A Natural Collective Strength: Abundance

Written by: M. Neumann

August 24th, 2023

In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey, the ‘habit’ of finding win-win outcomes

Am I a good writer? No.

I love to read. I love to share ideas that challenge & resonate with me.

When I read my writing, I know it’s sub-par, at best.

BUT I’m passionate that we all must show up as we are. So here I write and post.

The core of who I am is a person of abundance - a horrible competitor. In my world, scarcity doesn’t exist. My truth is knowing I am and have more than enough. I’d rather cheer, root, lose to you, allow you to ‘win.’ I don’t compete. I run my race and pave my road.

Understanding how natural abundance feels to me took some time. When leaning into abundance, there’s a feeling of pride, confidence, and strength.

I read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey, going into my senior year at Michigan State. My goal was simply to have substance as I began interviewing for postgrad careers.

Little did I know that the ‘habit’ of finding win-win outcomes would be a principle that I couldn’t ever forget. Covey used a pie in an analogy. He advised not to compete for a slice of the pie, but to create and bake your own pie. The idea felt as natural to me as a beach near the water. Only within the past few years have I truly stepped into ‘creating and baking my pie.’

Why does this matter? I’m not trying to prove myself to people or the world. The goal is to improve myself, measured by the standards I set. I genuinely want to help and don’t need to dominate a project or conversation. Collaboration is engaging, celebrated, and valued.

Recently, I finished a book by Joe Polish (What’s In It For Them). He advised that each relationship should begin with kindness and generosity; however, if one person evokes intimidation, the other has to lean into the intimidation. This resonates. With strength and assertiveness, the other person makes their presence known.

A person who leads with aggressiveness is coming from a place of weakness, insecurity, and scarcity. Consistently seeing and meeting a weakness with strength cannot fail.

An abundant mindset showcases showing up as you are with strength and pride, regardless of proficiency. Showing up as our authentic selves, we cheer for one another. Collectively, strength multiplies, and weaknesses diminish.