Why You Only See the World You Expect

You’re midway through your morning commute when your phone buzzes with a budget-cut email from your manager. Instantly, your mind whispers, “We never have enough here.” You tense up and picture endless restrictions: fewer team outings, no new tools, endless spreadsheets. Sound familiar? I’ve been there too—sticky departure from optimism to “scarcity tunnel vision.”

Later that afternoon, I decide to test something. I pull out a restaurant loyalty card I’d forgotten about and spot enough points for a free coffee. I realize it’s all around us: unclaimed credits, untapped skills, unexpected solutions. That tiny discovery cracks the illusion—there is indeed more than you thought.

Neuroscience calls this our brain’s reticular activating system: it filters reality through what you believe. If you believe there’s never enough, you’ll only notice shortages. But once you shift to abundance—reminding yourself of past windfalls, finding gratitude for small freebies—your mind starts spotting opportunities everywhere. It’s not magic, it’s your brain rewiring itself.

So tonight, take your notebook and capture every fleeting worry about not having enough. Then gently question each one—ask, “When did I see abundance here?” Finally, pick three positive abundance statements and stick them on your mirror or fridge. You’ll be amazed how, within days, your world will feel richer—and you’ll start seeing exactly the opportunities you first thought impossible.