Rebecca Whitman’s transformational journey from personal challenges to professional triumph has made her one of the leading and empowering voices worldwide. As the creator of the “7 Pillars of Abundance,” Rebecca coaches women to proceed from burnout toxic relationships to a life of balance, beauty, and abundance. Rebecca has developed her methodology to invigorate all aspects of life: spiritual, emotional, financial, and beyond. She is also a bestselling author of three books, an award-winning podcast host, and a newlywed living her dream life in Venice, California. Whether guiding women toward financial independence through her 6 Figure Side Hustle program or helping them magnetize their soulmates, Rebecca empowers others to live authentically, abundantly, and unapologetically. In this interview, Rebecca shares her inspiring journey and her plans for the future.
Rebecca, could you share what led you to create the concept of the 7 Pillars of Abundance and how they became the foundation of your work?
I attended a personal growth training session in the 1990s that led me to create the concept of the seven pillars of abundance. They talked about setting goals each year in six key areas of life. I have been doing this every January for decades.
As the years went on, I added a couple of twists… One of them was that I added a new category, romantic, because I felt romantically challenged. I had a history of painful, toxic relationships. And I wanted to change that.
So I added a category for romance. Then, I studied the power of affirmations and learned how to create them in a way that actually works…
The seven pillars of abundance provide a framework for examining life so that all aspects of it are invigorated.
Your methodology integrates elements like spiritual growth, financial freedom, and emotional well-being. How did you identify these as the key areas for a fulfilled life?
Spiritual growth is the most important pillar of abundance, which is why it is the first one. I believe that having a connection to the DIVINE is the cornerstone for a happy life. I am a huge proponent of having a morning practice that includes prayer, writing, and meditation.
The emotional pillar of abundance is also critical because all emotions come from scarcity or abundance. Scarcity thinking is that there is not enough of whatever you want. There’s not enough time, money, love, or energy to create fulfillment in your life.
Whereas, abundant-thinking is the opposite. There is plenty of time, money, love and energy to create your dream life.
The fastest way to go from scarcity to abundant-thinking is through a gratitude practice… Happiness is not getting what you want, but wanting what you have and building on that.
As the creator of the Balanced, Beautiful, and Abundant podcast, what prompted you to share your message through this platform, and how does it align with your mission?
My mission as a podcast host is to empower people to go from burned out and overwhelmed to balanced, beautiful and abundant.
What prompted me to start? This podcast was an assignment a personal growth training seminar. I can’t tell you how important it is to invest time, money, energy, and effort in your personal betterment. The trainer said to invite five people we respected to be on our podcast, whether we have one or not. As luck would have it, one of the people said, “Yes, I would like to be on your podcast.”
I realized I better figure out how to have one so that I could interview her… I ended up having a very simple podcast formula, which included recording on Zoom, and I have been recording ever since. I am so humbled and grateful that my Podcast won a Positive Change award. And continues to grow. It is now a syndicated radio show!
How has your personal journey influenced the principles you now teach, particularly the 7 Pillars of Abundance? Was there a pivotal moment that shaped your philosophy?
My personal journey has definitely influenced my journey. A pivotal moment was when I was in couples therapy with my first husband.
We were fighting bitterly and loudly in the therapist’s office. She interrupted me, looked me dead in the eyes, and said, “Rebecca, do you want to be married?” In a voice that was not my own, I replied that I wanted a life of ease, grace and spiritual dignity.
At that moment, I had the epiphany that it’s more important to feel good than to look good. I realized that leaving my marriage was the best thing I could ever do for my well-being. Once I made that decision, I changed everything in my life to support my inner journey rather than how I appeared to others.
Now I know feeling good is more important than looking good.
How has your personal journey influenced the principles you now teach, particularly the 7 Pillars of Abundance? Was there a pivotal moment that shaped your philosophy?
I now have a philosophy of putting self carefirst and being unapologetically authentic so that we can feel empowered. I love empowering people to give from the overflow. I like to say that self-care isn’t selfish. It’s crucial.