Quote:
Originally Posted by Bristol  While this "scarcity" mindset has been discussed in various forums on various topics, I do see a pattern (This's not meant to be personal about Steve's post at all - merely an observation/opinion...)
<BEGIN OPINION>
People post comments about how other people have a scarcity mindset when something they have been piking is construed as "too expensive" by some people. This stance usually comes across as a defensive posture - one that's designed to somehow elevate the poster to a higher level by dumping those who are having trouble finding a way to pay for the product/service into the "scarcity mindset" stereotype.
Ok, lets see here...
I really really want to buy something worth $2000 (Just an example).
I have, lets say, -$600 in the bank (yes, with a negative sign, happened to me many times)
My essential expenses per month are probably add up to more than $2000.
There's no way I can buy this. If only it were $500 or so, maybe I could have put it on my visa that has barely that much avaialble on it...
Now, if I look at this equation and feel that $2000 is "too high", I got a "scarcity mindset" ?
If only I could think wealthy, I could write a check and the bank would somehow allow it to go through?
These are real, objective numbers - not play-cash in a board game. Either you can afford something or you can't. If you can't and you really would like to have it, the price will appear out of reach, too high, greedy ...whatever.
Yes, one could try not to post something to that effect, and just simply admit that he couldn't afford it, perhaps next time...
Maybe then we can call those people to have a "neutral mindset" or something like that.
Dumping people in a generic "scarcity mindset" group because they can't afford something they would like to have, IMHO, is a sign of arrogance.
Blimey, but mostly these posts are written by people who can afford the prices. Maybe somewhere in the past they couldn't, but now they can. Happens all the time to many people...people in debt work out of it and go on to riches and vice versa.
And now that it's a new world for these people, suddenly, those "down there" have a scarcity mindset...if only they could look at their overdraft bank accounts, speak to the debt collectors, deal with the past due rent and feel wealthy....alas!!!
</END OPINION> |
You make an
interesting point.
I've always assumed that generally when someone I trust says something, it's likely that what they're saying is not them talking down to me, but a matter of difference. I.e. If Steve has $1,000,000, and I have $1,000, what he's saying is more about what I have to do differently because, in his experience, he found he had to do that, too.
But then, I wonder to what degree it's better to listen to yourself here, or rather, create your own way forward and blaze your own trail.
Ultimately I think both approaches can be effective, but like polarity, it's easiest to choose one. By my actions alone, it's clear that I choose drawing upon the knowledge I have of paths already blazed in the blazing of my own, but I can see it's potentially equally as possible to blaze your own trial and draw on what you might call infinite intelligence rather than the intelligence of fellow human beings. But is there really a difference? What is other humans drew on "infinite intelligence" to make progress on their own particular trial and you're now drawing on that?
All interesting stuff.
It really does make you aware of your own "thought bubble." Years ago I wouldn't have imagined I would think this way at all, but now I couldn't really imagine thinking differently. But then, if my past is anything to go by, thinking that this current level of thinking (or, at least, the general mindset and principles involved) is "it"--the maximum--in a few years or so, I'll have another "years ago, I wouldn't have thought this way at all" story to tell.
