The Foundations of Being
n Being HumanKind, the first section of the book is called Foundations of Being for a reason. Before we can lead others, grow something meaningful, or build work that lasts longer than the next news cycle, we have to decide how we’re going to show up in the world. Not in a glossy, Instagram-filtered way, but in the quiet, everyday moments that reveal who we really are.
These foundations: Being Positive, Being Kind, Being Still, Being Present, and Being Grateful, are the roots of a life that can withstand the weather.
I keep coming back to this image of a tree. Not the picturesque one with perfect symmetry and a swing hanging from its branches, but the kind you see on a windy Midwestern day, the kind that leans, bends, maybe even cracks a little, but still stands.
A tree doesn’t survive because of the branches everyone can see. It survives because of the roots that no one applauds, no one posts about, no one gives a trophy for. Those unseen roots do the real work.
And honestly, that has been true in my own life far more times than I wish were necessary.
I’ve been through storms. You probably have too. Storms in business. Storms in family. Storms in my own head.
There were seasons where everything felt like it could topple. And when I look back, the thing that kept me upright wasn’t creativity or hustle or some strategic masterstroke. It wasn’t luck either. It was the quiet practices, the roots, I had planted long before the winds picked up.
Hope. Kindness. Stillness. Presence. Gratitude.
Not glamorous. Not headline-worthy. But essential.
Over the next few weeks, I’m going to share reflections on each of these foundations, how they’ve shaped my life, how I’ve failed at them, how I’ve found my way back, and how they can ground you in a world that seems intent on pulling us in every possible direction.
But before we get to each one, here’s a glimpse of what these foundations can offer:
Being Positive helps you see opportunities where others only see obstacles. It’s not blind optimism. It’s choosing the story you tell yourself.
Being Kind builds bridges that talent, titles, and clever strategies never could. It’s the leadership trait we most admire but practice the least when life gets tight.
Being Still gives you clarity in a world that profits from your distraction. And trust me, the world profits from your distraction.
Being Present reminds you that the most important moment is the one right in front of you. Not the one you missed. Not the one you’re chasing.
Being Grateful reframes scarcity into abundance. It turns “not enough” into “I already have what I need to start.”
These aren’t extras. They’re essentials, for every leader worth following, every relationship worth keeping, and every legacy worth leaving.
And here’s maybe the most important thing: Foundations aren’t built once. They’re built over time. Reinforced over time. Strengthened by every small, quiet choice we make when no one’s paying attention.
Every pause before reacting. Every act of kindness no one notices. Every whispered “thank you” even when life feels unfair.
All of it grows your roots.
The winds will come. The storms will come. The question isn’t if, but when.
And when they do, what will you be standing on?
This is what the Foundations of Being are all about, choosing the kind of roots you want. Not so you merely survive the storm, but so you grow through it.
If you’d like early access to Being HumanKind updates, behind-the-scenes writing, or early release info, you can sign up at behumankind.today, or just shoot me a message on LinkedIn and I’ll add you to the list myself.
More soon.
—Justin
