Overcoming the Feeling of Lack

It's human nature to fixate on what's missing rather than appreciate what's present. Despite having so much - a loving family, a roof overhead, health, friends, and freedom - our minds still wander to perceived deficiencies.

This tendency reveals a strong negative bias in how our brains are wired. We put more weight and attention on the negative as an evolutionary survival mechanism. Dwelling on threats and losses was critical for staying alive. But in modern life, this negativity bias causes us to obsess over minor lacks while overlooking massive blessings.

To transcend this, we must change our thinking patterns. When we stay anchored in gratitude for what we have instead of what we lack, we cultivate a sense of completeness. We realise we already possess so much that we need. Anything more is a bonus.

Gratitude replaces feelings of lack with feelings of abundance. But ingrained mental habits don’t disappear overnight. With conscious practice and repetition, we can rewire our neural pathways.

Start by noticing when your mind obsesses over a perceived lack. Gently redirect your attention to something you're grateful for, even if seemingly insignificant - your morning coffee, the roof over your head, your pet's companionship.

When we consistently counteract thoughts of deficiency with gratitude, our mindset shifts. We may not have everything we desire, but we have all we need. This mentality of sufficiency breeds contentment.

Rather than forcing grandiose feelings of abundance, focus on modest gratitude. Find genuine appreciation for the life you have right now, not some idealised version. Your mind will resist at first but slowly embrace this new loving perspective.

Stay patient on this journey, from lack to gratitude. Keep watering the seeds of thankfulness - your inner garden will blossom, one bloom at a time.

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The Thirties' Reboot - Life Lessons to Live Fully in Your Thirties and Beyond, is now available.

If you're looking for a book that combines relatable life lessons with actionable advice, this is it. Abhinav Bhalla doesn't just talk about the challenges of the thirties—he helps you take them head on, with clarity and purpose. A practical and inspiring read!

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