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Two Types of Thinkers: Which Are You?

Over the years, I have noticed that there are two kinds of thinking. One kind leads to success, joy, and fulfillment. The other leads to failure, fear, and discontent. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7 NKJV).

Luch bushes and sand - Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/Vladimirovic, Image #4161005

My friend, Robert Smith, is a great example of the first. He is one of the most generous people I know. He always greets me with a big smile, a hug, and an encouraging word. I always leave his presence energized, feeling great about being me.

And I have noticed that he is like this with everyone. He treats employees, vendors, booking agents, publishers, and everyone else as if they were his best customers. He routinely invests in their success. It comes back to him in a thousand ways.

Robert is my best example of an abundance thinker.

One of my former clients, Charlie (not his real name), is just the opposite. He exhibits a hoarding mentality. He never picks up the check, even if he asks you to lunch. He constantly complains—about everything. I haven’t seen him in years, but when I did, I always left his presence drained and diminished.

It turns out that he, too, was like this with everyone. His employees—and even family members—rolled their eyes when you mentioned his name. They lived in constant fear that their livelihood and well-being were at risk. Interestingly, the success he craved seemed to elude him.

Charlie is my best example of a scarcity thinker.

The question is this: Which type of thinker are you? Maybe it’s time to do some honest self-evaluation. Better yet, ask those closest to you.

As I was running this morning, I noted eight characteristics of abundance thinkers:

  1. They believe there is always more where that came from.
  2. They are happy to share their knowledge, contacts, and compassion with others.
  3. They default to trust and build rapport easily.
  4. They welcome competition, believing it makes the pie bigger and them better.
  5. They ask themselves, How can I give more than is expected?
  6. They are optimistic about the future, believing the best is yet to come.
  7. They think big, embracing risk.
  8. They are thankful and confident.

I also noted eight characteristics of scarcity thinkers:

  1. They believe there will never be enough.
  2. They are stingy with their knowledge, contacts, and compassion.
  3. They default to suspicion and find it difficult to build rapport.
  4. They resent competition, believing it makes the pie smaller and them weaker.
  5. They ask themselves, How can I get by with less than is expected?
  6. They are pessimistic about the future, believing that tough times are ahead.
  7. They think small, avoiding risk.
  8. They are entitled and fearful.

The truth is that, for most of us, we are not either / or. We are a little of both. I certainly want to grow as an abundance thinker. Reviewing these characteristics has given me some clarity. How about you?

Question: How do you see these two ways of thinking impacting your world? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Posted on July 20, 2011

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  • http://twitter.com/r_lewis Ricky Lewis

    WOW you hit this right on the head. I am in the middle of dealing with some family that fits this bill. I agree that we all are a little of both and so I also hope to be more of an abundance thinker.  I also hope that my family members can some day be open to seeing their leaning toward scarcity thinkers and change their perspective.

    Thank you!

  • Anonymous

    You are so right about Robert.  I have never met anyone so genuinely excited about other people’s success.  He gives and gives and gives – with no concern about it may benefit him.  He is a walking, breathing example of the Law of the Harvest.

  • http://www.facebook.com/gregfelty Greg Felty

    Really appreciated this post this morning.  So true how the abundance thinker is a joy to be around, while the scarcity thinker is the opposite…leaving one (as you said) drained and diminished.  We followers of Jesus, of all people, ought to be abundance thinkers!

    Along with that challenge to be an abundance thinker, we are pressed with the challenge to love ALL unconditionally, including the scarcity thinker.  Ahhhh…..so much to think about, Michael.

    Thanks again for this great post!

  • http://www.tonyjalicea.com Tony Alicea

    The beauty of an abundance thinker is that many times their mentality is contagious. When I surround myself with abundance thinkers, they challenge me to imitate their character. 

  • http://www.shannonmilholland.blogspot.com Shannon Milholland

    This is such a valuable insight.  Living a life of abundance towards others is a choice.  Makes me think of the scripture, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously
    will also reap generously.” (2 Cor. 9:6)  I want to live my life giving away to others and sowing goodness into the fertile ground of their lives. 

  • Brandon Morrell

    This post reminds me of great men and women of faith… and then those we know that never get the bigger picture. “It rains on the just and the unjust.” That’s a part of life. 

    “But when I look about, and I think these things all out. All of the goods days, outweigh the bad days, I can’t complain.”  

    Thanks Michael, for challenging us to be self-less thinkers. 

