Life isn’t all good times or all bad. Mostly it’s that middle space in between. Let’s discuss being productive while living in between scarcity and abundance.
Two Extremes
We all experience times of scarcity. For example, with a career setback. Or, scarcity in relationships. At the other extreme are times of abundance. There, we’re especially productive or creative.
The lean years of scarcity may prompt a midlife career change. Conversely, our abundant years can be peak income years.
While it’s easier to see these outcomes in the lives of artists and athletes, we all can look back on times of scarcity and abundance.
Where We Live – Mostly
The extremes of scarcity and abundance are memorable. They represent times of great tension or great joy. However, most of us live a small part of our life in one of those two places. If we’re honest, mostly we’re living in between scarcity and abundance.
As influential as those extremes are to our mindset, the middle space accounts for lots of time. Thus, lets see how well we use that middle space.
Wisely Using the Middle Space
The scarcity-abundance extremes are times for us to reflect. And, to learn in the moment. Then, we gain experiential insights that compound like interest in our memory bank for decades to come.
Truly, we can grow in the lean years. Similarly, we can learn valuable lessons during times of abundance IF we don’t become overconfident, arrogant, or complacent.
Ok, but what about the middle space? What’s to be gained in those boring, uneventful times? Here are two ideas to consider for effectively using that middle space.
1). Incorporate Essential Disciplines: The insights drawn from the scarcity-abundance extremes should point us to essential disciplines. A simple example is setting aside some of the excess during our abundant years for the unexpected but inevitable lean times.
We must ask: What disciplines should become routine during this middle space?
2). Growth and Transformation: Now, beyond the routine disciplines of a sustainable life, where’s the value added? When can we envision and pursue significant transformation?
One way to grasp these inflection points is to be mentored. Find someone who asks “What else?” And, “Where else?” Remember, we become who we hang out with, according to Proverbs 13.20. Similarly, Proverbs 27.17 says “iron sharpens iron…” Thus, find mentors who challenge you.
A Personal Reflection
In my 30’s I experienced seven lean years. Conversely, later in my career I enjoyed abundance. The transition between those two took several years.
Yes, it was hard to go through a midlife career change. And Yes, the lean years were stressful and frustrating. Why? In part, because it’s hard to admit that you’re failing.
But, if you’re not willing to say “This isn’t working” you stay right where you are! And Yes, it’s easy, late in life, to look back and see how well things played out.
Conversely, it’s much more difficult, in the moment, to make the hard choices and take risks when you’re stressed financially and emotionally. Worse yet, there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution if you’re currently experiencing scarcity.
From experience, I know you must make those hard choices about who you are, and who you must become, if you’re to break out of scarcity.
Apply This Today!
I like to say Begin With WHO. Learning in the extreme times means taking a hard look at yourself. Get advice from others. Then, get over yourself and move on!
Coasting during the middle space is dangerous. Instead, use that season for growth and transformation. That’s hard to do during abundance because we’re so busy with harvest.
It’s too late to prepare for extremes once they hit. Thus, build your house on a rock during the middle space so you’re ready for the flood!
There will never be any change in your life if you don’t set aside time to envision who you could become. Give yourself time to dream. Then, act on that dream!
Regardless of where you are right now, be present wherever you are – – right now! By being present we draw the maximum learning possible from our circumstances.
A Question to Consider
During hard times, stress, frustration, and questioning yourself are inevitable. But, how have you avoided long-term desperation and bitterness arising out of those hard times in your life?
I’m Dale Young. My posts share the balanced life to build wise character and guide wise behavior.
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