The Pressure Gauge
And why it matters to regularly reflect
There have been times when I’ve felt anything is possible. I can start that business, take on that challenge, pivot into something new. And there have also been times when I’ve felt the opposite. I have no time, no resources, no options.
The difference between when I’m in a possibility/abundance mindset versus a scarcity mindset is huge. One opens doors and opportunities, the other shuts them down. One is freeing, the other is limiting.
When I’m in a possibility mindset I can feel unstoppable. But I think it is unrealistic to think that you can stay there 24/7, 365 days of the year. Recently, I was reflecting on what conditions have pushed me into scarcity in the past, and how I’ve found my way back to possibility.
Times when a scarcity mindset can creep in
A sudden event. Nothing triggers scarcity thinking faster than a life-altering event. Job loss, death of a loved one, relationship breakdown - these moments disrupt our routines and can occupy us for some time. Specific events can be particularly damaging when paired with a pressure build up in another areas of your life (e.g. you lose your job and you don’t have any savings).
A gradual build. The opposite of a sudden shock is the gradual buildup of pressure across multiple life areas. Bills piling up while you're trying to launch a business (been there!). Caring for aging parents while managing a career transition. These are things that need your attention and it’s almost impossible to think expansively in the moment.
Artificial deadlines or expectations. Sometimes I’ve created my own scarcity issue by giving myself insufficient time on things that need to run their course. Or, I’ve had such high standards that have made it impossible to think freely.
Taking stock of where the pressure gauge is at
Thinking back, most of the times I’ve been in scarcity, the pressure has been far too high. I’ve felt like the needle is in the red zone and it’s been too hard to think about anything else. I missed seeing opportunities and I didn’t take creative risks – because I was purely focused on not losing ground.
This is why I think quitting your job and ‘work it out’ is bad advice for most people. Having done this before in my 20’s, it sends your financial pressure gauge into the red zone, making clear thinking incredibly challenging when you are focused on just survival.
Pathways to get back to possibility
Fortunately, getting back to a possibility mindset is completely within our control. Some things that have helped me include:
A regular ‘pulse check’. Sometimes the pressure can build up without us realising it. Recent move + new job + relationship stress = high pressure. Financial strain + difficult boss + family challenges = high pressure. Acknowledging this has helped me go a bit easier on myself before the frustration kicks-in.
Talk about it with someone. Keeping high pressure bottled up is like trying to think clearly while holding your breath. At a minimum, I would journal about it. Even better, I’d talk to my partner or a friend. Best case, I’d speak to a coach. The pressure needs somewhere to go and the moment I have a conversation about it, I often have a way forward.
Make some strategic moves. Sometimes I’ve had to actively reduce pressure before starting to dream big. It might mean taking on freelance work to reduce the income pressure. Moving in with family temporarily. Hiring help where you can. These can really make a difference right when you need it the most.
I get physical. Sometimes I just need a physical challenge to move the body, build my confidence and resilience and this flows into my thinking. This year, I did a 12-hour walk and built a mobility habit, both of which had a significant flow-on effect to my mindset.
I might take a reset. I think solitude is underrated in times of overwhelm. Spending a day in nature processing your thoughts can be powerful. For others, it might be community. Some need adventure, others need routine.
Final thoughts
The difference between us spending our year in 60% possibility mindset versus 70% could be immense. That extra 10% could be the difference between noticing the opportunity that changes everything and being too stressed to see it.
Where is your gauge currently at?