Inner Strength for Outer Success

If you have one without the other, you won’t feel complete.

Inner Success refers to the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that you experience in your personal life, such as having meaningful relationships, living according to your values and principles, and achieving personal growth and self-acceptance. It's the character, resilience, perseverance, and mental toughness that enable you to navigate challenges with integrity, grace and determination. It's the ability to stay focused on your values, vision and goals even when things get tough. And, it's the mindset that allows you to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. It is an internal state of being that is not dependent on external validation or achievements.

On the other hand, Outer Success refers to achieving external goals such as financial success, career advancements, and recognition from others. It is often measured by external markers of success such as wealth, status, and fame. While outer success can bring temporary happiness and a sense of achievement, inner success is more long-lasting and sustainable. Inner success helps to create a sense of purpose, meaning, and joy in life that cannot be achieved by external accomplishments alone. Ultimately, a balance between both inner and outer success is necessary for a fulfilling life.

As a believer in the power of inner strength, I want to share the importance of cultivating it for outer success. Outer success, while valuable, is not sustainable without inner success.

To develop inner strength, you must cultivate a growth mindset, practice self-compassion, build a support system, prioritize self-care, and embrace challenge. Being vulnerable and emotionally honest is not a sign of weakness but a display of great strength and courage. When you invest in your inner strength, you build a foundation for success that is resilient and sustainable. You also learn to trust yourself, become trustworthy, adaptable in the face of change, and develop a sense of purpose and meaning that can keep you motivated.

Developing inner strength requires a willingness to look within, accept yourself, and take courageous action, even when you are outside your comfort zone. It is an ongoing process that requires commitment and dedication, but with practice and persistence, you can continue to strengthen your inner self and become the best version of yourself possible. Recent studies show that six months of intention and focus on building inner strength can put you five years ahead in life.

As you journey through life, challenges will test your resolve and character. It's in these moments that your inner strength, values, and integrity are put to the test. But by cultivating your inner strength, you become the kind of person who are capable of achieving the success you desire, both personally and professionally. Remember, success is not just about what you do on the outside, but also about who you are on the inside, it’s your character.

But how do you develop your inner strength? Here are a few tips:

Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Believe that your abilities and talents can be developed through hard work, dedication, creativity and persistence. Focus on learning and growing, and view challenges as creative opportunities.

Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and treat yourself with the same level of care and compassion that you would offer to a good friend. Remember that mistakes and setbacks are a natural part of the learning process.

Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. Seek out mentors, coaches, and friends who can offer guidance and support when you need it most.

Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that nourish your body, mind, and spirit. This might include exercise, meditation, reading, or spending time in nature.

Embrace Challenge: Seek out opportunities to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. This can help you develop resilience and mental toughness.

Set Boundaries: Setting boundaries is a critical aspect of developing your inner strength. It means learning to say no to things that don't serve your values and priorities, and being assertive about your needs and desires. Setting boundaries can help you avoid burnout and maintain your energy and focus on the things that matter most.

Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. It can help you develop greater self-awareness, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your overall well-being. By practicing mindfulness, you can learn to stay centered and focused even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.

Practice Gratitude: Gratitude is the practice of focusing on the good things in your life, and appreciating the people and experiences that bring you joy and fulfillment. It can help you cultivate a positive mindset, and develop greater resilience in the face of challenges. By practicing gratitude, you can shift your focus away from negativity and fear, and create a more positive and abundant mindset.

Connect with your Purpose: Your purpose is the reason you get out of bed in the morning, and the driving force behind your actions and decisions. Connecting with your purpose can help you stay focused and motivated, and give you a sense of direction and meaning. By identifying your purpose and aligning your actions with it, you can create a sense of fulfillment and joy in your life.

Take Action: Developing your inner strength is not just about thinking or talking about it, but also taking action. It's about stepping out of your comfort zone, and taking risks to achieve your goals and dreams. By taking action, you can build your confidence and resilience, and become the person you were meant to be.

Remember, developing your inner strength is an ongoing process that requires commitment and dedication. It's not something that happens overnight, but rather a journey that unfolds over time. But with practice and persistence, you can continue to strengthen your inner self and become the best version of yourself possible.

By investing in your inner strength, you build a foundation for success that is resilient and sustainable, and that can help you navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and determination. So, if you're looking to achieve outer success, start by investing in your inner strength today.

Michelle Burns
Transformative Executive Coach, since 2001