Abundance Mindset

abundanceI often fall into a trap that everything has to be perfect before I will change anything. For example, I will start eating healthy when I finish all the junk food in my house, or I will start taking my wife on weekly dates when we pay down all of our debt. I get frustrated and honestly overwhelmed when I realize that nothing is ever going to be perfect. I need to make wise choices no matter what my circumstances are.

We all do this, and it is taking the joy out of what is right in front of us. What if we had an abundance mindset where we have everything we would ever want in order to do exactly what we need? My world would look drastically different. I wouldn’t have to spend money to have an amazing day packed with memories with my kids. I would be challenging myself to think of new and creative ways to show my wife how much I love her by going on at-home dates, or dates that didn’t cost anything.

How does this relate to finances? Changing our mindset is one of the most powerful things that we have control over. I have seen this multiple times in my own life, and I want to surround myself with people that will continually challenge me to have an abundance mindset. My definition of an abundance mindset is this, having more than enough, with the resources you currently have to thrive!

Here are 6 Tips to Develop and Model an Abundance Mindset, written by a man that I respect greatly, John C. Maxwell.

Offer words of appreciation. Let people know how much you value their contributions. People want to know that their work matters. Your influence and happiness will increase in direct proportion to the appreciation that you show your team. I have found this to be one of the fastest and simplest ways to build a more abundant life.

Choose to see opportunity. The next time your team is faced with an obstacle, flip it around and consider it an opportunity. Face the challenge with optimism and make sure your team sees you modeling that attitude. You’ll be surprised at how quickly problems dissolve and how soon optimism becomes your default mechanism.

Remind yourself that there is more than enough. As Covey said, there is enough pie to go around, so break that nasty habit of comparing yourself to others. Repeat after me: There is plenty for everyone. Say the sentence often enough, and it’ll become second nature.

Carefully select the company you keep. Mindsets are contagious. Limit your time with “the-glass-is-half-empty” people.

Spend time in reflection. Learn to acknowledge and appreciate all the positives in your life and work. Gratitude is a powerful aspect of an abundant mindset. A grateful heart is at the center of an abundant life. In his book, Life, the Truth, and Being Free, coach and speaker Steve Maraboli says, “Those with a grateful mindset tend to see the message in the mess. And even though life may knock them down, the grateful find reasons, if even small ones, to get up.”

Give more of what you want. Although it may sound counterintuitive, one of the best ways to increase your abundance is to give. Don’t feel like you have enough time? Slip away from your obligations, even if just for an hour, to help someone in need. Don’t feel like you have enough money? Give to someone less fortunate. In other words, be a river, not a reservoir. Giving is sure to put you in a more abundant and appreciative frame of mind.