Regardless of what you do under the influence of social pressure, we’re all wired to either split the dinner bill or itemize it.
Whatever your instinct is, it tells you how you’re wired.
If you’re a splitter, you have an abundance mindset.
If you’re an itemizer, you have a scarcity mindset.
(And if you’re the only one insisting on itemizing then you’re THAT GUY. Don’t be THAT GUY. Sorry, not sorry.)
Knowing how you’re wired allows you to manage away from your instinct which is important to stay balanced.
If we lean too far in either direction, we’ll eventually topple over.
For instance, TOO much of an abundance mindset leads to overspending.
Assuming we’ll have more later isn’t a problem unless it leads to spending that future money now. Don’t spend it until you have it.
You can’t out-exercise a bad diet.
On the other side, TOO much of a scarcity mindset leads to self-imposed limitations.
Managing your resources down to $0 can make you pass on opportunities to apply leverage and increase your returns.
Don’t step over quarters to pick up nickels.
As usual, the right mindset is a balance between the two.
Applying a counterweight to the non-leaning side needs to be an active thought process.
And doubly so if you’re THAT GUY.
