Built to Belong: Discovering the Power of Community Over Competition

Built to Belong: Discovering the Power of Community Over Competition

  • Downloads:2804
  • Type:Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date:2021-11-12 04:41:00
  • Update Date:2025-09-24
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Natalie Franke
  • ISBN:1546017682
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

This fresh, inspiring call to community and connection from an entrepreneur and leader is perfect for anyone feeling alone and ready to set off on a journey to true belonging。

Many of us feel more alone than ever despite living in the most connected society in human history。 We need to belong in the same way that we need oxygen–our physical bodies require it。 We perform better and have greater successes as individuals when we are connected to the collective。

Join author Natalie Franke as she shares her story of longing for connection in the chaos and lessons learned on her journey to true belonging。 Together we’ll uncover how to:
Kick scroll-induced jealousy to the curb and transform the way that social media makes you feel about yourself and others
Overcome loneliness by finding your people and cultivating true community in your personal and professional world
Strike the balance between camaraderie and competition so that you can live a deeply fulfilled and joyful life
Human beings are not highlight reels—we’re done fanning the flames of comparison, drowning in our insecurities, and being pitted against one another。 We’re saying no to the endless rat race of getting ahead and goodbye to the narratives that leave us feeling left out and alone。

We are destined for something better。 We’re made for so much more。 Because knit into the fabric of our DNA, we were Built to Belong

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Reviews

Kimberly Eddy

Wow。。。balm for my creativepreneur soulNatalie's book about community over competition was a huge encouragement to me as a newly self-employed designer。 She turns everything i grew up believing about business and success on its head, and shows us there is enough for everyone。 Wow。。。balm for my creativepreneur soulNatalie's book about community over competition was a huge encouragement to me as a newly self-employed designer。 She turns everything i grew up believing about business and success on its head, and shows us there is enough for everyone。 。。。more

Emily

3。5 star review, a quick "self-help" book that I did enjoy。 It was a good balance of personal stories/examples, research studies, practical advice, and motivational speak。 I'm not an entrepreneur, so I didn't relate to a lot of the business-related topics in the book, but I felt the themes on community-building, avoiding comparison, what healthy competition looks like, are all things I can carry over into different areas of my life -- work, being a Meetup event leader, making new connections my 3。5 star review, a quick "self-help" book that I did enjoy。 It was a good balance of personal stories/examples, research studies, practical advice, and motivational speak。 I'm not an entrepreneur, so I didn't relate to a lot of the business-related topics in the book, but I felt the themes on community-building, avoiding comparison, what healthy competition looks like, are all things I can carry over into different areas of my life -- work, being a Meetup event leader, making new connections my new neighborhood, being intentional about communicating with the friends I maybe haven't reached out to in a while, etc。 As a practical person, I also really appreciated the author listed out actual action steps to be taken in order to build a healthy community, and provided tips on ways to reframe your thinking when it comes to the comparison game on social media。 。。。more

Kaitlin

This book spoke directly to my soul。 My dream would be for Natalie Franke and Brene Brown to collaborate on something。 This is how I want to live my life。 Franke created an approachable and convincing argument regarding the benefits of #communityovercompetition。 I would have loved a few more business examples, but otherwise, the book was easy to digest and even provided businesses with concrete ways of measuring the impact of #communityovercompetition。

