What you want = what you fear

"As soon as we want something, anything, it implies we don't have it. Wanting comes from a belief in lack. I can only want what I believe I don't already have." -- The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership

At work and at home, one theme I regularly return to is Scarcity mindset. Lack.

Bouncing between organizations, it's easy to spot: The leaders who are always wanting more or highlighting what they don't have (a better title, bigger team, more resources, etc). The cultures where layoffs, restructures, and an emphasis on hierarchy/salary/titles create fear in the workforce.

The result is competition versus collaboration. People believe they need to work harder and longer because there's not enough.

It's hard to see when you're swimming in it. But as an outsider, it's quickly apparent.

The funny thing is that it undermines appreciation for what already exists: I have a job (hopefully that I love) that pays me a fair wage. It is the polar opposite of abundance and gratitude.

Scarcity cultures create fear by creating want.

In an environment such as this, a fear response is to be expected. It's one of the three core wants:

1. Safety and security
2. Approval
3. Control

Safety is at the root of all wants.

I don't feel safe>I seek approval>If I can't get either of those, I will try to control people/my environment. 

Bringing awareness to the fear (and the underlying want) is elegantly easy to counterbalance through affirmations that shift beliefs:

• I have enough
• I am enough
• I am safe 

The power to make that shift comes from within. Even in a sh**** work environment. 😉

When I notice fear in myself, it prompts me to examine what I think I want and affirm that I already have it. 

• I want appreciation for my work>I appreciate my contributions
• I want more time>I choose how I use my time
• I want to have more friends>I connect with my friends

What do you want? Notice what you already have, and you'll remove the fear.