"Many of us live in an economy of scarcity, where we believe there is not enough to go around and that it is our duty to struggle."

We often find ourselves stuck in a mindset where we think there's never enough to go around, and we have to hustle endlessly just to make ends meet. This idea is pretty common. It stems from a deep-rooted belief that resources—money, time, opportunities—are limited. So, we fall into this trap of constant struggle, convinced that if we don't fight for our share, we'll miss out.

Historically, this scarcity mindset probably came from times when resources really were limited. Think about the Great Depression or wartime rationing. People had to scrimp and save just to survive. And even though many of us are not in such dire straits now, the fear of not having enough still lingers. It shapes our attitudes and behaviors in subtle ways. It's like we're haunted by the ghosts of past hardships.

Let's bring it to life with a real-life example. Imagine Sarah, a talented graphic designer. She's always juggling multiple projects, working late into the night, and rarely taking a break. Why? Because she believes that if she says no to any project, she might miss a crucial opportunity. She's stuck in that economy of scarcity. She thinks there's not enough work to go around and that she has to grab every chance she gets—or else.

But what if Sarah shifted her mindset? Instead of seeing opportunities as scarce, she could see them as abundant. She could focus on quality over quantity, choosing projects that truly excite her and allow her to do her best work. By doing this, she'd likely find that clients value her expertise even more. Her work-life balance would improve, and she'd be happier and more productive.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by recognizing when you're driven by fear of scarcity. Are you taking on too much? Are you hoarding things—money, time, opportunities—because you're afraid there won't be more? Challenge those beliefs. Try to see abundance instead. Trust that there are plenty of opportunities, and that it's okay to let some go. It’s about quality, not quantity.

Picture this: You're at a buffet with a huge variety of delicious food. If you think there's not enough, you'll pile your plate high with everything, worried it’ll run out. But if you trust that there’s plenty, you’ll take just what you want, savoring each bite, enjoying the experience. Life’s kind of like that buffet. Trusting in abundance can make the whole experience richer and more fulfilling.

Let me share a quick story. My friend Jake, a freelance writer, used to take on every job he could find. He was always stressed, rarely sleeping, and his work suffered. One day, he decided to change his approach. He started being selective, only taking projects that interested him and paid well. At first, it was scary—he turned down work. But soon, he found that his reputation for high-quality work brought in even better opportunities. He was happier, healthier, and more successful.

So, think about it. Are you living in an economy of scarcity or abundance? Challenge those old beliefs and see what happens when you trust there's enough to go around. You might be surprised at the change.