Monica

I don't know about you, but there are times when I am on social media and I just get tired of all of the competition。 I wonder if I am doing any real good。 Built to Belong: Discovering the Power of Community over Competition by Natalie Franke is a great read if you share similar feelings。Natalie Franke offers a lot of truly helpful advice in Built to Belong。 She offers easy to follow steps to finding your community and to improving your communication both on-line and in person。 I like how practi I don't know about you, but there are times when I am on social media and I just get tired of all of the competition。 I wonder if I am doing any real good。 Built to Belong: Discovering the Power of Community over Competition by Natalie Franke is a great read if you share similar feelings。Natalie Franke offers a lot of truly helpful advice in Built to Belong。 She offers easy to follow steps to finding your community and to improving your communication both on-line and in person。 I like how practical her ideas are and how she offers examples to show how they can work。 I also like how she encourages readers to see what they have to offer and has ideas on finding a community and spending less time endlessly scrolling。 Franke's writing is easy to read and understand。 The whole book is definitely something we need to read with the way we interact in today's world。 This would be a great book to discuss in a book club or with a group of like-minded readers。 In the back of the book, there is a Reading Group Guide with good discussion questions。 I have to add that I also like this eye-catching cover on Built to Belong。I received a copy of this book from the publisher。 All opinions within this review are my own。 。。。more

Ian Rose

There's a lot of good in this book。 I absolutely agree with the thesis, and the author has done good work with her organization。 But I don't think you can champion belonging and people-first business, while simultaneously gushing over businesses like Tesla and Airbnb。 If you're going to talk about corporate culture and Tesla, it feels disingenuous not to mention their union busting and other labor practices。 If you're going to talk about equity and people mattering with Airbnb as an example, you There's a lot of good in this book。 I absolutely agree with the thesis, and the author has done good work with her organization。 But I don't think you can champion belonging and people-first business, while simultaneously gushing over businesses like Tesla and Airbnb。 If you're going to talk about corporate culture and Tesla, it feels disingenuous not to mention their union busting and other labor practices。 If you're going to talk about equity and people mattering with Airbnb as an example, you really have to give at least a paragraph to the way the company has knowingly exacerbated the housing crisis, affecting the poorest people first and hardest。 Those sections didn't feel people-first to me, and that being the point of the book, it affected my reading。 。。。more

Alyssa Silva

I loved this book! Natalie’s words will encourage those who feel lonely, inspire those who are trying to build community in a competitive world, and act as a guide for anyone navigating through this social media age。 I plan on reading this book again… this time to take notes and apply them to my own work!

Katrina

Entrepreneurship can be joyful, amazing, brilliant, life-changing, and a consistent source of growth, but it can also be terrifying, lonely, isolating, and the hardest thing you'll ever do。 Built to Belong really forces us to look at the true benefits of community throughout it all -- how REAL connection is the end goal and how it can save us from the dark side of our businesses and ourselves。 Recommend to everyone! Entrepreneurship can be joyful, amazing, brilliant, life-changing, and a consistent source of growth, but it can also be terrifying, lonely, isolating, and the hardest thing you'll ever do。 Built to Belong really forces us to look at the true benefits of community throughout it all -- how REAL connection is the end goal and how it can save us from the dark side of our businesses and ourselves。 Recommend to everyone! 。。。more

Justine Hwang

Natalie's message is much need in our current age of disconnection and isolation。 The power of her message, that cultivating community over competition, is truly life changing and has the power to change the world。She shares deep wisdom and practical advice for fostering relationships, and building a business (and a life) that impacts others, making the world a better place。 She writes with honesty, candour, and hope。 There is an integrity and weight to her words because she practices, and lives Natalie's message is much need in our current age of disconnection and isolation。 The power of her message, that cultivating community over competition, is truly life changing and has the power to change the world。She shares deep wisdom and practical advice for fostering relationships, and building a business (and a life) that impacts others, making the world a better place。 She writes with honesty, candour, and hope。 There is an integrity and weight to her words because she practices, and lives, what she preaches。 The impact of her message, life and presence, have changed me and the direction of my business。I expected mostly inspiration when I first bought the electronic version to read and the audio version to listen to。 (I usually only order physical copies of books I think will be a good reference tool)。 As I was listening to the author narrate her story, yet draw such practical, actionable wisdom on community building and starting/growing a business that matters, I ordered a physical copy so that I can mark it up and make notes in the margins。 It's that good。 。。。more

Jessica Swartzendruber

Natalie has a way with words。 She preaches community AND makes you feel like you're part of hers, just in her writing。 It gave me a sense of clarity on where I belong and how to embrace community to find it。 Natalie has a way with words。 She preaches community AND makes you feel like you're part of hers, just in her writing。 It gave me a sense of clarity on where I belong and how to embrace community to find it。 。。。more

Bonnie Taylor

In a culture of fierce competition this book is just what the world needs! Natalie has created a movement that helps shift the mindset from “oh she’s winning now I’m falling behind” to “if it can happen for her it can happen for me”。 Natalie speaks of creating meaningful relationships where we all can succeed while collaborating with others。 So get off the soapbox and help build a stage!!

