(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

Think of the coolest, calmest, most together person you’ve ever met. The person who didn’t need to convince you of anything. They are someone who knows who they are and what they want. Their strength comes from inside.

Now think of the (probably more numerous) people you’ve met who seem to be trying to impress others with what they have, what they do, where they’ve been or are about to go, their car/house/spouse/title. What’s happening is, they are using the outside (of themselves) to get a sense of completion or belonging or acceptance. They live from the outside in.

And they’re living in fear because they know their sense of identity or self-worth, being tied to things beyond their control, could evaporate at any time. Just ask any former world leader how they enjoyed the first six weeks after they left office. The power they had stayed with the title or office, external to them.

When you live your life from the inside out you live based on knowing your core values, your purpose, your journey, you know your strengths and use them, you know your weaknesses and avoid them. These attributes form and inform the actions you take. You are free from needing the outside to define you.

 

Coaching Point: Think back to that cool person mentioned above. Want to be like them? Or are you already?

 

Copyright 2014 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.