  • Manningp

    I too am a little of both.  I love to be an abundent thinker but it does not fit all the time as you well know.  Some think I share way too much, others think well what a bitch she can be.  I hate the air suckers of the world and hope no one person thinks of me that way.
    love you

  • http://allthingsloss.wordpress.com Kevin Mackesy

    This is good.  Of course I notice aspects of both in my own life, like you said.  My youth pastor when I was in high school called the two types of people “life-sustainers” and “life-drainers.”  It’s cheesy, but I never forgot it and it goes along perfectly with this post. 

    I just found your blog within the last few weeks and have been mining it for nuggets every day since.  I’ve gotten a few chest fulls so far…thanks!

  • Ruthie Dean

    Scarcity thinking= not trusting God. I just had an arguement with my husband this morning because I was anxious about where the money could possibly come from for seminary. Seminary = God’s calling. Why am I so afraid? Abundance thinking comes down to learning to be content, knowing God is in control, and remembering His promise to provide. I hate associating with scarcity thinkers, so I disguise myself well as an abundance thinker (picking up the checks, great attitude, etc.)…great post! http://www.ruthiedean.com

  • Nadia 1

    I have to admit I am a little bit of both…while I am more positive than negative it does seep in there sometimes. This article made me think about the people in my life that are more like the scarcity thinkers. For my own well being I have had to distance myself from them because they are too emotionally draining to be around.

  • Larry Andrews

    It would be SOOOO NICE to have an Actual abundance thinker IN MY Life on a Regular basis! I know of not ONE.

    • Joe Lalonde

      Larry, sorry to hear that. Start looking and expanding your circle of influence. Purposely seek out an abundance thinker. If there’s no one local that you can find, start devouring books that are written by abundance thinkers or associate with them online.

    • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

      I agree with Joe.  Find one ASAP!

    • http://brevis.me Robert Ewoldt

      While it might not be a physical friend, if you subscribe to Michael’s blog,
      you’ll have a virtual abudance-thinking friend in your life every day :)

      • http://LookingForPurpose.com Dylan Dodson

        Agreed! There are many abundance thinkers we can find via the Internet!

  • Dsrtrosy

    I am always a little hesitant about the ideas of “success” and “failure”. Who is defining those terms? What do they mean to the writer? I was pleasantly surprised to see that you defined them very openly and in a way that people who are not interested in monetary success could relate to.

    I do have to
    say, though, that I’m not completely sure of the #5 item on scarcity
    thinkers. “Getting by with less” is actually a characteristic of many
    successful, generous people. I think what you really meant was more along the line
    of stinginess–giving less to try to accomplish the same ends. 

  • Maureen Van Ness

    Wow, I have been discouraged and frustrated lately, but reading this I see I have been “scarcity thinking.”  Wrote down the abundance thinking points, will take a paradigm shift and “think abundantly” through different eyes. Thank you!

  • Anonymous

    I was able to participate in the G5 Leadership “Good Boss/Bad Boss” session led by Bob Sutton. He highlighted that the most notable characteristic of a “good boss” is that people are energized by their encounters. I am striving to keep the focus on abundance. (BTW – the G5 experience came through the offer made through your site. Thank you for contributing to our abundance!)

  • http://twitter.com/mgdobishinsky Michael Dobishinsky

    Michael,

       Everything you said was great. We just have to practice these qualities on a daily basis.

    ~Michael D.
    http://www.thecolorofsound.edublogs.org

    • http://brevis.me Robert Ewoldt

      Michael, it looks like you have a great phonics blog! I’ll have to try some
      of these stories with my small children.

  • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

    I listened to a Catalyst interview this morning that goes right along with this… The basic thought is that as you think and lead in  a way that gives yourself away (i.e. not hoarding knowledge, opportunities, etc.) and builds others up, your influence increases.

    I have definitely seen this in my world – those that are building others up, investing in others and making it more than just about themselves are the people that everyone wants to be around, listen to and imitate.

    • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

      True!  I know that describes the people I like being around…

  • http://www.amyeslater.com Amy

    Wonderful and challenging post!

  • Anita Palmer

    Interesting that I was just considering attending a workshop on “abundance and prosperity” that examine attitudes toward money, time and relationships (http://www.choicecenter.com/view_course.asp?CourseID=21). But I don’t have the time and money for it… :) Oy! I’ve got a long way to go to be an abundance thinker, but as a follower of an infinitely loving God, I’m determined to put scarcity behind me! Thanks for the post, Michael!