Amelia

Natalie’s ‘Built To Belong’ is a must read for any creative entrepreneur。 Her passion for community over competition, a strong sense of belonging, and vulnerability in her own story shines through in powerful ways。 Clear action steps, data science, and heart blend together in this incredible bookshelf essential。 Currently starting back at chapter one for a second read。 I needed this book。 10 out of 5 stars!

Kristy Meinhardt

I've followed Natalie for years and have always admired and deeply appreciated her work。 But I was still just blown away by this book! As I dove into reading, I realized that building community has never been more important and applies to way more than just in business。 Building communities where everyone belongs is vital in our parenting, our neighborhoods, our churches, our schools。。。everywhere! Thank you Natalie for continuing this important work!!! I've followed Natalie for years and have always admired and deeply appreciated her work。 But I was still just blown away by this book! As I dove into reading, I realized that building community has never been more important and applies to way more than just in business。 Building communities where everyone belongs is vital in our parenting, our neighborhoods, our churches, our schools。。。everywhere! Thank you Natalie for continuing this important work!!! 。。。more

Ashley

I’m obsessed with personal development, running my business, and all things that help me pursue a life of freedom for myself and my family - and this book is a MUST HAVE for anyone that identifies with wanting to make the most of their life。 Built to Belong is not only about how your community impacts your life but how to change your mindset to understand how to make the greatest impact。 The relationships you build along the way allow you to exponentially bring value to this world and Natalie’s I’m obsessed with personal development, running my business, and all things that help me pursue a life of freedom for myself and my family - and this book is a MUST HAVE for anyone that identifies with wanting to make the most of their life。 Built to Belong is not only about how your community impacts your life but how to change your mindset to understand how to make the greatest impact。 The relationships you build along the way allow you to exponentially bring value to this world and Natalie’s book breaks down the power of community in such an easy to read and relevant way。 I cannot wait for more books from Natalie。 I’m such a fan!! Do yourself a favor and stop reading reviews and go purchase this book right now!! You won’t regret it! 。。。more

Linseybdavisgmail。com

In this book, Natalie encourages readers to discover what it means to truly rally around others in their personal and business circles。 Learn firsthand what it’s like to be part of a community where you can make mistakes without being judged or criticized for them。This book is exactly what we need right now!

Alexa Hallberg

As an abuse survivor trying to find her way in the world this book was exactly what I needed。 It made me laugh, it made me cry and there were so many "YES" moments where I felt someone truly understood how I was feeling。 Natalie really solidified the power of community and inspired me to cultivate my circle to include those that will go to bat for me when I need it。 The world can be a lonely place but Natalie just made it feel a little less so through the words on these pages。 I will forever be As an abuse survivor trying to find her way in the world this book was exactly what I needed。 It made me laugh, it made me cry and there were so many "YES" moments where I felt someone truly understood how I was feeling。 Natalie really solidified the power of community and inspired me to cultivate my circle to include those that will go to bat for me when I need it。 The world can be a lonely place but Natalie just made it feel a little less so through the words on these pages。 I will forever be gifting book。 。。。more

Lindsay Van

This book is a such a gift to the creative community。 After a hard and isolating year, Natalie has given us a sense of hope and belonging that I will forever be grateful for。 I can’t recommend “Built to Belong” enough!

