Living with an abundance mentality

 In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey compares abundance mentality and scarcity mentalities. He shares that each can affect how we approach goals and examine our lives.

​

If someone has a scarcity mentality, they believe resources and opportunities are limited. If another person gains something, like a raise, a promotion, or even a significant other, they think there is a smaller chance for them to have those same things. It’s a “win-lose” way to look at things. This mentality focuses on short-term issues and what other people are doing, rather than self-empowerment.

​

An abundance mentality, on the other hand, is where we know success is not based on the success of others. We believe there are enough resources for everyone. We think long-term and see opportunities in the face of challenges. This is a win-win.

​

Living with an abundance mentality instead of a scarcity mentality helps us accomplish what matters to us. We can develop an abundance mentality by being purposeful. We can-

1. Practice Gratitude

Focusing on gratitude has many benefits. It helps us put things into perspective when life isn’t going the smoothest. It’s also good for our overall health and well-being. Instead of dwelling on everything that’s going wrong, we can be grateful what we have and the things that are going right. When we choose to see opportunities instead of limitations, we switch to an abundance mentality.

2. Celebrate Other’s Successes

Being genuinely happy for other people’s wins creates a positive environment and sets us up for our own wins. When we acknowledge that a positive moment for someone else doesn’t mean fewer positive moments for us, we leave a scarcity mentality behind. Covey says that those with a scarcity mentality see life as if there is only so much available, “as though there were only one pie out there. And if someone were to get a big piece of the pie it would mean less for everybody else.” But with an abundance mentality, when people cheer on the successes of others, “the pie gets larger,” and there is enough for everyone.

​

When we contribute to an environment of abundance, we will likely be around other people who also have an abundance mentality. The power of playing up then can help us reach our goals.

3. Always Be Learning

In another study about opposing mindsets, psychologist Carol Dweck teaches that there are two types of people: those with a fixed mindset and those with a growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset believe that capabilities are innate and limited. And people with a growth mindset believe that we are ever-evolving based on our experiences and knowledge. That our character is not pre-determined and that we can learn to do anything if we put in the effort. The same is true about an abundance mentality.

​

People with a scarcity mentality will often focus on obstacles and be afraid of trying and failing. People with an abundance mentality choose to try, sometimes fail, and always learn and grow from their experiences. When you turn your attention to learning, you will develop an abundance mentality.

4. Be Accountable

There are many things in our lives outside of our individual control: The weather, the stock market, whether our cat listens when we tell it to stop eating our plants. But there are also many things we can control: Our actions, our mindset, and our commitment to telling our cats to stop eating the plants over and over again. When we focus on the things within our control, we take accountability for our lives. And having an abundance mindset makes it easier for us to keep striving for our goals no matter what everyone else is doing.

​

“The key to abundance is meeting limited circumstances with unlimited thoughts,” says author Marianne Williamson. No matter what other people are doing or what is going on around us, when we focus on what we do, what we have, and what we can achieve, we will win and meet our goals. We can develop an abundance mentality and feel secure in our ability to accomplish whatever we set our minds to.

Change is Opportunity

 Adopt a “Change is Opportunity” Mindset: Every shift (whether it’s in your business, career or personal life) create a new opportunity to grow. But change can be hard when you’re doing it alone… so having the right guidance and the right plan in place can help you see that change for what it is - your NEW advantage.

failure is success

 perfection is a form of protection

It’s how we avoid criticism. It also stunts our growth. Perfectionism can lead to procrastination, and, at times, to a complete lack of progress. The solution is to not just endure failure but to find the fun in it. And that requires balancing our ambition with a good dose of self-compassion and self-deprecating humor.

Cut the Clutter

 Cut the Clutter

Here’s how you can reclaim your time:

• Delegate the stuff that others can handle.
• Automate repetitive tasks like scheduling or standard replies.
• Batch similar tasks to avoid jumping from one thing to another.
• Prioritize what really matters.
• Time block so you can dive into deep work without distractions.
• Set boundaries with coworkers and let them know when you’re not available.

Engaging Conversation Starters For Work

 

Basic Work Conversation Starters

1. How are you doing? How’s the family?

People love talking about their families. You can start a conversation by asking about someone’s family members or sharing an interesting or funny story from when you were little! This is always a good conversation starter.

2. What do you do for fun?

Helps you get to know your colleagues and bosses better on a personal level. Plus, it can lead to some fun conversations about hobbies and interests!

3. Any travels coming up?

Traveling is a great way to experience new things and make friends with people from all over the world. Chatting with colleagues and coworkers about favorite destinations and giving recommendations about where everyone should go next time they’re looking for some adventure is an excellent and exciting conversation starter.

