You Belong Here

There’s something that’s been on my heart this week that I’d like to talk about today. Have you ever had a voice in your head saying there's not enough to go around? That anxiety that if someone else wins, you lose? Well my friend, if you have, that is scarcity mindset, and it's hitting Women of Color in our careers harder than ever. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to unpack this topic with multiple Women of Color, and I think it’s time to visit it as a community.

Let's be honest - when you're often the only one who looks like you in the room, scarcity thinking isn't just in your head. It's reinforced every time you look around. But here's the thing: while we can't control all the systems at play, we can choose to shift how we navigate them.

The Unique Ways Scarcity Mindset Shows Up for Us

The "Only One" Syndrome
Ever felt like you're competing for the token spot? That's scarcity talking. When organizations have poor track records with diversity, it's easy to fall into believing there's only room for one Woman of Color at the table. This creates a toxic cycle where we:

• Side-eye other Women of Color instead of building alliances

• Feel threatened when another Woman of Color joins the team

• Hold back from genuinely celebrating others' successes

The Perfectionism Trap
Let's call this what it is: exhausting. The feeling that you need to be twice as good to get half as far leads to:

• Working yourself to burnout to prove your worth

• Avoiding taking risks because failure isn't an option

• Overprepping for everything because any mistake could be used against you

The Undervaluing Cycle
When you've been systematically undervalued, you start to internalize it:

• Asking for less than you're worth in negotiations

• Not applying for positions unless you meet 100% of qualifications

• Accepting microaggressions or poor treatment as "just how it is"

Flipping the Script: From Scarcity to Abundance

I'm not here to tell you to "just think positive." The barriers are real. But our response to them can either keep us stuck or move us forward. Here's how we can shift:

Get Honest With Yourself

• Notice when you're operating from fear rather than possibility

• Ask yourself, "What would I do if I truly believed there was enough for everyone?"

• Challenge thoughts like "I can't afford to help her succeed" or "I don't deserve this opportunity."

Build Your Village
This isn't just about networking—it's about creating genuine community:

• Connect with other Women of Color who get it, without the need to explain

• Share salary info, opportunity leads, and insider knowledge openly

• Create success pacts where you commit to lifting each other up

Reclaim Your Value
Your worth isn't determined by what others have been willing to pay you:

• Research market rates for your position and experience

• Practice asking for what you want until it feels natural

• Develop a brag folder with concrete examples of your impact

Reshape the Game
Instead of just surviving the system, help reshape it:

• Speak up about exclusive practices when you see them

• Advocate for transparent promotion criteria and pay scales

• Question whose voices are centered in decision-making processes

Feed Your Abundance Mindset
Your mind needs regular reminders that scarcity isn't the only reality:

• Follow and engage with successful Women of Color in your field

• Celebrate your wins, no matter how small they seem

• Visualize success scenarios where everyone thrives

The Truth About Abundance

Here's what I want you to remember: Scarcity thinking tells us that one woman's success comes at another's expense. But that's a lie. When more Women of Color succeed, they create new possibilities for everyone.

Your success matters. Not just for you, but for every Woman of Color who will come after you. Each time you reject scarcity thinking, you're creating ripples that extend far beyond yourself.

So the next time that scarcity's voice pipes up, remember: there is enough. You are enough. And together, we can create workplaces where everyone has the chance to thrive.

What's one small step you can take today to move from scarcity to abundance thinking? Whatever it is, do it. Your future self will thank you. ❤️

Ready to join our Community Leaders?