Encouraging an Abundant Mindset
The concept of an abundant mindset is nothing new. We’ve all been introduced to the analogy of perceiving a glass either as half-full or half-empty. Usually, these perceivers would be classified as either optimists or pessimists, but there’s a deeper explanation as to why these two groups exist.
These insights rest on two distinct mindsets: Abundance and scarcity. Typically you’ll find either/or working alongside you.
In order to understand and apply an abundance mindset, you need to familiarise yourself with the scarcity mindset.
Firstly, we need to move away from the notion of pessimism, because that’s not what’s causing the scarcity mindset to manifest, but is rather a symptom. The deep-seated reason for a scarcity mindset is the simple fact that our brains are hard-wired to identify any potential sources of danger; it’s a pure instinct for survival.
In past centuries, identifying potential harm-factors may have been beneficial for our species’ survival, but today we’re at a tipping point where seeing potential instead of no-go areas is more likely to provide us our next step in human and organisational evolution.
We are living in a time where we’ve got it as good as it gets, yet we keep shifting goal posts and redefining problems.
Peter Diamandis, who founded the Singularity University, asks his students one question every year — to start a company, product or service that will positively affect the lives of billions of people, over a decade.
Now to put scarcity thinking into perspective: a person inclined to think as such would automatically assume a position of defeat manifested in various forms, whether it’s the overwhelming feeling of deeming a task impossible or poking holes in steps working towards a solution.
On the other side of the spectrum you’ve got those who apply an abundant mindset. These people are easily identifiable in their point of view, physical energy, emotional energy, and mental energy.
The abundant mindset advocates being in the driver’s seat; there’s a sense of control. As such, this mindset requires the “driver” to be relaxed, alert, and present. Furthermore, instead of tackling any task with a preconceived mental construct of defeat, abundance thinking cements a sense of empowerment, clarity, the ability to see “the bigger picture” and multiple angles, as well as being continuously flexible and adaptable.
So if we don’t live in a time where our existence is being threatened, why do so many approach work as a potential source of danger? How do we flip this mindset and encourage abundant thinking instead?
It boils down to “attitude is everything”. With the correctly applied mindset, any task, however colossal, seems doable, providing space for everyone to reach their full potential.
Encouraging an abundant mindset in your organisation is easier than you think and starts with 6 simple principles, as the Future of Work describes:
1. Help your team notice the positive
2. Encourage your team to adopt a neutral mindset
3. Lead your team through positivity-boosting activities
4. Guide your team through a self-compassionate script
5. Constantly give back to your team
6. Practice gratitude with your team
Going back to Peter Diamandis’ annual request for his students at the Singularity University, adopting an abundant mindset will eliminate perceived barriers and make a colossal task seem doable in rational, smaller steps with a can-do attitude.
If a project or task seems utterly unachievable, it’s natural to resort to only perceiving limitations, however, encourage possibility by asking your team to actively participate in these six principles.
There are various ways to go about this. The only way to grow is to learn and what better way to learn than from team members’ skillsets? At Inquisition, we share resources, talents and learnings as well as things that make us laugh or shake our heads. We alternate our work-spaces, we work from places that makes us feel fulfilled and supported. We’ve established book and drawing clubs and we’re even delving into “Office Yoga”.
Lastly, while it may seem a bit khumbaya, practicing gratitude for 5 minutes with your team, every day, helps you focus on the positive.
The glass is always half-full. There’s always room for possibility.
