I was going to write a classic #howto develop a resource mindset but then I stopped myself. ‘How to’s’ and ‘guide to’s’ presume the reader knows nothing. That s/he needs advice. 

It is my belief that you have a resource mindset inside of you. Whether you know it or not. And, that when you activate yours, you will be as one hockey friend used to say, “on fire!”.

To help you activate your inner resourceful self, I thought I would share my story and values. If you relate in any way, the wisdom I have gained will fuel you to share with others.

I also want to help you tap into your sense of confidence. Flick the switch and you can start using your resource mindset whenever possible. 

If you want to crush life, a resource mindset is crucial. I know it helps me meet challenges. These are the moments when our innermost self shows up and says “show me what you’ve got or I’ll kick the shit out of you.”

Just What is a Resource Mindset?

A resource mindset is one that is pre-set to think outside the box. It is not daunted by an apparent lack of options and will keep trying to figure things out. I think it’s what my husband means when he calls me ‘tenacious.’

Resourcefulness is a mindset, and is especially relevant when the goals you have set are difficult to achieve or you cannot envision a clear path to get to where you desire to go.

Sherrie Campbell

Is resourcefulness a skill?

Yes, resourcefulness is a skill that can be practiced and learned. I learned it at the foot of my grandmother when I watched her bake. She managed to take what she had and make it work.

Being a yoga student and yoga therapist also taught me how to adapt practices to an individual. It showed me you have to think on your feet and be in the moment. There isn’t a text book solution to every problem. 

What is an example of resourcefulness?

A perfect example of resourcefulness is lemonade. “When you have lemons, make lemonade”. That’s as classic a statement as a pearl necklace.  Lemons means anything that is unpalatable (sour). Adding some simple ingredients like patience (sugar) and fluidity (water), you get a whole new experience. 

How Can I Be Resourceful?

To be resourceful, practice giving up the outcome and sometimes, the goal.

Surrendering all thoughts of outcome,

unperturbed, self reliant, 

he does nothing at all, even

when fully engaged in actions.

Bhagavad Gita A New Translation, Stephen Mitchell

Below, I talk about five ways I practice the resource mindset in my life. My hope is that you will tap into this energy when obstacles rear their heads.

• Rewrite your story. If life knocks you down, that is ok. Do your best to take a next step when you are ready. It’s not over. What other tools do you have at your disposal? Is there something you can do instead?” These are some questions that surf in a resource mindset. Hint, “I can’t do it” is not resourceful. Say “I can learn to do that”, “I won’t do that”, or something like “I can do it another way, but not the way I hoped.” Instead of “I don’t have that” say, “this is what I have”. What story could you re-write in order to come to a new point of view?

• Figure it out. I used to find it annoying when people (you know who you are) would say, “we’ll figure it out”. I felt like it was a way of blowing things off. In fact, it is a great example of the resource mindset. It says, “I don’t know how now, but when it comes time, I trust I will know what to do.” Is there any situation where you could hit the pause button until the answer is clear to you?

• Prepare yourself in increments. My grandmother used to prepare for trips a week ahead. She also prepared for family holidays like Passover, several weeks in advance. She did a little bit each day. I try to integrate this lesson by doing something today that will ease my tomorrow. Writing forward is one example. Is there any one thing you could do today to work towards a goal? 

• Adapt and respond. Adapting isn’t always fun, don’t get me wrong. It is hard work. But just think about this: Which is stronger, water or steel? Water is the more powerful. Learn from water to be fluid and responsive. Think of yourself as a great chef who makes the most amazing tomato sauce with tomatoes, salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. How do you feel when you have fewer resources? Can you simplify?

• Repurpose. Repurposing is a deep tissue massage for your resource mindset. I’m guilty of that as a writer. (See this vs that article). I’ve taken one message and written it for two distinct audiences. This action has helped me stretch my creative muscles. Truth be told, I also repurpose old t-shirts into pj’s. What old trick can you do in a new way?

The minute you practice one of these concepts in your own life is the minute you own your resource mindset. Go try!

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