In the grand tapestry of life, our beliefs shape our reality. These beliefs profoundly influence how we view success, relationships, and the world around us. Over the past few years, I have come to a realization that has crystallized in my mind: fundamentally, there are two types of people in the world – those with a Net Sum Zero mindset and those with a Non-Net Sum Zero mindset. These categories are not mere philosophical constructs; they represent two distinct ways of engaging with life and the universe itself.
This belief has been percolating in my mind for some time, particularly when I observe competing entities that should be cooperating instead. It has recently taken on new professional significance as I navigate the process of helping T-REX and defining what we want in our next Executive Director. Personally, it has been front of mind after losing a friend who embodied the idea of Non-Net Sum Zero. (His approach to life was incredibly evident at his Celebration of Life last week – seeing the people who had been impacted and gifted.)
Net Sum Zero: A Mindset of Limitation
Net Sum Zero individuals operate under the belief that resources are finite. They see the world as a closed system where the only way to get ahead, succeed, or acquire more is if someone else falls behind. For them, life is a zero-sum game—a competition where one’s gain is inherently another’s loss.
Imagine an hourglass, with sand trickling from one side to the other. Net Sum Zero people see themselves on one side of the hourglass, with everyone else on the other. To gain more sand on their side, they believe sand must be taken from the other side. This mindset fosters a competitive, sometimes adversarial approach to life. The focus is on scarcity—there is only so much to go around, and if they do not get theirs, someone else will.
This belief system can manifest in various ways:
- In business: Strategies that focus on outmaneuvering competitors using illegal, unethical, or immoral means.
- In personal relationships: Interactions that operate on a purely transactional basis.
At its core, Net Sum Zero thinking is driven by fear—fear of not having enough, of losing out, of being left behind. It is a primal instinct from when Maslow’s hierarchy of needs were difficult to achieve.
To illustrate this mindset, let us turn to a well-known story from the Star Wars saga. Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader epitomize the Net Sum Zero mentality. The Emperor, in particular, sees power as a finite resource, one that must be hoarded and protected at all costs. He manipulates, betrays, and destroys others to increase his control over the galaxy, believing that his gain can only come at the expense of others’ loss. Darth Vader, consumed by fear and the desire for power, follows this same path, becoming a tool of the Emperor’s zero-sum strategy.
I am frustrated with the Net Sum Zero folks. I do not allow them in my small circle.
Non-Net Sum Zero: A Mindset of Abundance
In stark contrast, Non-Net Sum Zero individuals embrace a fundamentally different perspective. They believe that both they and others can get ahead simultaneously. Success, for them, is not a zero-sum game but an ever-expanding opportunity. They live with the understanding that the universe is abundant, and that by helping others rise, they too can ascend.
These individuals are aligned with the very nature of the universe as we know it—constantly expanding, ever-growing. Just as the universe does not contract but rather expands infinitely, Non-Net Sum Zero people believe in creating more value, more opportunities, and more success for everyone involved.
The Non-Net Sum Zero people in your life are those who genuinely smile and congratulate others on their successes. Because they know that someone else’s success does not mean failure for them.
Luke Skywalker represents the Non-Net Sum Zero mindset in the Star Wars universe. Unlike the Emperor and Vader, Luke believes in the possibility of redemption, growth, and shared success. He does not see power as a limited resource to be hoarded but as something that can be used to help others. Luke’s belief in the good within others, including Darth Vader, is a testament to his faith in abundance.
By the end of the saga, Luke’s refusal to embrace the zero-sum mentality of the Sith leads to the downfall of the Empire and the restoration of balance to the Force. His journey illustrates how a Non-Net Sum Zero mindset can not only lead to personal growth but also create positive change for others.
In real life, figures like Jesus, Gandhi, and Lincoln exemplified this Non-Net Sum Zero approach, demonstrating how this mindset can lead to profound and lasting change.
Aligning with the Universe
The universe is not static; it is dynamic, always moving towards greater complexity and expansion. This cosmic principle can serve as a powerful metaphor for how we choose to live our lives. Non-Net Sum Zero individuals understand this and align themselves with the universe’s expansive nature. They do not see life as a pie with limited slices, but as a recipe that allows for creating more pies, more slices, more abundance.
This mindset extends beyond material wealth—it encompasses relationships, knowledge, creativity, and impact. By embracing abundance, Non-Net Sum Zero people contribute to a world where everyone has the potential to succeed, where one person’s gain is not another’s loss, but a stepping stone for mutual growth.
Which Are You?
As you reflect on your own life, consider whether you are living as a Net Sum Zero or a Non-Net Sum Zero individual. Ask yourself:
- Are you operating from a mindset of scarcity, where you see the world as a competition?
- Or are you embracing abundance, seeing opportunities for growth not just for yourself but for everyone around you?
The choice is ours to make. Will we see the world as a place of limited resources, where we must fight for our share? Or will we align with the ever-expanding universe, believing in the possibility of more—for ourselves and for others?
At least, I hope that if technologically advanced extraterrestrials were to visit us they would be Non-Net Sum Zero in their approach.