Juli

If you follow Natalie, you know she is honest, passionate, inclusive and energetic。 You know she has a fierce determination to lift others up, bring people together and cheer for others。 Her new book, Built to Belong, is all that and more in written word。 Whether you are an entrepreneur, side-hustler, dreamer, team leader, community leader, we all share a few things in common; our determination to succeed, to challenge ourselves and reach new goals。 Those qualities are easy to talk about。 The re If you follow Natalie, you know she is honest, passionate, inclusive and energetic。 You know she has a fierce determination to lift others up, bring people together and cheer for others。 Her new book, Built to Belong, is all that and more in written word。 Whether you are an entrepreneur, side-hustler, dreamer, team leader, community leader, we all share a few things in common; our determination to succeed, to challenge ourselves and reach new goals。 Those qualities are easy to talk about。 The reality is that we also face loneliness, voices of comparison and judgement in competition。 Natalie’s mission is to end the latter and prove that we can all be stronger, grow faster and be more successful in any journey of ours, if we reach out to one another to ask for help, support and encouragement and offer it in return。 I discovered Natalie at an all time-low in my entrepreneurial journey。 I was struggling with severe loneliness and isolation and when I found her, her message of Community over Competition truly resonated with me。 Reading her messages on line, quickly changed my way of thinking and I grasped onto the idea of reaching out to others in my industry instead of avoiding them。 Turns out Natalie was absolutely right, I wasn’t alone and when I asked, others admitted the same thing。 Through those conversations and connections, so many new friendships and alliances were created and exist to this day。 In Natalie’s book, she will show you though antidotes, science and studies that we are Built to Belong。 We need each other to survive and thrive。 We are not meant to fight, compete and tear each other down nor are those necessary in order for us to succeed。 Her message of abundance is my favorite。 “Abundance says there is room for everyone to pursue their dreams。” This mindset changes everything and truly shows us there is room at the table for all and if we include rather than ignore others, we will all be better off。 Together we can share knowledge, experience and compassion and that will not only make our lives stronger but grow our hearts as well。 We all know our world needs more compassion and kindness。 Natalie is the friend we all need。 The one who gives you a big hug and then a push to do better。 Her energy, passion and mission is contagious and you will end this book ready not only believing that creating and embracing community is the way we should be living but you will also have the tools to make those changes in your life, once and for all。 Built to Belong is filled with concrete information that will absolutely enable you to change your mindset to let go of the competitive, dog eat dog world we live in。 Her book includes tactics, advice and real-life examples that prove that if someone like Elon Musk can share his knowledge to allow others to go further and do better, so can we。 This is not about cliches, pep talks and cute quotes。 Natalie is honest about her experiences, mistakes she’s fallen trap to and at the same time, is realistic。 She admits to changing her mind about online communities and continues to learn from others on the power and nuances of community。 For example, we know our phones aren’t going away, but she offers way to use them effectively and productively so we can embrace community instead of avoid it。 The world NEEDS this book right now。 It’s been a rough 18+ months and many of our roles in jobs, home and life are changing。 As we navigate new roles, this book can be the guide to help us all do better, be better and build the communities we all so desperately need。 You do not need to be an entrepreneur to read this book。 I believe everyone can gain from Natalie’s message。 Whether you are a teacher, parent, community advisor, team leader, coach, church leader, teammate, friend, boss or ally, this book will offer the wisdom and insight for us all to change our mindset and work together。 We need to lead by example to show our kids there is a better way to be。Natalie says, “Communities are built one person at a time。” There is no doubt that if you read this book, community will start with you。 。。。more

