Switching From A Negative Scarcity Mindset To A Positive Expansive Mindset
5 Tips to An Expansive Mindset
Change is part of 21st Century living today. The unexpected can be a real struggle and challenge for some of us to calmly “go with the flow”. How we view the ups and downs and the unexpected can influence the quality of our experiences.
When we are young, we see ourselves as super heroes, full of adrenalin, willing to take risks without thinking about any consequences. Bungee jumping off cliffs and sky diving out of airplanes - we believe we are immortal. However, as time creeps silently by, our life experiences erode that courage and confidence, inhibiting our carefree spirit of carpe diem.
Oblivious to us, our thinking style goes into autopilot loaded with programs developed out of our life experiences that like a remote control navigates our actions and thoughts. Our mindset is born. One way of determining this default way of thinking is by asking, “Is the glass half empty or half full?” When people see a half empty glass, their overall attitude and focus is pessimistic and skeptical, not seeing the possibilities of a bigger picture. On the other hand, people who see a glass half full are inclined to be more optimistic about a situation and be more open to what may be possible.
These two different modes of thinking influence the quality of our experiences by either infusing us with positive energy and excitement or by draining our spirit, making us despondent and pessimistic of the outcome. It is a choice between living freely out of the box with limitless possibilities or being trapped in the confines of a box - suffocated, suppressed and hopeless.
How can we flip this switch from a negative scarcity mindset to a positive expansive mindset? How do we empower that choice to gain a wider expansive view and see all the possibilities that generate enthusiasm and excitement to perform at our best? Intentional, conscious and mindful presence is required.
Experiment with these 5 ways to empower an expansive mindset:
1. Stop speculating
It is natural to create a hypothesis to weigh the pros and cons and assess the best way forward. The problem is that when we focus on preparing for all the possible obstacles, our vision narrows and magnifies any problems and challenges. This inadvertently blinds us to seeing the bigger picture. We need to step back and out of this negative scrutinizing into a more open wide-ranging view in order to seize possible opportunities that can only be seen from the outside of a problem-oriented mindset. Stay open to the big picture.
2. Challenge negative thoughts
Not all negative thoughts are bad for you. Their purpose is to help protect you from failing and even sometimes from imminent danger. However, sometimes we can go into overdrive and start to overthink, causing us to spiral, moving us away from reality, and consequently obstructing our chances of succeeding. To avoid spiraling, we need to challenge these negative thoughts to gain a more level-headed perspective and sense of confidence rather than doubt and uncertainty. Focus on what you know to be true.
3. Protect yourself from others negativity
It is very natural to seek approval and consensus from our mentors and friends. However, what do we do when instead of receiving agreement and support, we receive skepticism and pessimism? Our eagerness is crushed and our vision contracts to a state of justifying, sucking out all of our enthusiasm. We need to stay confident in our desire to move forward by transforming negative feedback to learning possible weaknesses in order to strengthen our ideas and strategies. By staying open and curious to other viewpoints, you are then in a position to expand your choices and explore options that can only be revealed through debate and discussion. Seek to learn and gain perspective.
4. Focus on being mindfully present
When we get so focused on anticipating possible future obstacles, we are absent from what is present and possible now. Our minds are overloaded with information from the past and what we want in the future once again limiting our vision of powerful opportunities that can only be found in the present moment. It’s important to consciously stop the inner dialogue and be in the present moment to benefit and take advantage of the unforeseeable choices. The key is to remain consciously quiet and listen. Be present to capture opportunities.
5. Remind yourself to stay confident and courageous
No one likes to be weak and vulnerable. Yet, in order to be courageous we need to overcome vulnerability. Our intention is always to be happy and confident so we do our best to avoid challenging situations or ideas - and this can be our greatest obstacle to achieving success. This is when it is important to remind yourself to stay confident and be courageous so that you can tap into your inner strength and wisdom. Stay confident and courageous to overcome obstacles.
Switching from a negative scarcity mindset to a positive expansive mindset to manage uncertainty and effectively seize opportunities can fill you up with excitement and motivation!
Are you ready to flip the switch and see what’s possible?
