February 28th, 2009

Here is a copy of my feature article from this months resolve, this month I re-printed an article from my marketing mentor Robert Middleton. I love his perspective, in fact so much so that I spent last year becoming one of his marketing coaches and this year engagin in his advanced program. Read his take on abundancy and scarcity, whether you have a business or not this will make you think.

I am also including my brain gym of the month; this month it is the Grounder, a great psoas release – this is a place lots of us keep our fear and anxiety! and – to be even more relaxing this is a lying down variation. Enjoy.

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Commentary of the Month: Scarcity or Abundance? Neither!
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By Robert Middleton of Action Plan Marketing

I was watching a very interesting show (I think on PBS) last night about the mortgage crisis, how it came about, and what the consequences have been.

The bottom line was very simple: Greed.

It’s easy to point the finger at the mortgage companies and the investment houses that packaged these mortgages, along with several other players in this tragic drama.

But you and I, the American consumer, are equally responsible.

Somewhere we bought into the notion that, “You can have it all!”
This led to borrowing on our home equity to pay off other loans with the belief that the value in our houses would keep on increasing forever.

Well you know how that worked out!

I succumbed as well. I refinanced my home and bought a condo in Mexico. Now, it’s really nice and a great getaway (although we don’t get away much!) but the downside is the $2K plus additional monthly mortgage payment.

Now I’m doing OK and haven’t missed a payment, but I’m also noticing that Independent Professionals are tightening their belts and spending a little less online these days.

Now there are a few ways to react to all of this.

One way is to go into “scarcity mode” where you worry that it’s all going to fall apart. Then every decision, every action is based on fear which leads to inaction and stagnation.

Another way is to turn on “abundance mode” which it to see every adversity as an opportunity and to turn on the creative juices and push harder than ever to advance on any setbacks you may have experienced.

Well, scarcity mode definitely doesn’t work. I’d recommend working hard to get past that one as soon as possible.

But I’m not sure abundance mode is the answer either. After all, wasn’t this the mode that got us into this mess in the first place?

Isn’t abundance just a more polite name for greed?

Think about it. In abundance mode you visualize the money you will make, all the things you will buy, the home renovations you will do. It’s a very strong driver. And I assure you that the mortgage lenders, bankers, and Wall Street firms were very much into that mode for several years.

But with abundance mode, all you’re left with is a lot of stuff! And then you go into survival because you’re afraid of losing that stuff.

Scarcity and abundance are just two sides of the same coin.

Perhaps there’s a “middle mode” that’s a lot more sustainable.

I call it “contribution mode.”

When we’re in contribution mode we are balanced. We are not thinking first about what we can get for ourselves, but what value we can provide for others.

What we offer isn’t quick-fixes and smoke and mirror marketing strategies. We offer services, programs, and products that really deliver on their promise. These services help our clients build solid skills they can use for a lifetime. These programs provide a foundation for their careers, relationships, and lives.

Now, I must admit, contribution mode is not very popular. It’s not very sexy. It doesn’t promise instant riches. It takes work and dedication and trial and error.

On the other hand, contribution mode is deeply fulfilling and satisfying. When we’re in contribution mode, we’re making a difference, we are providing substantial value and we can sleep soundly at night knowing this.

Not only that, in contribution mode, we build our wealth slowly but surely. We don’t risk everything we have on a long shot. We don’t live beyond our means. We buy quality products that last a long time. We make our priority our loved ones and those who are less fortunate than us.

I invite you to step into contribution mode. The water’s fine!

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The More Clients Bottom Line: Don’t get dragged down by scarcity mode or seduced by abundance mode. Both of these modes are full of pitfalls that don’t get you what you really want.
Choose contribution mode. That’s where the real prize is.

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Brain Gym*c of the Month :

GROUNDER

Lie down and notice how you are feeling. Relaxed and welcoming of the future – or something else?

With your legs relaxed out straight, bend one leg and bring it up so your ankle of your bent leg rests somewhere above your knee on your thigh of your straight leg (wherever is comfortable). Place your hands on your hips and turn your head so you are looking in the direction of your bent leg. Breathe out and relax into this posture, feel your hips open and your back relax. after a few breaths swap sides.

Finish by noticing any changes, I often find when my hips are tight so are my thoughts, this relaxes both. Try it!

*c Brain Gym – Created by Paul and Gail Dennison and a trademark of Brain Gym International www.braingym.org