4. How long have you been with the company?

This is an effective way to strike a conversation with someone whom you don’t know too well. It’ll break the ice between you two and provide an opportunity for parties to share their company experiences.

5. How’s your workload been recently?

Even though some people don’t like talking about work after office hours; however, this question shows interest and genuine care about someone’s workday, effort, time and overall well-being. This also gives them a chance to talk about what makes them happy at work, what bothers them or if this was their dream job or not.

 

Interesting Conversation Starters

6. What is at the top of your bucket list?

This is a great open-ended question that allows the other person to express themselves freely, describe what they really want to do – whether it’s traveling somewhere exotic, finding a new job, going on a new adventure with a group of people – you name it.

7. What is the coolest place you have ever been to?

Nothing makes someone more nostalgic than talking about memories made during travel; hence, making this question one of the best conversation starters you can use to talk to the people in the room.

8. What is one skill you’d love to learn?

This question brings out the other person’s creativity and has them think about skills they are passionate about and would like to pursue. There are always skills that get our imagination running thinking about what life would be like if we knew how to do certain things.

9. What superpower do you wish you could have?

This one takes anyone to the land of “Anything Is Possible” and helps them imagine what their life would look like if they acquired that one specific superpower that they desire or need. This question will also elicit a lot of laughs and will add fun and humor to the conversation.

10. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Knowing someone’s personality can be beneficial in business interactions, especially when it comes to giving and receiving feedback. This can also help create a more positive work environment where issues are easily resolved because coworkers know each other on another level.

 

Funny Conversation Starters

11. What never fails to make you laugh?

The answer could be a favorite book or a movie or a specific joke. Whatever it is, this question will have the whole room engaged and get everyone to share their stories and thoughts.

12. What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

No matter how embarrassing your story is, you never know what the other person has in store! They might share an incident that is so awkward or uncomfortable that’ll have everyone in stitches!

13. What is one fun fact about you?

One fun or two or three… This is one of the most effective conversation starters to get to know someone while making sure things are light and humorous.

14. If you were a ghost, who would you haunt?

The boss, another colleague, an ex… Expect anything and a lot of laughter while answering this question.

15. What is the funniest conversation you’ve ever overheard?

This is a great question to break the ice and share some of your own funny conversations as well.

 

Conversation Starters for Work Meetings & Events

16. What is your morning routine?

If you’d like to know how your coworkers get ready for work or pick up some of their healthy habits, this could be a good question.

17. Do you prefer Zoom meetings or in-person ones?

You can also discuss the perks and downsides of working remotely vs being in the office. This is a question that leads to a wider and even more interesting conversation.

18. How do you relax after work?

Maybe you’ll find common interests with the other person or they might give you ideas about what you can do to unwind and recharge after a long day at work or during your free time.

19. Have you ever been to one of these events before?

If it’s your first time attending such an event, this is an excellent question to know what to expect from such events, what takeaways to get and what to learn.

20. What is one nice thing a coworker has done for you?

If you want to express appreciation to a colleague, this question is the question to ask. It’s perfect for promoting team bonding and engagement among coworkers and colleagues.

 

Conversation Starters for Work Lunches & Parties

21. Do you like to dance?

Dancing is the highest form of body language. And what better question to ask during a work party?

22. Have you tried any other good restaurants lately?

Food brings people together. Sharing recommendations about delicious food and restaurants that serve nothing but absolute yumminess is always a good thing.

23. Do you have any food allergies?

It’s always useful to know what food someone is allergic to in case you want to throw a dinner party for colleagues or bring them a pick-me-up snack during their break.

24. What food reminds you of your childhood?

Ah, whether it’s gingerbread cookies, fried chicken or morning pancakes, there’s nothing sweeter than walking down memory lane.

25. If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, who would it be?

This question gives the other person a chance to talk about someone they think is intriguing or influential. Maybe,  you’ll discover that you both pick similar artists or historical figures.

 

Team Meeting Ideas for Work

26. Mini Retreats

Spend a mini retreat with your team to build relationships and create harmony. Choose an indoor or outdoor location that will offer just the right amount of space for all so that everyone feels included.

27. Lunch and Learn

Lunch and Learns are an excellent way to get your employees engaged during their lunch break. You can choose from different topics for the activities that’ll take place, including basic training or leadership skills as well as “out of the box” options that will pique your team’s interest. This can be done virtually or in-person.

28. Competitions

Turn your next meeting into a competition! This is a great way to get people’s attention and keep them excited throughout the gathering. Plus, it creates unforgettable experiences that they’ll remember long after the event is over. There is a wide variety of competitions that you can choose from so that everyone in your group can participate.

