From Scarcity to Prosperity: Embracing Abundance
By Eva Schmidt, FNP-BC, NBC-HWC, PCC, CEC
In a world that often celebrates hustle and competition, we can find ourselves falling into a mindset of scarcity—a belief that there simply isn’t enough to go around. We worry that opportunities are limited, resources finite, and success reserved for a select few. We often struggle to accept abundance because of deeply ingrained beliefs and societal conditioning that shape our worldview. These mental and emotional blocks prevent us from seeing the world as abundant, and instead, reinforce a scarcity mindset. For many, accepting abundance can be challenging and limiting.
Scarcity often manifests as fear—fear that you’re not enough, don’t have enough, or won’t achieve enough. It whispers to you that you need to cling tightly to what you have, be it money, time, or opportunities.
This mindset limits not just your actions but also your potential. It fosters envy, competition, and unnecessary stress. When you believe there’s not enough to go around, you may hold back from sharing, collaborating, or even celebrating others’ successes. You may find yourself feeling constantly behind, no matter how much you achieve. But here’s the truth: scarcity is just a perception, not a reality.
Abundance, on the other hand, is rooted in the belief that the world is filled with opportunities and resources for everyone to thrive. It encourages you to trust that you are capable, worthy, and connected to the flow of life. This mindset shift is empowering—it can transform how you approach challenges, relationships, and success.
Living with an abundance mindset doesn’t mean you’re delusional or ignoring challenges. Instead, it’s a way of focusing on the possibilities rather than the limitations. We can apply this mindset to many areas.
When it comes to time for example, while we all have the same 24 hours, an abundance mindset helps you use your time effectively, knowing that there’s time for rest, growth, and enjoyment. It’s about letting go of the pressure to “do it all” and embracing what truly matters.
From an early age, many of us are taught that resources are limited, and that life is a zero-sum game—if someone else wins, we lose. We’re taught to believe in “survival of the fittest,” where only the strongest or most skilled succeed, while others are left behind. As a result, we internalize a fear that there’s not enough to go around, making it difficult to accept the concept of abundance.
But when you believe in abundance, you approach relationships with generosity. You give without the expectation of receiving, trusting that the energy you put out will come back to you in unexpected ways. You celebrate others’ successes rather than compare yourself to them.
Perhaps one of the biggest barriers to accepting abundance is the deep-rooted belief that we are not worthy of it. If we hold the belief that we are not “enough”—whether in terms of talent, intelligence, beauty, or success—we may unconsciously sabotage opportunities for abundance. We might feel guilty for wanting more or believe that we don’t deserve it. This sense of unworthiness limits our ability to embrace the fullness that life has to offer and instead keeps us in a cycle of self-doubt and lack. Embracing abundance teaches us that we are inherently worthy of love, success, and joy. There’s no need to prove or compete—just to show up as your authentic self.
Shifting to an abundance mindset takes practice, but it’s worth it. There are many things we can do to start embracing abundance in our lives.
Perhaps one of the simplest, yet most powerful ways is to practice gratitude. When you focus on what you have rather than what you lack, you begin to see that life is already full. Make it a habit to write down three things you’re grateful for each day and watch your mindset shift over time. Then throughout the day, remind yourself to be open to even more opportunities for receiving abundance.
Let go of the limiting beliefs about money, success, or love that stem from a scarcity mindset. Challenge those beliefs by asking yourself, “Is this really true?” Replace these limiting thoughts with more expansive, abundant ones.
Celebrate others’ successes. When you genuinely celebrate others’ achievements, you’re sending a message to yourself that there’s more than enough success to go around. It also shifts your focus from comparison to inspiration, fueling your own drive to succeed.
Be generous and give freely. Whether it’s your time, money, or talents, giving freely is a powerful way to embrace abundance. When you give without fear of losing, you affirm that you have more than enough to share. The act of giving can also create a positive cycle of reciprocity, where generosity attracts more generosity.
When you embrace abundance, you create a ripple effect that extends beyond your own life. You inspire others to see the world differently, and you contribute to a collective mindset of growth, possibility, and compassion. Is it too lofty a goal to think that as more people adopt this mindset, we can collectively create a world that is more collaborative, generous, and fulfilling for everyone? I’d like to think that’s possible.
Learning to embrace abundance takes time and consistent effort, but it can lead to profound transformation. By letting go of scarcity and trusting in the infinite possibilities around us, we open ourselves up to a fuller, more prosperous life. Abundance is not something you acquire; it’s something you tune into. It’s a shift in perspective, a change in how you see the world. By focusing on what you have, giving freely, and believing in the infinite possibilities around you, you can transform your life. Embrace abundance, and watch your world expand.
How will you start embracing abundance today? Feel free to share your thoughts!
Eva Schmidt is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), an NBHWC Certified Health and Wellness Coach, a Certified Executive Coach (CEC), a Certified MentorCoach (CMC), and a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC).
As founder of 3 Springs Coaching, she combines two decades of experience in healthcare and business coaching to serve her clients. Her website is www.3springscoaching.com.
