Internal and External Growth

Something I observed over the years is that most people focus on external growth. For example, during University, many of my peers were focused on landing prestigious internships or building the next unicorn startup. Nowadays, it’s increasing wealth, climbing the corporate ladder, or growing a social media following. External growth is often related to money, power or status. It’s society’s definition of success.

My secret is I focus on internal growth: developing mindfulness, inner peace, and self-awareness. Internal growth isn’t sexy. It takes years of work to bear fruit. But internal growth compounds. It sets the foundation for external growth. One thing that occurs when you focus on internal growth is you begin to understand your personal definiton of success. And once you understand what matter to you, you’re playing your own game. Not anyone else’s.

Focus on internal growth first, then external growth will follow.