Abundance or Deficit Thinking?

While learning to run Byrdseed as a full time job, I’ve had to change my thinking about money. It’s easy to be miserly and hold onto every dollar, thinking it might be the last. But I’ve learned that spending money often frees up my time, and can return more money and opportunities in the end.

And then, rather than trying to hoard every opportunity, it’s helpful to pass those onto my talented friends (who then do the same for me).

In short, I’ve learned that what I have can grow when I use it well.

Abundance or Deficit?

I’ve heard these frames of mind referred to as “abundance” and “deficit” thinking.

• Abundance: There’s always more out there. We can learn. We can improve.
• Deficit: I have to hold on to what I’ve got. It’s all I’ll ever have.

In some ways, they’re related the growth and fixed mindsets.

Abundance vs Deficit In Classrooms

I definitely see teachers with both of these mindsets. You can probably picture colleagues of each type.

Deficit-minded teachers think:

• there’s not enough time to do ____
• that won’t work with my kids (my #1 pet peeve)
• not another thing to learn
• we can’t allow ____ because kids will abuse it
• taking a break wastes time
• that didn’t work last time

Abundance-thinking teachers believe that:

• we’ll make time for something important
• my kids can do this if I help them
• it’s worth the effort to understand a new idea
• some kids may abuse ____ at first, but we’ll work through it
• taking a break recharges us, so we can use our time better
• we’ll make it work this time

Our thinking directly impacts the way we treat students, parents, and colleagues. Students will grow when you believe they can grow. Parents become allies rather than obstacles. Plus, it’s just a lot more fun to be around someone who believes in abundance.