  • http://www.mosaicmiami.org Shari

    I am alittle of both, so true! Reviewing these is a way to self evaluate ourselves, and recalibrate our attitude, or perspective on our future.

  • http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker

    Great list Mike. I think the abundance vs scarcity thinking has a lot to do with faith. It stems from belief, in ourselves… in others… and in God. Practically speaking, I see it as a question to ask ourselves daily… are we trying to GIVE or are we trying to GET? The more we give (not just in a materialistic way), the more we receive. It’s the basic principle of the Golden Rule (be nice to others and they will be more likely to be nice in return). Perspective changes everything.

    • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

      Great thoughts.  I agree, wholehartedly.

  • Anonymous

    I live with someone who is certainly a scarcity thinker. I struggle with trying to show God’s love to this person.  But it wears on me.  Sometimes I think I should give up on him because it is bad for me.  But then I think  about how God loves me and that I would not be showing God’s love.  Caught in a quandary.

  • http://beckfarfromhome.blogspot.com/ Beck Gambill

    Really challenging post! I would say I started out more on the side of scarcity thinking and have grown to be more of an abundance thinker, although my personality naturally is buoyant and open. As I read, not only was I personally challenged, but people immediately came to mind on both ends of the spectrum. I felt convicted to pray for those in my life that are scarcity thinkers that the abundance of Jesus would transform their hearts and minds. 

  • http://lifeallin.ent Jacob Musselman

    When I move toward scarcity thinking, I notice two things that happen. First, I keep people away. Scarcity puts me at odds with everyone else, so if you get that means I don’t. Therefore, it’s best to keep you away. The second thing that happens: I keep more junk in my life. Scarcity makes me hold on to everything, even the junk.

    Thanks for the reminder to view God and life as more than enough.

    • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

      It sounds like you could be describing me!!

  • Laura

    Wow! I see both ways of thinking actively taking a roll in my life. I tend to be a very optimistic thinker. I like to believe the best in people and tend to think there is abundance for all. As I have gotten older I realize that there are people out there that do not like optimistic and abundance thinkers. I have found that many people that I have come across try to do as little as possible to get by in life. I see it every day in the work I do as a nurse practitioner. So many of our patients families feel that they deserve whatever they can get.  (I work in a children’s hospital in which the majority of the care is covered by medicaid). It becomes draining at times because  I see the cycle repeating from the older to younger generation. I see scarcity thinking happening right now as we approach the “deadline” of  August 2nd. No one wants to be the one to “give in”. No one feels that they should be the one to lose funding or be taxed. And yet, I see our society becoming more and more “me, myself and I focused”. I don’t see neighbors helping neighbors they way they use to even when I was a kid 30 years ago. I believe there is a life of abundance out there for all of us but first we need to become better givers than receivers.

  • http://thoughtsaboutnothing.com @kylereed

    As someone who is young and looking to find others to follow and learn from this has a huge impact on myself and others looking for mentoring.

    I have been around both leaders and have been in a position where I have been given access to learn from leaders and they have opened up themselves and their network to me. They always leave an impact on me and I am later able to share that with others. The impact starts by them being generous and it spreads.

    Where as the others I try and avoid at all cost to the point of telling others to avoid. It is that whole idea of what is done in private may not be seen now but will come out in the light. I am a big believer in that.

    I try and be someone who is a resourcer and helps others. That is my motive for building a blog, a community, ideas, and a platform. i want to equip people with resources. That is what pushes me forward. 

  • http://byrdmouse.com Jonathan

    I am most definitely an abundance thinker. I think that both thinkers have difficulty dealing with the other type thinker, perhaps less so the abundant. However, after a while even the abundant can be worn down by the scarcity thinker.

    • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

      Agreed!

  • Joe Lalonde

    I can see a lot of both types of thinkers in my personality. I grew up with a lot of fear… Fear that someone is watching me, waiting for me to fail; that someone wants to hurt me; take what I have; etc… Sadly, I can see this has affected a lot of areas of my life. In my conversations, I am open but very guarded, watching for someone to make the negative movement.

    I’m working towards becoming more of an abundance thinker. It’s been tough but I think I’m doing better. I’m starting to see others as people who want to help; are not out for themselves; care about others; etc… It’s a long road but I’ve taken the first steps towards changing.

    • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

      I grew up in much the same environment.  And my thinking reverts to that when my mind isn’t fresh and rested.

      • Joe Lalonde

        It’s an important reminder to constantly renew our mind.

