Welcome to the stop sabotaging your success podcast, episode one hundred and nineteen. I’m your host, Cindy Esliger. This is the podcast focusing on what we can do today to take control of our careers and overcome the inevitable barriers to success that we encounter along the way. 

In today’s highly competitive world, the scarcity mindset can often seem like a natural, even prudent, attitude to adopt. Rooted in the belief that resources are limited, this mindset can color our worldview, influencing everything from personal confidence to professional success. Shifting your mindset from one of scarcity to one of generosity and abundance paves the way for more fulfilling professional relationships and, quite possibly, a more successful career trajectory. True professional success and personal fulfillment are most effectively achieved not through manipulation or self-centered tactics, but through a genuine commitment to enriching the lives of others alongside our own. 

In this episode, we explore how embracing a mindset of generosity and possibility can not only counteract the negative impacts of a scarcity mentality, but also unlock profound potential in both personal and professional realms. This requires us to forego self-protection in favor of developing our resilience, adaptability, and our willingness to invest our time and energy in the success of others. 

A scarcity mindset typically manifests as a perpetual sense of there not being enough to go around and an overarching fear of losing what we have. This can severely impact our level of confidence and overall success. When people view life’s opportunities as finite, they often engage in short-term thinking, prioritizing immediate gains over long-term benefits. This approach can lead to compromised decision-making, reduced creativity, and an increased focus on self-protection rather than growth and development. 

What we don’t realize is that operating from a place of scarcity can lead to excessive caution, limiting our ability to take the necessary risks or pursue opportunities that might lead to substantial rewards. It fosters a competitive environment where the success of others is often seen as a direct threat to our own achievement. Such a lens on life not only strains professional relationships, but can also stifle the collaborative and innovative dynamics essential for success in many fields. 

Adopting a mindset of generosity and embracing the endless possibilities available to us can transform our approach to life and work. Generosity here does not only refer to financial or material giving, but also encompasses the sharing of knowledge, time, and expertise. It involves recognizing that success and resources can be expansive, seeming to grow exponentially when shared.

This perspective fosters a more inclusive approach to success. When we believe that there is enough to go around, we are more likely to engage in behaviors that promote collective success, such as collaboration, mentorship, and networking. Such behaviors help to build a supportive community around us that can propel everyone toward greater achievements. 

Prioritizing self-protection and security can sometimes seem essential, especially in uncertain or hostile work environments. However, when taken to an extreme, this focus can keep us from seeing those new and exciting opportunities that await. By concentrating too heavily on safeguarding what we’ve worked so hard to earn, we tend to miss out on chances to learn new skills and venture further afield, allowing us to try new things that we might enjoy. This defensive posture can prevent the cultivation of resilience and adaptability, qualities that are indispensable in navigating the challenges and changes inherent in both personal and professional growth. 

Transforming our mindset from scarcity to abundance involves a bit of effort. Here are three practical tips to facilitate this shift: 

1. Cultivate gratitude: Make it a regular practice to acknowledge the resources and opportunities you currently have. This can shift your focus from what you lack, to appreciating what you’ve already got, helping to foster an abundance mentality. 
2. Expand your circle: Engage with those who have different perspectives and ideas to shine a light on the vast array of possibilities available to you. It also builds empathy, which is foundational for a generous mindset. 
3. Invest in others’ success: Actively look for ways to contribute to the success of others. This could mean sharing your knowledge and expertise or supporting their ideas. By investing your time and attention in those around you, you not only build a network of reciprocity, but also reinforce your own belief in abundance. 

The scarcity mindset, while seemingly protective, often hampers our professional growth. Embracing a mindset of generosity and possibility, on the other hand, not only enhances our confidence and success, but also contributes to a healthier, more collaborative environment. By choosing to focus on abundance rather than our limitations, we can unlock our true potential and drive collective success, crafting a more enjoyable work environment in the process. 

In the realm of professional development, the impact of encouraging words is often underestimated. Simple, affirming comments, even when delivered casually or in an offhand manner, can significantly alter a person’s self perception and invigorate their approach to challenging work.

