Cultivating A Mindset Of Limitless Possibilities
My word for 2025 is 'limitless' and, I'll admit, like most things, there's good and bad that come with this intention.
On the one hand, it's helping me break through self-imposed upper limits with which my mind falsely got comfortable.
On the other hand, it can create a subliminal expectation that anything and everything is possible, all at once. (cue my old perfectionist and over-achiever tendencies that are waiting on the sidelines, ready to dominate. while seemingly helpful, they're rarely the healthiest choices for me.) Like most things, it requires awareness and balance.
That said, there's something else that is at the root of this, and it's a mindset shift I've worked on for two decades: moving from scarcity thinking to one of abundance.
Mind you, this isn't a light switch where I go from gripping, fear, and squirreling things away to one where I am open-handed and unafraid without question in every situation. But I'm much closer on the spectrum of abundance thinking now than I once was.
Let's do a quick exercise: I've listed several categories, and I invite you to think or write down your immediate reactions to your current and potential future relationship to each:
Finances
Relationships
Living situation
Career trajectory
Health/fitness/wellness
Sense of self
For example:
Finances: “I don't like to spend for fear that when I need it, it won't be there.” (scarcity orientation)
Relationships: “I share openly of myself and my time. I'd prefer to open up and trust that that opens a door for others to meet me there. I trust that there are just enough people to be in relationship with me as I desire, in ways that feel meaningful.” (abundance orientation)
Living situation: “I live with roommates whom I don't enjoy and who drain my energy. I do it because I'm worried about a recession despite having ample savings and steady work.” (scarcity orientation)
Career trajectory: “I believe that my professional aspirations are possible. That having these desires is evidence that I can do them. Despite others doing the things I want already, I see that as a signal that it's possible, not that they've taken my place.” (abundance orientation)
Health/fitness/wellness: “I've never felt stronger and better. I'm grateful to age. It's a gift. My health is a priority, and I feel full of energy. I choose to eat well, hydrate, get ample sleep, and move my body every day. The future is bright.” (abundance mindset)
Sense of self: “I'm not thin enough, good-looking enough, muscular enough, smart enough, or capable enough….” (scarcity orientation)
Once you've completed them for yourself (add or subtract any categories you'd like), what did you notice?
With which, if any, are you coming from a place of abundance, possibility, and potential?
And with which, if any, are you coming from a place of scarcity, fear, and/or a limited perspective?
How do you feel about that? Are there any shifts you'd like to make?