Episode Summary:

Understanding and Rewiring the Scarcity Mindset | The Inner Space

In this episode of The Inner Space, we explore the fear of scarcity — the inner experience of “not having enough” — and how it silently shapes our emotions, choices, and worldview.We begin by defining what scarcity truly is: not just a lack of money or time, but a felt sense of insufficiency. Sriram explains how this mindset impacts our creativity, relationships, risk-taking, and sense of self-worth — and why this fear persists even when external circumstances improve.

Drawing from psychology, neuroscience, and spiritual philosophy, we uncover how scarcity thinking is inherited through evolution, shaped by early experiences, and reinforced by culture. Sriram also shares personal stories, practical exercises, and reflection prompts to begin transforming this inner script from one of lack to a grounded sense of abundance and sufficiency.
This episode includes guided self-assessments, mindset tools, and affirmations designed to support your inner shift — from fear to freedom.

New episode every alternate Tuesday. Take the full scarcity-abundance self-assessment: www.brenebrown.com/wholeheartedinventory

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction to The Inner Space & this series
00:02:07 What is scarcity? How do we feel it?
00:02:28 Scarcity in daily life: money, time, relationships
00:07:02 The neuroscience of lack: focus, anxiety & decision fatigue
00:12:00 Nature of Abundance
00:18:15 Reflections on Scarcity
00:26:06 Tools to assess your scarcity-abundance patterns
00:30:56 Evolutionary & cultural roots of the scarcity mindset
00:40:10 Impact of Scarcity thinking
00:46:22 Outro & preview of the next episode

More Episodes for you:

Welcome to The Inner Space

Series: From Fear to Freedom

Understanding the Scarcity

Series: From Fear to Freedom – Episode 1

Cultivating an abundance mindset

Series: From Fear to Freedom – Episode 2