Encouragement, at its core, involves ‘putting courage into’ another person, enabling them to face challenges with renewed strength and optimism. This dynamic not only has the potential to shift the trajectory of someone’s career, but also illustrates the reciprocal nature of positive reinforcement, standing in stark contrast to the subtle manipulations sometimes present in professional settings. 

When we receive encouragement, it acts as a mirror, reflecting our capabilities and potential, often in moments of doubt or challenge. Such gestures, whether a simple nod of approval, an affirming word, or a thoughtful specific compliment, can significantly boost our confidence. This psychological uplift is more than just a fleeting moment of happiness; it fundamentally enhances our belief in our abilities, encouraging us to step out of our comfort zones, and take on new challenges. 

Energy levels, too, are closely tied to how we perceive ourselves and our work environment. Encouragement infuses enthusiasm and motivation, which can dramatically increase both our mental and physical energy. This boost is particularly crucial in demanding or creative fields, where energy and attitude play pivotal roles in productivity and innovation. 

I’m sure you’ll all agree that our career journey is often marked by moments of uncertainty and adversity. During such times, a single act of encouragement can be a turning point. For instance, a mentor’s reassuring words can inspire a young professional to pursue a challenging project or take a bold career leap, empowering them to act with confidence.

This influence is profound because it helps us overcome internal and external barriers. A leader’s recognition of our potential can counteract the imposter syndrome that might otherwise stifle our career progression. Through this type of encouragement, we might allow ourselves to be directed towards a path that not only aligns with our skill set, but also opens up opportunities for growth that we might not have otherwise considered. 

Encouragement is not a one-way street; it benefits the giver and the receiver alike. When those in authority foster an environment of mutual support, they create a positive workplace culture that enhances overall morale and productivity. For the encourager, the act of uplifting others can reinforce their own sense of purpose and satisfaction in their role. It also establishes a foundation of trust and loyalty which are essential components for effective teamwork. 

The reciprocal effects of encouragement also extend beyond immediate interactions. Teams where encouragement is commonplace tend to be more willing to support each other, share knowledge and information freely, and work collaboratively toward common goals. This culture of encouragement can significantly enhance collective efficacy, leading to better performance and success for the group as a whole. 

While encouragement seeks to uplift and empower, manipulation in professional settings often serves the opposite purpose, securing their own interests at the expense of others. Manipulative behaviors might include flattery, coercion, deceit, or gaslighting, used to sway others into making decisions that do not necessarily benefit them, but rather the interests of the manipulator.

The subtleties of manipulation often lie in its intent and the imbalance it creates in relationships. Unlike encouragement, which is based on genuine recognition and aims to build confidence and autonomy, manipulation often involves exploiting another’s weaknesses or insecurities to gain control or compliance. This can lead to a toxic workplace atmosphere, eroding trust and motivation. If encouraging others caught on, imagine how it might change how we feel about our work experience.

Here are three practical ways to integrate encouragement into everyday professional interactions: 

1. Be specific: General compliments are a good starting point, but specific praises are better. Detailing exactly what someone did not only boosts confidence, but also reinforces productive behaviors. 
2. Recognize effort, not just achievement: It helps to build resilience by encouraging people to persevere even when their results aren’t immediately successful. 
3. Encourage peer recognition: Create channels for peers to acknowledge each other’s strengths and contributions, enhancing a supportive network within the team. 

Encouragement is a powerful tool. It has the remarkable ability to transform self-perception, boost energy levels, and act as a catalyst for career advancement. By actively fostering an environment of genuine encouragement, organizations can enhance productivity, creativity, and teamwork – achieving success not just for individuals, but for the collective as well. 

In the competitive corridors of the corporate world, focusing solely on yourself might initially seem advantageous. After all, if you don’t, who will? However, a self-centered approach often yields negative repercussions, both personally and professionally. It can stifle growth, limit opportunities, and leave people feeling isolated and stuck. In contrast, embracing generosity and focusing on encouraging others can not only enhance your career, but also enrich your psychological and emotional well-being. 

