A Perspective Shift for the New Year: Choosing Enough Over Not Enough

Misty Getrich
1 day ago
5 min read

As a new year begins, there’s often an unspoken pressure to fix, improve, or catch up.

The messages are subtle but loud:

Do more. Be better.

Don’t waste time.

This year has to be different.

For many of us, this urgency isn’t motivation—it’s scarcity.

A scarcity mindset is living from the belief that there’s not enough—so you rush, worry, compare, or feel like you have to push yourself to be okay.

Rather may we learn to utilize an abundance mindset this year.

An abundance mindset is living from the belief that you are safe and enough—so you can slow down, make choices with clarity, and trust yourself.

Scarcity Is More Than a Mindset

It’s a nervous system state.

Scarcity shows up when our system believes there isn’t enough:

enough time
enough energy
enough money
enough success
enough worth

In this state, the body is focused on survival. The brain narrows. We rush, compare, over-commit, or abandon ourselves trying to “get it right” this year.

That’s why New Year’s resolutions so often collapse—not because we lack discipline, but because you can’t build a meaningful life from a threat response.

Abundance Begins with Safety

An abundance mindset doesn’t mean ignoring reality or forcing optimism. It means starting the year from a place of internal safety and self-trust.

When the nervous system feels more regulated:

The brain has access to creativity and flexibility
We make choices aligned with values instead of fear
Change becomes sustainable, not exhausting

Abundance sounds like:

“I don’t need to rush to be worthy.”
“I can move at the pace of my nervous system.”
“There is room for rest and growth.”

The Science Behind Scarcity

Research in neuroscience and psychology shows that perceived scarcity activates the brain’s threat system.

When we feel scarcity (of time, money, love, approval, or energy):

The amygdala becomes more active (our brain’s alarm system)
Stress hormones like cortisol increase
The prefrontal cortex (responsible for reasoning, empathy, creativity, and perspective) becomes less accessible

In this state, we’re more likely to:

Overreact or shut down
Make short-term decisions
Compare ourselves to others
Feel anxious, defensive, or resentful

Scarcity narrows our world. We become focused on survival rather than connection.

The Science Behind Abundance

An abundance mindset isn’t toxic positivity or pretending everything is fine. It’s a regulated nervous system state.

When we feel safe enough:

The parasympathetic nervous system (especially the ventral vagal pathway) comes online
The brain has more access to flexibility, creativity, and problem-solving
Oxytocin and dopamine increase, supporting trust and motivation

From this state, we’re more able to:

Think long-term
Set healthy boundaries without guilt
Celebrate others without self-abandonment
Respond instead of react

Abundance expands our capacity to see options.

Why This Matters in Everyday Life

Two people can have the same external circumstances, yet experience life very differently depending on which system is running.

Scarcity says:

“I have to earn rest.

"I can’t say no.”

“I’m falling behind.”

Abundance says:

“My worth isn’t up for debate.”

“I’m allowed to choose myself.”

“There is space for my needs.”

Neither state is permanent. We all move between them—especially during stress, family dynamics, or big transitions.

The goal isn’t to eliminate scarcity thinking.

The goal is to notice it with compassion and gently guide yourself back to safety.

Abundance vs. Scarcity: Perspective Examples

Time

Scarcity: “I’m always behind. There’s never enough time.”
Abundance: “I can move at a pace that supports me.”

Rest

Scarcity: “I’ll rest once everything is done.”
Abundance: “Rest helps me show up more fully.”

Growth

Scarcity: “I need to fix myself this year.”
Abundance: “I can grow without being broken.”

Boundaries

Scarcity: “If I say no, I’ll disappoint people.”
Abundance: “Healthy boundaries protect my energy and relationships.”

Comparison

Scarcity: “Everyone else is ahead of me.”
Abundance: “I’m allowed to be in my own season.”

Money / Resources

Scarcity: “If I spend or invest, I’ll lose security.”
Abundance: “I can make thoughtful choices that support my future.”

Mistakes

Scarcity: “I messed up—I’ve failed.”
Abundance: “This is information I can learn from.”

Self-Worth

Scarcity: “I have to earn my worth.”
Abundance: “My worth is inherent.”

Scarcity → Abundance Reframe List

“I’m behind.” → I am moving in my own timing.

“There’s not enough time.” → I can choose what truly matters.

“I have to do more.” → I am allowed to do enough.

“I’ll rest when everything is done.” → Rest supports my capacity.

“If I say no, I’ll disappoint people.” → Boundaries protect my energy and relationships.

“Everyone else has it figured out.” → I am allowed to be in my own season.

“I need to fix myself.” → I can grow without being broken.

“I can’t slow down.” → Slowing down helps me feel safe and clear.

“I don’t have enough.” → I can work with what I have.

“My worth depends on my productivity.” → My worth is inherent.

How to Live Abundance This Year (Practically)

1. Set intentions, not punishments. If your goals feel heavy, tight, or fear-driven, scarcity may be leading.Abundance asks: What would support me, not fix me?

2. Pace yourself on purpose. Doing less—more intentionally—creates more impact than constant pushing. Slowness is not falling behind; it’s regulation.

3. Notice comparison as a signal, not a failure. Comparison often means your system feels unsafe. Instead of pushing harder, pause and reconnect to your own lane.

4. Build consistency through compassion. Lasting change happens when the body feels supported, not shamed. Gentle structure beats extreme motivation every time.

5. Return to the body. Breath, movement, rest, and grounding are not extras—they are the foundation of abundance.