Abundance or Scarcity…Choose

“Everything that can be invented has been invented.” Charles H. Duell; Commissioner, US patent office, 1899

Looks like a ridiculously absurd statement 123 years later doesn’t it? This is the epitome of what is known as a scarcity, lack, or poverty mentality. It is a mindset that is founded on the idea that given a finite amount of resources, a person must hoard their belongings and protect them from others believing that there’s not enough to go around.

Contrast that with an abundance or wealth mentality. This mental state or way of thinking is a frame of mind in which a person believes there is "enough for everyone". It is an underlying characteristic of outrageously successful people. One only needs to look at Mother Nature to see its application. How many seeds are in an apple? How many apples are in a seed? One apple seed planted, an endless supply of apples produced.

An "abundance mentality" is more than having a positive mental attitude. When you have a positive mental attitude, you look at how things can be done rather than why they can't. You believe that "where there's a will, there's a way." You focus on possibilities and opportunities rather than obstacles and problems which is a mindset that's critical for success in any endeavor. An abundance mentality will take you beyond a positive mental attitude and will eliminate small thinking and offset negative energy. It can mean the difference between success or failure, excellence or mediocrity, and prosperity or despair. People with an abundance mentality believe the following:

• "The more I serve, the more people there will be that want me to serve them."

• "The more I give, the more I'll have to give."

• "The more I learn, the more I recognize there is to learn."

People with an abundance mentality believe there are more than enough resources available to accomplish their goals. They also believe that their success doesn't mean failure for others. On the contrary, the more people they help to be successful the more successful they will be. As a result they're thrilled when friends and associates prosper rather than being jealous of their accomplishments. If you struggle with this, here are some things that you can do to boost and enhance an abundance mentality:

• Make a commitment to continuous growth and development. Set up a reading, listening, watching and learning schedule. Read books on personal and professional development. Listen to personal development and motivational podcast. Participate in seminars and personal training and development programs.

• Help others grow. A wise philosopher once said, "When you help another person get to the top of a mountain, you will arrive there also." When you succeed, give away the knowledge you've learned to others wanting to duplicate or surpass your accomplishments. Seeing people grow as a result of your efforts will enhance your abundance mentality and manifest even greater successes for you and others.

• Have a written, specific goals program. If you haven't started a goals program, start now. If you've started, update it. Review your goals daily, and update your action steps and accomplishments.

• Utilize the synergy of a mastermind group. Join one or more organizations that have members who share your interest in personal and professional development and who support you in the process.

Abundance starts in your mind. The more you think abundantly, the more abundance you can enjoy. The more abundance you enjoy, the more people you'll serve and success you'll experience. At the end of the day it's simply a choice...choose wisely.

Believe…