An abundance mindset is overrated. Try an enoughness mindset instead.

Just say no to toxic positivity

I struggle with a scarcity mindset. Always have.

When I was growing up, I was afraid we’d run out of money even though, in hindsight, I can see that we were solidly middle to upper-middle class.

From the moment I got my first decent-paying job (and every job since), I worried that I would lose it and wind up on the street.

Yesterday I found out that my current job probably won’t last the year. I’m okay. It’s not a surprise, nor is it wholly unwelcome. I was already intending to return to self-employment and have been taking steps to do so. I have savings, a strong network, and lots of options.

I still had a panic attack last night.

I used to think I needed an abundance mindset in situations like these, but honestly, it feels icky. I’m about to lose my primary source of income, and I’m supposed to invite in abundance? I’m supposed to believe that with the right mindset, late-stage capitalism will magically give me the resources I need to survive? In this economy??? It reeks of toxic positivity. No fucking thank you.

But a scarcity mindset isn’t helpful, either (exhibit A: last night’s panic attack).

What about an enoughness mindset?

Oooh, I like that. The very words feel resonant and settled in my body. What would an enoughness mindset look like?

A sunset taken in 2017, right around the last major inflection point in my life. Photo by author.

An enoughness mindset wouldn’t want me to burn myself out trying to go too hard, too fast, because it recognizes that I’m in this for the long haul.

An enoughness mindset might gently encourage me not to sweat all the little details that can feel so stifling and overwhelming because it’s okay to do something imperfect now and add to it later.

An enoughness mindset might remind me that I don’t have to replace all of my current income immediately because even if my job went away tomorrow, there are many other options available to me.

An enoughness mindset might ask me to remember that ease, happiness, and abundance are the entire fucking point, and that means right now, too, not at some magical future date when I’ve supposedly “earned it.”

An enoughness mindset might agree that yes, the system sucks and there are bills to pay and those are all very real concerns, and also, I am resilient and capable. I don’t have to earn my worthiness. I am enough right now.

And so are you.

---

This is the part where I ask for your help

Asking for help is hard. I feel super awkward about it. But no one thrives in a vacuum, and honestly, I can’t do this without other people. If you’re able and inclined to support me in any of the following ways, I’d be so very, very grateful:

• Upgrade to a paid subscription (or if you’re new here, hi 👋🏼, feel free to try me out with a free subscription first)

• Support my work with a one-time donation

• Help more people find me by sharing, liking, and commenting on this post

• Do you have a podcast, interview series, or other collaborative effort that’s related to creativity, self-employment, or marketing? I would love to collaborate! Feel free to DM me.

Need marketing help for your own creative projects?

• Subscribe to my Easeful Marketing Substack. Special benefits are coming soon for paid subscribers. In the meantime, a paid subscription gets you a 1-on-1 advice call with me at no extra charge.

• Consider working with me 1-on-1. Before you think you can’t afford it, know that my pricing model is pretty radical, so maybe you actually can.

• Refer me to people in your network who might need marketing guidance.

Thank you all so much for being here. I’m grateful every day that you’re on this journey with me. Here’s to our collective flourishing!

---