Thursday Thoughts: The Secret to Having What You Want
This week, I kept staring at a quote on a magnet that my wife put on our refrigerator. It struck a chord with me: "The secret to having what you want is believing that you already do." It's a simple concept, and it got me thinking about how much our mindset shapes our reality.
In our fast-paced lives (and they are incredibly fast-paced), it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of more—more success, more happiness, more everything. But what if the key to achieving these things isn’t in the relentless chase but in appreciating and believing in what we already have? This week's thoughts are about shifting our perspective to a sense of fulfillment and contentment, regardless of our current circumstances.
Thankfulness is the Foundation
Thankfulness is a more powerful tool than I believe most realize. It can completely transform our outlook on life. When we focus on what we have, rather than what we lack, we start to see the abundance we possess. This doesn't mean we stop striving for improvement or growth, but it focuses us on the present moment and helps us appreciate the journey. Take a moment each day to reflect on what you're grateful for. It could be as simple as a warm cup of coffee in the morning (I love that first bold cup while doing my morning Bible reading), a supportive friend, or a job that challenges you. By recognizing these small blessings, we start to believe that we already have what we need.
Shifting from Scarcity to Abundance Mindset
A scarcity mindset focuses on limitations and what we don't have, while an abundance mindset emphasizes possibilities and what we do have. When we believe that we already possess the qualities, resources, and opportunities needed to achieve our goals, we open our eyes to greater potential. This shift in thinking can lead to more creativity, resilience, and motivation. I personally find myself seeing some of the hurdles standing in the way of getting an idea of where it needs to go, and it can feel overwhelming. I thought about that this week and realized, that in nearly every case I have the vehicle to get there, I just need to find the right route on the map. Succinctly, I have everything I need and more, and the solution lies in using the tools rather than needing new ones.
Contentment and Ambition Can Coexist
It's important to understand that believing you already have what you want doesn't mean settling or becoming complacent. It's about finding a balance between contentment and ambition. Did you know that if you earn around $30,000 or more annually you are in the top 10% of earners globally? If you earn around $60,000 or more annually you are in the top 5%! If you are reading this, the odds are amazingly good that you are incredibly blessed. Here’s the thing, you can be grateful for where you are while still striving for more. Finding that balance allows you to enjoy the present and acknowledge your blessings and achievements without losing sight of your future goals.
That Leads Me to This Week’s Challenge…
Embrace the mindset that you already have what you want. Start by practicing thankfulness daily. Visualize your goals as if they are already achieved and talk kindly to yourself to reinforce this belief. Work on shifting your mindset from scarcity to abundance and find the balance between being content with what you have and striving for what you want. Enjoy the ride as you create the map of your future!
I'm thankful that you're willing to work, that you took the time to read this, that you share it with others, and that you're part of what makes this world amazing!