  • http://www.sundijo.com Sundi Jo Graham

    I’ve been teaching an online Bible Study for the 4:8 Principle with my friend @jenniferowhite. This fits perfectly as to what we’ve been discussing with our thoughts. I think you’re right that we do a little bit of both. Leading this study has made me more aware of my thinking and striving harder to keep joyful thoughts, both in my personal and professional life. 

    • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

      That sounds like it would be a great study! 

      • http://www.sundijo.com Sundi Jo Graham

        Yes. It’s been great. I’ll be happy to add you to the Facebook group if you want to join and catch up. 

        • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

          By all means, do so.  I “know” Jennifer, so I’m already sure it will be good. 

          By “know”, I work with her a bit reviewing books for New Leaf, and we have some mutual good friends in the Branson area, where I used to live.

          Looking forward to it!

          • http://www.sundijo.com Sundi Jo Graham

            Jennifer’s one cool chick! 

            Who all do you know in Branson? That’s where I live. 

            Here’s the link: If that doesn’t work, friend me on Facebook and I’ll add you: http://www.facebook.com/groups/164151816978760?ap=1

          • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

            I lived in Kimberling City, and moved from there to pursue a ministry opportunity a coupple of years ago.  There are several people that I know, both from my church and from Woodlan Hills.

            Thanks for the link.  Request sent.

  • http://somewiseguy.com ThatGuyKC

    This is so great! I’ve met Robert’s and Charlie’s before. Obviously I prefer to associate with the former.
    Thank you for the reminder to be an abundant thinker. I want to be genuine and encouraging w/ everyone.

  • Dale Thompson

    Do you feel we are either one or the other?  As I went through your list I saw some positives pts. that I consider part of my core personality.  I love to share.  I default to hope.  But there are people I distrust though I will and do help them and ask God to give me his heart towards them.  I try not to fear anything or anyone, but I do have trouble laying some cares at the cross.  I love the song by The Perrys, “I Rest My Case at the Cross”.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      As I mentioned in the last paragraph, I think we are all a little of both.

  • http://twitter.com/bdeffenbacher Brent Deffenbacher

    Thank you for today’s post. Really rocking my world (in a good way). 

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Great! It’s my pleasure.

  • http://www.briandshelton.com Brian D. Shelton

    “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” – Shakespeare

    Michael, the power of thoughts and words are often underestimated. Awareness is the first step toward attaining an abundance mentality. Thank you for sharing.

  • Andy Liversidge

    A great post Michael. I think also that I may be a ‘bit of both’ but in honesty, I must admit to erring on the side of scarcity. I’m now inspired to rectify this! Thank you!

  • FemmeFuel

    Michael–thank you for imparting #2 and #5 of “abundance thinkers” everyday on this blog. I have learned so much because you are so generous with your time, wisdom and advice.

    This generosity has instilled trust and confidence in your readers, and from a personal perspective, that is exactly why I felt no hesitation in ordering your e-books. I think people in sales should take note!

    –JM
    http://femmefuel.wordpress.com/    

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Ah, shucks. ;-) Seriously, thanks for the encouragement.

  • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

    Why is it that your posts seem to hit me in the gut every time I read one?

    I know I tend to be some of each.  And I think I’ve identified when and how it switches.  I tend to land most often on the more positive side.  Unless I’m tired.  Then it swings to the other end of the spectrum.  For example, this summer, I spent four nights in June sleeping in my own bed.  The rest I spent at summer camp, and at the hospital, watching my dad fade away.  I lost both my dad and step-dad on the same day.  Two weeks of camp, two deaths, and July isn’t a whole lot better:  two more camps and a mission trip to the southwest.

    Short story…. I’m tired.  Physically, emotionally, mentally.  I’m tired.  And I catch myself being more of the scarcity type of thinker when I’m like this. 

    And so, I’ve scheduled some time off, both for myself as a personal retreat in September, and for my family all together two weeks after my summer ends.  I need to rejuvenate myself, so that my thinnking becomes more of the abundance variety.

    Thanks for the kick.  I kinda needed it….

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Congratulations, you are normal. I think when we are tired, it is difficult to be an abundance thinker. That is why I place such a high priority on taking care of myself. I’m glad you have some time scheduled.

      • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

        It’s been a rough summer.  Thanks for the encouragement!

        • Anonymous

          Very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad and step-dad this summer.  Praying for you.

          • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

            Very much appreciated!

