The mind is a powerful tool and can drastically change how you perform in your career, at school, and in your personal relationships. In fact, some studies show how you think can even have an impact on your immune system. Some might even say what you think is what you are. The power of the mind is one reason why it’s important to have an abundance mindset.
It’s more than just thinking positively, and can have a huge impact on your life and even your finances.
What’s an abundance mindset?
An abundance mindset was coined by Stephen Covey in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. This 1989 best seller taught Americans that in order to change your life, you need to change your mindset.
For Covey, an abundant mindset is when you believe there are enough resources and you have enough success to share with others.
That’s opposed to the scarcity mindset, which states that if someone wins, then you lose. In other words, there are only so many resources to go around.
Why do you need an abundance mindset?
Having an abundance mindset is part of your personal development. While it’s not a cure-all, an abundance mindset can help you live a fulfilling life. It can help you look at the big picture and enjoy new opportunities that come your way.
It can also have an impact on your finances. If you think abundantly, chances are you’ll find new ways to create wealth in your life. But let’s be clear -- having an abundance mindset won’t make your debt go away or make you rich overnight.
But what it can do is help you see things in a new light and tackle your finances in a creative way as you work towards getting out of debt.
How to have an abundance mindset
Sounds easier said than done, right? It might seem daunting, but having an abundance mindset is really just about changing your perspective. Here are a few things you can do to take control of your mind and think abundantly:
Focus on your thoughts
Your thoughts are key to an abundance mindset and attracting prosperity into your life! Part of that is thinking big and practicing affirmations. Don’t think about scarcity. If a friend gets a new job or a colleague gets a promotion, don’t think about how you wanted that job or promotion.
Instead, be happy for them and think that there will be other jobs and opportunities out there for you. You can even take it a step further and think that you didn’t get the job because it wasn’t meant for you. And when you do get a new job or promotion, it will be the one that is right for you.
Appreciate what you have
Being grateful is such a small yet powerful tool. Try to practice gratitude every day. Write down one thing you’re grateful for in your planner or diary or just spend some time being grateful before you go to bed.
If you feel stuck, you can think about simple things, like the fact that you have a bed to sleep in, the air you breathe, or the fact that you have an investment account.
Don’t get hung up on the fact that you aren’t where you want to be where you are in your career or haven’t even invested much. Instead, think about how much you’ve accomplished and what you have invested.
Embrace change
Change is part of life but that doesn’t mean we like it. Instead of being scared of change or fighting against it, embrace it. Change is usually positive, even if it’s uncomfortable at times. Part of having an abundance mindset is seeing change as an opportunity, instead of a hindrance.
Be proactive
Look for opportunities. Having an abundance mindset isn’t just about being positive all the time. It’s also about looking for opportunities and jumping on them when you have the chance.
For example, if you see an opportunity to earn some extra cash to put towards your credit card loans, don’t get dismayed if it doesn’t make a huge dent. Finding lots of opportunities to earn extra cash here and there adds up and will help you towards becoming debt-free.
Bottom line: You can build an abundance mindset!
An abundance mindset can enrich your life. Not only will it help you be grateful for what you have, but it will also broaden your mind to think of new opportunities and creative endeavors. Your career, wallet, and relationships will thank you. Believe and you will receive.
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