Abundance

Since the dawn of time humans have been in competition - for food, water, shelter, natural resources, even mates. Many of us have grown up with the understanding that if we are not the hunter we will be the hunted. Today’s helicopter parents look for every edge in raising their children, assuming that entry into the best universities is a contest between only the strongest and fittest intellects. Leaders regularly think and act as though their business must be the aggressor or it will lose valuable market share. Personally, many of them are only too happy trashing the reputation of opponents in their effort to win at all costs. Our current political scene is making my argument seem quite compelling.

But what if our paradigm was misguided, or even dead wrong? Suppose instead of basing our plans and actions on a scarcity mentality we learned to recognize abundance in our world? Before I make my case, don’t assume that those persons living in the poorest neighborhoods or nations are there because of the wrong mindset. The lack of basic needs is a real problem and in many places resources, like water and food, are scarce. We can’t fix poverty just by imagining it doesn’t exist.

Yet we regularly underestimate the persistence and will of the poorest people to overcome obstacles. A micro loan that includes a fair interest rate is a proven method for changing the lives of millions of poor people. If we practice only a scarcity mentality that believes such loans are too risky then we will never invest. However, when we adopt an abundance mindset we work with what is before us and see the poor as ready, willing, and able to help themselves when they have access to capital and markets for their goods and services.

Nature is one of the best examples of abundance versus scarcity. A walk through any woods or meadow is like a never ending feast for the senses. Everywhere one looks there is an abundance of beauty. Each flower or tree invites us to pause and enjoy. A closer look will often result in even greater beauty. The tiniest seed can be breathtaking.

If leaders would acknowledge the abundance they already have then it would become more difficult to complain and offer excuses for what is missing. When I believe the world has lots to offer me why should I feel like others are luckier or smarter and that is why they are successful? If winning is so important perhaps your definition needs to be revisited. A lost promotion doesn’t have to end a career, it could start another one.

The real reason we may have such a struggle with scarcity and abundance is because we are too driven by our wants and not our actual needs. My inventory of wants is pretty long but I probably don’t really need most of what is on that list. My wants won’t make me happier or grant me greater satisfaction. How different would your life be if you stopped viewing the world as a zero sum game to be won or lost? Perhaps a walk in the woods could help you answer that question.