I read a lot of books about work, decision-making, effectiveness, and contentment. A lot of them are mediocre, some are good, and a few give me ideas and frameworks that I come back to again and again.
One of the books that has influenced me most as a career coach is this behavioral economics book: Scarcity, by S. Mullainathan and E. Shafir.
I tend to be skeptical of coaching or self-development lessons that focus on “mindset”, “confidence” or “belief.” Certainly those things matter, but in my experience, confidence follows skill development and belief follows action, so my approach tends to be more pragmatic.
On the other hand, there are some cognitive habits and limitations and patterns that have been measured. Scarcity maps connections between the specific cognitive state of feeling that you don’t have enough of an important resource — time, money, power/respect, social connection — to specific cognitive responses to that feeling.
We tunnel in on the scarce resource. That can be good. It’s a focusing function. And it can be bad. We neglect things outside that narrow focus — which can be where long-term decision making, more strategic evaluation, and innovative ideation can be.
People make dumb mistakes when they are preoccupied with one thing to the exclusion of other factors.
This is the kernel of truth behind the cliche “It’s easier to get a job when you have a job.” (I don’t necessarily agree). If leaving a job creates a scarcity mentality around money, around social connection, or around your own sense of status/respect, you may not be putting yourself in the strongest position to uncover a great next option. On the other hand, if staying in a job creates a scarcity of time, mental focus, or confidence/status/respect, you might be able to think, network, and discover opportunities better if you walk away. But creating abundance and a feeling of safety, and preventing the negative cognitive impacts that Scarcity details, can help you make a better long-term career decision.
I made a video talking through why I like this book so much, and some connected ideas and concepts. Maybe it will help you or someone you know.