A self-centered attitude in the workplace often manifests as an overriding focus on personal gains and recognition at the expense of collaborative success and team dynamics. Such a mindset can alienate colleagues, inhibit teamwork, and ultimately impede professional growth. When we are solely fixated on personal advancement, it’s easy to miss the broader picture that includes valuable opportunities for learning from others and contributing to collective achievements. It is rare that anyone succeeds alone these days. 

Professionals can sometimes feel stuck as they struggle to advance beyond certain points in their careers, often due to a lack of support from peers or mentors who might perceive them as self-serving rather than as team-oriented. This stagnation can create a cycle of frustration as opportunities for advancement and new, more interesting projects are often given to those who demonstrate more generous qualities. 

Rather than this self-centered approach, generosity in the workplace involves acts of giving without an immediate expectation of a return. This could manifest through sharing knowledge, offering support, or celebrating others’ successes. Generosity can significantly bolster self-confidence by reinforcing a person’s value to their team and organization. When professionals invest in the success of their colleagues, they not only enhance their own reputations as leaders and team players, but also build confidence in their ability to affect positive change and influence within their role. 

Empowering others to overcome their fears and take on new challenges creates a ripple effect. This act of encouragement can transform an entire team’s dynamic, boosting morale and productivity. When team members feel supported, they are more likely to take risks, which can lead to breakthroughs and successes that benefit the entire organization.

Shifting from a scarcity mindset, where we view resources as limited, to a generosity-driven approach can have profound psychological and emotional benefits. It can alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with competition and insecurity, replacing them with positive emotions like the joy and satisfaction derived from helping others. This shift can lead to a more fulfilling and less contentious work life. 

Being self-centered in the corporate world, where your main focus is looking out for number one, can limit your professional growth. On the other hand, adopting a generous mindset not only aids professional development, but fosters a network of reciprocity. The acts of sharing knowledge, mentoring, and advocating for others not only enrich the lives of colleagues, but also pave the way for our own enriched professional journey. Keep an open mind and embrace generosity because focusing on the needs of others might just surprise you, since giving often leads to the greatest returns.

Did you know that practicing generosity actively rewires the brain to foster a growth mindset? This mindset, a concept popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, is characterized by the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This can have a profound impact on building your confidence and unlocking your career potential. 

Engaging in generous behavior can trigger positive changes in the brain’s reward system. Studies have shown that acts of generosity activate regions in the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust. This biological response not only enhances personal well-being, but also elevates the giver’s sense of happiness and satisfaction. Understanding and leveraging the neurological and psychological impacts of generosity can profoundly influence how people approach their professional relationships and growth strategies. 

By helping others, we often find ourselves learning new skills, gaining fresh perspectives, and challenging our existing perceived limitations, which all contribute to how far and how fast we progress on our career journeys. Generous behaviors, such as mentoring, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues, foster a culture of trust and cooperation. These acts make the workplace more collaborative and supportive. This network of reciprocity often means that support will be available from others when you need it most, providing a safety net that can lead to more significant opportunities and successes. 

Encouraging others through generosity, rather than with an intent to manipulate, can be a powerful way to achieve personal fulfillment and professional success. Remember, helping others can be an important way to help yourself succeed in the corporate world. 

And that’s it for this episode of Stop Sabotaging Your Success. Remember to download your Guide to Unlocking Your Potential at cindyesliger.com/podcast, episode one hundred and nineteen.

Thank you to our producer, Alex Hochhausen and everyone at Astronomic Audio. Get in touch, I’m on Instagram @cindyesliger and my email address is info@cindyesliger.com.

If you enjoy listening to this podcast, you have to come check out The Confidence Collective. It’s my monthly coaching program where we dig a little deeper into what’s holding you back in your career, and we find the workarounds. We help you overcome the barriers and create the career you want. Join me over at cindyesliger.com/join. I’d love to have you join me in The Confidence Collective. 

Until next week, I’m Cindy Esliger. Thanks for listening.