Jennifer Pace

In a world that can feel so isolating, Natalie Franke shares powerful insights, scientific data and weaves her personal struggles with loneliness, infertility, brain surgery, and building a business to share how she harnessed the power of community to transform herself and her business。 #CommunityOverCompetition is the key to overcoming that feeling of loneliness and building those connections we all crave。 She reminds us that we don't have to feel alone or do it all alone because we ALL are bui In a world that can feel so isolating, Natalie Franke shares powerful insights, scientific data and weaves her personal struggles with loneliness, infertility, brain surgery, and building a business to share how she harnessed the power of community to transform herself and her business。 #CommunityOverCompetition is the key to overcoming that feeling of loneliness and building those connections we all crave。 She reminds us that we don't have to feel alone or do it all alone because we ALL are built to belong。 And isn't that a reminder we all need right now, after everything we have been through? It is a must-read and the perfect guide to help build honest connections, and it starts with making people our priority。This book is a true inspiration and deserves to be in your hands。 I highly recommend it! 。。。more

Kristin Gulitz

This book is exactly what we need living through the pandemic! Natalie is such a positive voice with a powerful personal story。 I throughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!

John Mansfield

Such an amazing book! Exactly what I didn’t realize I needed。Reading this stories of community and how powerful it is to lift each other up is a huge encouragement in my life。I lived a very “average life” for the longest time because I wanted to fit in。 Chapter 8 really spoke to me。

Karen Shoufler

As an entrepreneur, it's easy to get stuck in the loneliness and competition of building a business。 Nat calls out our innate need for community and desire to do life with others。 As the movement of #communityovercompetition spreads around the world through The Rising Tide Society that was co-founded by the author, entrepreneurs and people are grabbing hold of the hope and joy that community brings。 This book is just what we need especially in times where we are all stuck working at home so ofte As an entrepreneur, it's easy to get stuck in the loneliness and competition of building a business。 Nat calls out our innate need for community and desire to do life with others。 As the movement of #communityovercompetition spreads around the world through The Rising Tide Society that was co-founded by the author, entrepreneurs and people are grabbing hold of the hope and joy that community brings。 This book is just what we need especially in times where we are all stuck working at home so often。 Community is life-giving。 Doing life alone is not good, and has never been good since creation of man。 We need one another and this book is the encouragement you need to live your life WITH OTHERS。 。。。more

Dannie Fountain-Jagodzinski

Built to Belong is the single best book I read in 2021 and truly embodies the fact that #communityovercompetition is more than a hashtag。 Natalie's writing is thoughtful and unpacks the ideas behind community in a way that encourages you to create your own。 A fantastic read! Built to Belong is the single best book I read in 2021 and truly embodies the fact that #communityovercompetition is more than a hashtag。 Natalie's writing is thoughtful and unpacks the ideas behind community in a way that encourages you to create your own。 A fantastic read! 。。。more

Ana Garcia

I joined the Rising Tide Society the year it started。 I wanted to be part of this amazing community that was all about Community Over Competition。 Natalie Franke and the rest of the co-leaders wanted all creatives to be part of this and it grew quickly with TuesdaysTogether chapters all over the world。 When I heard that Natalie was writing a book, I knew I just had to order it。 She is so thoughtful and caring。 She inspires and empowers everyone around her。 Built to Belong is for everyone。 We all I joined the Rising Tide Society the year it started。 I wanted to be part of this amazing community that was all about Community Over Competition。 Natalie Franke and the rest of the co-leaders wanted all creatives to be part of this and it grew quickly with TuesdaysTogether chapters all over the world。 When I heard that Natalie was writing a book, I knew I just had to order it。 She is so thoughtful and caring。 She inspires and empowers everyone around her。 Built to Belong is for everyone。 We all need a connection and a community to work through this world。 It is a must read。 If you need encouragement, inspiration, empowerment, or anything, this book has it all。 。。。more

Emilie Steinmann

You won’t regret reading this book。 I’m typically a slow and methodical (easily distracted) reader, but this one kept my attention and interest the entire time。 Natalie writes smoothly throughout the book, sharing personal stories, giving us digestible neurobiology lessons, and inspiring us to seek out our own version of community。Best of all, she writes for all of us who have felt like we’ve never fit in。 This book gives me hope and makes me want to be more compassionate toward myself。

