system dysregulation, imposter syndrome, low self-esteem and trauma. I’m passionate about the mind-body connection, thus I integrate the body in my work through EMDR, yoga, somatic experiencing, and walking. If you are looking for more 1:1 work, please feel free to reach out to us. We’d love to talk with you more about your individual need and to explore if we’d be a fit, click here!
Citations & Sources
Storch, A. (2023). Plenty to Go Around. TD: Talent Development, 77(5), 24–29.
Masterclass. (2023). Abundance Mindset: 5 Ways to Develop an Abundance Mindset. Retrieved from https://www.masterclass.com/articles/abundance-mindset
Neuroplasticity. (2012, November 6). Sentis. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELpfYCZa87g
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