Is Seeking an “Abundance Mindset” Toxic?

Curt and Katie chat about abundance and scarcity mindsets, looking at what the research actually says about these often-used terms. We explore the dangers of how the abundance mindset is often weaponized against entrepreneurs (like private practitioners) in how they think and how much they should pay for coaching services. We also look at the role of privilege in how these mindsets are often talked about. Finally, we explore what might be better to focus on instead: practical or growth mindsets as well as wise mind.
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In this podcast episode we talk the dangers of striving for abundance mindset
We’ve heard a lot of people in a lot of different settings talk about the ideas of abundance and scarcity mindsets. We see some problems in how these concepts are used within popular culture.
What does the research say about scarcity and abundance mindsets?
When you have scarce resources, you will work to protect yourself and avoid death
There is research done on actual “scarcity” that is being inaccurately applied to people who do not have scarce resources (like some of the coaches and entrepreneurs who use this term)
People who have more resources think more abundantly (the finding is correlational, not directional)
What are the dangers of the “abundance mindset?”
The unrealistic nature of “thinking” your way out of poverty or practical challenges (without the reality of action)
The blaming the victim that can happen when someone is having trouble reframing their situation more positively
Weaponizing “abundance” to imply that you are sabotaging your practice
Using “abundance” as a sales tactic
What should therapists do instead of “being abundant?”
A strategic or problem-solving mindset
Learning practical strategies to do the work necessary
Allowing time to grow into the vision of your practice
Growth versus fixed mindset
Who we are:
Curt Widhalm, LMFT
www.curtwidhalm...
Katie Vernoy, LMFT
www.katievernoy...
A Quick Note:
Our opinions are our own. We are only speaking for ourselves - except when we speak for each other, or over each other. We’re working on it.
Our guests are also only speaking for themselves and have their own opinions. We aren’t trying to take their voice, and no one speaks for us either. Mostly because they don’t want to, but hey.