Kayla Hollatz

This book will inspire you to ditch the vanity metrics and remember what business is really about: serving your community。 As a lifelong community builder and co-founder of Rising Tide Society, Natalie blended the best of scientific research, actionable advice, and storytelling in this book。 I devoured it in less than 24 hours and would say it's THE book on community building for creatives。 Also, can we talk about how gorgeous this cover is?!This book is for you if:- you have a vision that's gre This book will inspire you to ditch the vanity metrics and remember what business is really about: serving your community。 As a lifelong community builder and co-founder of Rising Tide Society, Natalie blended the best of scientific research, actionable advice, and storytelling in this book。 I devoured it in less than 24 hours and would say it's THE book on community building for creatives。 Also, can we talk about how gorgeous this cover is?!This book is for you if:- you have a vision that's greater than yourself - you've felt isolated or alone as a solopreneur - you want to nurture relationships rather than simply raising your follower counts - you don't mind if your non-fiction books get a little nerdy! 。。。more

LaShonda Brown

"Community over competition isn’t just a feel-good phrase - it’s also a strategic business decision。" What I appreciated most about this book was it not only pulled at the heartstrings, it got into the science of belonging。 For the data-driven personality who wants to see the numbers, there is a chapter on the True ROI of Community。 I have been blown away by the research and the case study of Rising Tide Society。 Lives have already been changed and impacted by the mindset of #CommunityOverCompet "Community over competition isn’t just a feel-good phrase - it’s also a strategic business decision。" What I appreciated most about this book was it not only pulled at the heartstrings, it got into the science of belonging。 For the data-driven personality who wants to see the numbers, there is a chapter on the True ROI of Community。 I have been blown away by the research and the case study of Rising Tide Society。 Lives have already been changed and impacted by the mindset of #CommunityOverCompetition and this book makes it more accessible to the masses。 I highly recommend this book for leaders who are looking for a fresh perspective on cultivating an engaged community in an age of isolation。 Another quote I love from the book is "Behind every successful human being is a person or people that introduced them to their power and potential。" The key to success is the depth of the community behind you。 I can't wait to put some of these practical steps into action! 。。。more

Haylee Gaffin

Making friends as an adult is hard, add in being an entrepreneur—it can feel so lonely。 Finding new perspective in community and belonging through this book has been an amazing experience for me and shifted how I've approached relationships in ways I never imagined it could。Hearing Natalie's story, what she's overcome, and the power and impact that community has had on her life has been life changing。 I truly didn't think a book on community could impact me the way this book has。Not only was thi Making friends as an adult is hard, add in being an entrepreneur—it can feel so lonely。 Finding new perspective in community and belonging through this book has been an amazing experience for me and shifted how I've approached relationships in ways I never imagined it could。Hearing Natalie's story, what she's overcome, and the power and impact that community has had on her life has been life changing。 I truly didn't think a book on community could impact me the way this book has。Not only was this an inspiring story, message, and author, but it brought the best parts of Natalie's nerdy, scientific side and combined it with the creative thinking I love!I believe every person needs to read this book! This is the book I'll be gifting to all of my friends! 。。。more

Candice

Feeling lonely? We all are。 But Natalie Franke wants you to know that YOU, yes YOU, are built to belong。 In an age where we all feel so isolated, this book was like a warm hug (I miss those!) from a good friend。 Balancing her own research with scientific studies, Natalie takes us on a journey that nearly every small business owner can relate to。。。 late nights, hard work, and that feeling of isolation and loneliness。The book opens with Natalie's story of loneliness as she built and grew her busin Feeling lonely? We all are。 But Natalie Franke wants you to know that YOU, yes YOU, are built to belong。 In an age where we all feel so isolated, this book was like a warm hug (I miss those!) from a good friend。 Balancing her own research with scientific studies, Natalie takes us on a journey that nearly every small business owner can relate to。。。 late nights, hard work, and that feeling of isolation and loneliness。The book opens with Natalie's story of loneliness as she built and grew her business。 Boy, could I relate。 As I turned the page, I kept thinking back to when I was in those same shoes。 Through the course of the book, Natalie teaches us how to create deep and meaningful connections with others–both online and offline–to bring joy back into our work and a sense of belonging。With her intense love of community, Natalie gives a call to arms for us to reach out to one another and build communities of our own。 She wants you to lay down mindsets that get in the way (like scarcity and competition), and lean into what could be possible if you lived and worked with a fierce community by your side。This book is for just about anyone who desires to make meaningful connections with others–because you are built to belong。 。。。more

