Breaking the Cycle of Scarcity Fear: Embracing a Life of Abundance

by Jeffery A. Keill, CFP, CIM, FMA, FCSI, CEA

How Shifting Your Mindset Can Transform Your Reality.... and therefore your Life!

Ever notice that our lives are bombarded with messages about what we lack? Money, happiness, resources.... It’s easy to find ourselves stuck in a cycle of scarcity fear. I would argue this mindset is deep-seated from our youth and nurtured over time to reassure us of one self-confirming ‘truth’: there’s never enough to go around. This view of the world WILL shape our decisions, relationships, and overall well-being. Is it a belief based on fact? I would again argue, most adamantly-this is absolutely NOT true! What if we could break free from this limiting perspective and step into a life defined by a more available world full of resources? What if the world had abundance? What if we changed our disposition to accept the world as abundant and ready for us to grab? Scarcity holds us back, whereas abundance can cultivate a mindset that welcomes prosperity, kindness, and growth.

The fear of scarcity is more than just a passing worry; it’s a deeply ingrained belief system. It’s the resultant voice that whispers, “ I’m not good enough”, “If I share, I’ll lose out”, or being that person that consistently declares, “that’s not fair”. It is a lie. You are good enough, you will not lose out, and well, life is not always fair- especially for those who view it this way. This mentality often stems from early experiences during childhood or early adolescence- perhaps a household where money was tight, or a culture that valued competition over collaboration, much like a litter of puppies fighting for the food bowl. The result is an ongoing sense of anxiety and a tendency to hoard resources, whether they’re financial, emotional, physical, or even time.

Living in a world of scarcity can affect every aspect of our lives. It can make us less generous, less open to opportunities, and less resilient in the face of challenges. When we operate from a place of lack, we’re more likely to compare ourselves to others and feel threatened by their success. Measuring our worst of times to their best of times. This not only stifles our own potential but also prevents us from building strong, supportive relationships and communities.

Here is an old story that I think would be fitting. One day Bob was just minding his own business at the counter at a coffee shop. He was standing, enjoying a cup of tea he had just ordered. Suddenly and unexpectantly a stranger bumped his arm. Bob spilled his tea. How do you think Bob reacted? Whose fault was it that the tea spilled? Well, the answer is pretty clear. The tea spilled from the cup because Bob had tea in his cup. You probably think the stranger. Think of this; if Bob had water or coffee, then water or coffee would have spilled out, but Bob decided to have tea. Bob was the reason tea spilled out. Yes no doubt a stranger mistakenly bumped Bob, but it was not the strangers fault that tea was in the cup leading to tea  being spilled out. The stranger, like many mishaps and trauma, is inevitable in life. We are going to get bumped and what we carry with us will get spilled. If we carry anger, fear, and need I say- scarcity- then those will surely be the things that spill out when we get nudged in life. If we carry (by choice) faith, truth, integrity, love and abundance, then I argue it is those things that will spill out more often than not. Bob might have been upset, but having tea in the cup is his doing. What you carry and hold to be true in your life is what will spill out when you inevitably get bumped.

Here are 5 gems to help you break free of the fear of scarcity and help you put abundance in your cup.

1. Be Aware. Be aware of how the thought of scarcity shows up in your life, be it in your spending habits or your willingness to trust others. Recognizing these patterns is key to changing them.

2.  Practice Gratitude. Gratitude is a powerful antidote to scarcity thinking. Each day, remind yourself of the abundance you have in your life. Do not compare to others, but to yourself. The more you focus on what you have the less of what you lack is important. 

3. Share and Give Generously. It may seem counterintuitive, but giving- of your time, resources, or kindness-reinforces a sense of abundance. This act of authentic giving confirms to your self that there is abundance.

4. Challenge your language habits. Be very aware of how you say things to yourself and others, because you are listening. When you hear phrases like ‘there’s not enough” or i’ll never get ahead”, quetion their accuracy. You will find there is no evidence to support it. Replace them with empowering beliefs: “There’s plenty for everyone,” or “Opportunities are everywhere.”

5. Surround Yourself with Abundant Thinkers. This is a great tidbit. I have been very blessed to have so many great people in my life as role models. You want to play like a pro, then learn what the pros do. Community matters. Spend time with people who inspire you, who see possibilities in life instead of always limitation. No Negative Nellies allowed. They will not like your attitude anyway, because you no longer see or agree with their world views.

Breaking free from the fear of scarcity isn’t about ignoring reality- it’s about changing your relationship with it. By choosing to see the world through the lens of abundance, you open yourself up to richer experiences, deeper connections, and greater joy. Abundance isn’t just about having more; it is simply about being more.