  • Godsend

    Scarcity vs abundance thinking.
    I see those living in the scarcity world as being unable or unwilling to take risk. As Alan Hirsch has recently written in “The Faith of Leap” we become risk averse. How can good flow into a life that is unable to take risks? And really when lice afraid it’s not that we choose not to take risks but it becomes impossible for us to take risks. Henri Nouwen described the difference as that between two houses, living in the house of fear or the house of love.

    As I sit on the precipice these days between sending out more resumes, nail down the sure work here vs leave for France for two months and explore moving back there with ‘only’ the promise of God this post sparks some good thought.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Love that title, “The Faith of Leap”!

  • MonicaWrightMcMahon

    I think our environment (at home, office, church) has a significant impact on each of us as individuals. If you have not been properly introduced to the good things that life has to offer, your reality is vastly different from those that have.  We all need to have standards for every aspect of our lives in order to achieve and maintain a healthy balance.

  • Anonymous

    I loved this!  Haven’t always been the “abundance thinker”.  Now that it is laid out so plainly I will be that thinker more often.  Thought life is so crucial.  I want to be a productive Christain not a destructive one.  Thank you!

  • Dawn Herring

    Michael,
    You certainly give us food for thought here! Our mindset is often the maker or breaker of our success. I love the lists you posted to give us a clear inside view of each mindset to find where we stand. 
    I will be linking this post in next week’s edition of Refresh Journal, for a fresh perspective in all of life’s dimensions. You can check out recent editions or sign up for Refresh Journal here: http://www.refreshwithdawnherring.blogspot.com/. 
    I enjoy your posts; thanks for the inspiration to have a more balanced view on life and business in our mindset. 

    Be refreshed,
    Dawn Herring
    JournalWriter Freelance
    Host of #JournalChat Live and Links Edition on Twitter

  • Will H.

    Definitely just hit me in the gut. My boss and several other members of a church staff I am posted this today and I also get it in my RSS feed. It was something that I needed to read.

    We must all work at being energizing rather than the opposite.

    Thanks for this!

  • http://www.gooddisruptivechange.com Susan Alexander

    Michael:

    I’m new here.  Found your blog via @SeanPlatt:disqus.

    What an interesting post.  Thanks.  What you’ve written seems to align closely with the work of psychologist Carol Dweck, author of the book Mindset.  She believes there are 2 kinds of mindsets: fixed and growth.  The fixed mindset is similar to your scarcity thinker, and the growth mindset is similar to your abundance thinker.

    I wrote this post about Dweck and her work: http://bit.ly/mlYPIo

     I’m interested to know your take on it.

    Thanks. Look forward to reading more of your blog.

    Susan

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Thanks, Susan. I am not familiar with Dweck’s work. I’ll have to look her up.

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  • http://raisinghischild.com Romelle

    It is very rough being an abundance thinker but married to a scarcity thinker. He would argue that my abundance would lead to this scarcity. I can’t live the freedom I feel because he can’t go there with me. It’s a real problem right now.

  • Jim M.

    Great article.  This ties directly to goal setting and life planning.  It can get interesting when you have two people, whether they be business partners or spouses, who have differing viewpoints.  I choose abundance and success!  Keep up the great work Michael!  Hardly a day goes by without me recommending your blog to someone.

  • Jmhardy97

    Great post. I wonder how many abundance thinkers are servant leaders. I bet there is a positive relationship.

    Jim

  • Carol

    I love this thinking! It’s so true. I have found that if you fall in a hole, the best way to get out is by doing something for someone else. I have been trying to get a small home business off the ground and it’s hard going. Instead of sitting at home being miserable because people are not banging my door down , i decided to go and volunteer at a community group where the need is great. Im really enjoying it. It is so much better to give than to receive! I know my business will get going but i don’t ever want to stop being a blessing to others. I have been blessed so much!

  • http://www.davidfmckee.com David McKee

    Thank you for this post.  It seems particularly appropriate for me, right now, as I face some big decisions and take on some larger risks and challenges.  I have struggled with scarcity thinking, maybe not to “Charlie’s” degree, but it can still be debilitating, all the same.  Thank you for giving us something important to reflect on about ourselves!

  • http://justiceandlife.org Matt Lossau

    Ouch. There are too few characteristics in the abundance thinking group that describe me, and too many in the scarcity thinking group.

  • http://krissiwyss.wordpress.com Krissi

    Ouch! This is a life lesson of which we need to remind ourselves regularly. Thanks for the reminder, I am challenged to work on being an abundant-minded person.

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