Kim Stewart

We are truly better together, and this book empowers us to remember that we are built to belong。 #communityovercompetition isn’t just a hashtag to add to your social posts, it’s a way of life。Discover in this book how authentic connections can be made both online and off。 It’s not always pretty。 We will make mistakes。 But learn firsthand what it means to truly rally around others in your personal and business circles。 Say goodbye to comparison, and hello to true community。Run, don’t walk to get We are truly better together, and this book empowers us to remember that we are built to belong。 #communityovercompetition isn’t just a hashtag to add to your social posts, it’s a way of life。Discover in this book how authentic connections can be made both online and off。 It’s not always pretty。 We will make mistakes。 But learn firsthand what it means to truly rally around others in your personal and business circles。 Say goodbye to comparison, and hello to true community。Run, don’t walk to get this book! Natalie’s Reader Group guide makes it a perfect fall book study for you and your girlfriends! 。。。more

Andrew

In Built to Belong, Natalie Franke has written a new book about we were all created to be a part of a community and to help one another out。 She begins the book by discussing how even before we were born, we were all created and designed to belong。 She also shared how we struggle with balancing between cooperation and competition。 She opened up about how she started her own photography business。 She realized that she also had to rely on others and how she wanted a true community that would suppo In Built to Belong, Natalie Franke has written a new book about we were all created to be a part of a community and to help one another out。 She begins the book by discussing how even before we were born, we were all created and designed to belong。 She also shared how we struggle with balancing between cooperation and competition。 She opened up about how she started her own photography business。 She realized that she also had to rely on others and how she wanted a true community that would support each other。 She revealed how she battled loneliness and how being isolated can lead to depression, dementia, cognitive decline, and even suicide。 She shared how she dealt with it and how she started to build her own community around the globe and this paved a way for her to connect with others。 In the book, she goes into detail about how she was able to kick the comparison wheel to the curb。 She helped found the Rising Tide Society in 2015 with three other people and this is a group of entrepreneurs that have a goal of cultivating communities。 She faced some backlash from other people saying how other businesses won’t help one another because the business field is supposed to be competitive。 She looked at how being so competitive can have major disadvances and they lose the sight of serving their customers and they stop focusing on forming meaningful relationships。 She explained how success builds upon success and how much more we can benefit, if we would work together as a collaboration。 She also in the book shared how when she was newly married that they discovered that she had a tumor in her pituitary gland。 She shared about how she was afraid to tell people because she didn’t want to be treated any different。 Most of all she was struck in the denial phase。 She explored how the changing times have also allowed us to hide behind a screen and how easier it is to put up a mask about how we are feeling。 In 2017, after five years from being diagnosed, the doctors finally recommend that they perform surgery to remove it。 She decided to tell people and she wrote about it on her blog。 This taught her the importance of vulnerability and how others were also living their own lives in silence and they began to take their own masks off。 She also opened up about her struggle with infertility and how she was eventually blessed with having a son。 I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is ready to build a community and they are seeking a place to belong。 I immensely loved the principles she included and how she encouraged readers to start with themselves。 She taught readers how to get past our own insecurities and to learn to love yourself。 Then we can focus on discovering and identifying what community we need。 One of my favorite areas, she discussed was how to overcome first time phobias and how critical and life impacting it is to remember people’s names。 I liked how she shared the whole story about how she started her own photography business and how she was able to also start another business that has helped over seventy thousand small businesses to also choose community over competition。 "I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review。” 。。。more