From Scarcity to Abundance: Nurturing Mindsets to Support Equity and Collective Liberation

Scarcity mindsets often sound like this:

“There’s not enough time. Not enough funding. Not enough recognition. Not enough of me to go around.”

“If I make space for someone else, I’ll lose mine.”

“If we slow down, we’ll fall behind.”

These thoughts are common—and they’re not a personal failing. They are a reflection of deeply embedded systems that train us to believe we are alone, in competition, and never quite enough.

White supremacy culture, capitalism, ableism, racism, and other systems of oppression are designed to keep us in survival mode. They thrive on scarcity: limited seats at the table, zero-sum thinking, and fear-based leadership. When we’ve been harmed by these systems, the pull toward scarcity can feel even stronger.

But there’s another way. An abundance mindset can be a tool for equity—and a practice of collective care.

What’s the difference between Scarcity and Abundance Mindsets?

Scarcity Mindset believes that resources—like time, money, safety, influence, or belonging—are limited. It shows up as hoarding power, overworking, perfectionism, or gatekeeping.

Abundance Mindset believes there’s enough for everyone. It fuels collaboration, trust, rest, mutual aid, and expansive visions of justice.

Practicing Abundance for Equity

This isn’t just mindset work—it’s liberation work. Here are some ways to practice:

• Interrupt scarcity culture in your team and organization. Notice where urgency, hierarchy, or overwork might be squeezing out collaboration and care.

• Celebrate others’ leadership and success. Especially when it challenges the dominant norm of who gets to lead.

• Share power and decision-making. Equity requires redistribution. Who gets to shape the agenda, hold the mic, or set the pace?

• Practice gratitude with a justice lens. Not just “what am I grateful for?” but “who made this possible?” and “how do I show appreciation in return?”

• Resist the grind. Rest is not a reward. It’s a right. It’s a resistance strategy.

I'm not saying abundance is easy. Abundance isn't toxic positivity. It can feel countercultural—especially when you're trying to build equity inside systems designed for extraction.

But it is possible. And it's powerful.

Abundance is not wishful thinking. It’s a discipline. It’s how we choose to lead, relate, and reimagine what’s possible—together.

What helps you stay rooted in abundance as you work toward equity and liberation? We’d love to hear your reflections.