29. Scavenger Hunt Meeting

Looking for a fun and engaging way to make your next meeting more exciting? Scavenger hunts are a great way to do that! They can be completed in many different ways. Plus, scavenger hunts always bring out the competitive side in people, so you can be sure that everyone will be excited and motivated to participate. Who knows- maybe your next great idea will come from a colleague who was inspired during this activity!

30. Breakfast Meeting

Show your team that you think outside the box and want to start the day off on a positive note. There’s nothing like a delicious breakfast to help get the creative juices flowing. And with plenty of coffee on hand, you can be sure that everyone will be wide awake and ready to go.

 

Topics for a Team Meeting

31. Goals

The goal-setting technique is a fantastic method to get focused and reach your intended result. It may be particularly beneficial if you’re stuck or perplexed about the next step. When everyone participates in sharing objectives and receiving feedback from the group, a feeling of comradeship and community is generated. This might help you move forward with your objectives and may provide fresh perspectives and ideas.

32. Work Wins

If you want your employees to be happy and productive, then it is important that they feel appreciated. One way of doing this? A weekly recognition gathering where team members can boast about their successes or thank someone who helped them out during a tough time!

33. Challenges

Discussing mistakes with team members helps normalize flaws and alleviates guilt. Not only that, but stories about mishaps can be amusing as well! The group could share tales of these comfort one another and also advice or ideas on how not to repeat the same mistake.

34. Predictions

Forecasting is an essential skill for today’s corporate world. It may assist teams in enhancing their critical thinking and planning skills by looking at what may happen to the company over the next period. You could even establish a prize pool where participants who are correct in predicting events can win some fantastic rewards.

35. Today I learned

To create a fun and educational atmosphere, it is important to engage employees. One way of doing this without boring everyone with serious talk all day long (or even during lunch) would be by having team members share fascinating facts about things that they have learned at work or outside office hours.

 

Conversation Topics for Adults

36. Current Events & News

Discussing the latest news is a great way to break the ice in conversation. Because many individuals have opinions on major events, it’s an easy opener for informal talks with colleagues or when meeting new people. You may also start conversations by talking about a fascinating article you’ve read which will pique their interest. It’s usually not a good idea to go political or contentious unless you know someone and where he stands well enough.

37. Media

Movies, music, and television can bring individuals together. Whether it’s about discussing a current tv show, a newly released movie, or a song being played on repeat at the moment, these topics may be a simple way to connect that doesn’t require much effort from either party involved. Media forms can provide you with opportunities for downtime chats.

38. Hobbies

It’s never too early to start learning about your coworkers’ hobbies. In fact, it might help you get a better sense of who they are by learning what they do in their spare time. Maybe you’ll discover something that both of you like which can provide common ground for future conversations, or one person might be enthused about sharing some of this knowledge with others around them.

39. Food

When it comes to food, there’s no such thing as too much discussion. Whether you’re talking about your favorite dish or a recent cooking failure that made the whole family laugh, food is one of the most common topics for conversation. People often share their favorite dishes and memories from childhood when it comes to food they love!

40. Office News

The office is always full of life and activity, especially when there are new announcements! It could be new partnerships or upcoming projects — you’ll never run out of topics to discuss!

 

Unique Topics for Discussion at Work

41. Travel Talk

Sharing your most unforgettable travel escapades is a great way to bring people together by sparking engaging conversations. Conversations about travel help foster connections through diverse experience and unique cultural insights, enabling a positive and open atmosphere from the get go.

42. Hidden Talents Reveal

Ask your team members to reveal their hidden talents! Aside from livening up the environment, it’s also a great way to get to know your team members on a whole other level. Such revelations can help foster a deeper appreciation for the individual skills and passions of team members.

43. Musical Mixtapes

Why not share your go-to playlists or your latest musical discoveries? Music is a universal language that people can connect on a fairly deep level. Discussing musical preferences encourages a vibrant exchange of ideas and helps instantly liven up dull weekdays at work.

44. Book Buzz

Talk about your recent reads or recommend a book! Sharing the books you’ve discovered and enjoyed can inspire curiosity, new learning, and further exploration of fresh ideas. Encourage the asking of questions and sharing feedback to make the discussions even more engaging. Ask your team members to bring their book recommendations to the next team meeting!

45. Dream Workspace

What if you asked your team members to imagine and express their vision of the perfect workspace? It’s a great way to dig deep into what your employees think of their current workspace and can spark some unique ideas to make your workplace more aesthetically pleasing, inviting, and comfortable for them.