The Barakah mindset
The barakah mindset is similar to the “abundance mindset” that Stephen Covey is credited with. It basically calls for the acknowledgement that there is plenty out there for everybody. It is the opposite of the “scarcity mindset” which is what capitalism teaches us - Your win is my loss and that I have to out-hustle you.
With the barakah mindset, our focus shifts inwards with full tawakkul or reliance on Allah (swt) that as long as we are doing our best to please Him, He will bless us in ways we cannot fathom. See Surah At-Talaq, Verses 2-3.
Here are 5 ways to develop a barakah mindset:
Know what you have and don’t have
Many people have a fear of looking at their bank accounts. Rather than monitoring how much is coming in or how much is going out, many people prefer to just not bother. This is not me being oblivious to the fact that there are a lot of unknowns with jobs, etc. for so many people, especially heightened by the pandemic. It is a real fear of dealing with reality that can quickly spiral out of control.
What gets tracked is what gets improved. You don’t have to be a zero-budget person tracking down to the penny, but take action and do what works for you to spend within your means.
Intentionally focus on “your gifts”
This is something we are all constantly working on. Getting clarity about what our gifts and purpose are. I like to rephrase “finding our purpose” as refining our mission. Our purpose as humans is one and the same.
Allah (swt) tells us in the Qur’an 51:56: And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.
Our mission is the vessel we use to worship Him and serve others at the same time. We are not trying to be anyone else nor do we have to. By simply giving ourselves permission to explore our skills, passions, networks and put them to use, we can earn a living, help others and win some barakah points in the process.
Train your mind to believe that it is possible FOR YOU
Often times, we focus too much on other people’s success stories thinking that their achievements are overnight or that it’s only possible for them, and not for us. This self-imposed negativity can be paralyzing. Use other people’s success stories as motivation, wish them well in silence or in public, and continue working on YOU.
Reset/reconfigure through Istikhara and Istishara
Allah (swt) encourages us to seek his guidance in major decisions. This is istikhara (it’s not just for marriage like some people think). As narrated by Jabir bin 'Abdullah:
The Prophet (SAWS) used to teach us the way of doing Istikhara, in all matters as he taught us the Suras of the Quran.
Every important task needs His guidance. Perhaps, you’re thinking of a career change, moving to another location, starting a new project, etc. Ask Allah (swt) to guide you in this.
Along the same lines is Istishara, the act of doing of shura or asking people for advice, brainstorming, bouncing ideas to take the best course of action. We all need people that keep us grounded and motivated. And what this pandemic has taught us is that planning is just that…planning. We have zero control over anything, but we can constantly assess our plans and reconfigure them smartly through the Almighty’s guidance and the people that we trust.
Nurture winning relationships
This is a follow-up on the last point about Istishara. Not everyone needs to be privy to what we do, but those who do - need to be nurtured. Surround yourself with people that strongly believe in both parties’s ability to win. These people help you stay true to your beliefs, take that next step, manage your time more effectively, and be your best self. Whether virtually or in person, pray to Allah (swt) to grant you a tribe of God-fearing, supportive people around you.