Changing everything starts with changing yourself.  Research shows that putting in the inner work is a better predictor of success than factors such as intelligence, talent, wealth or circumstances.  Successful people reach their goals because of how they embody the lessons they learn, what they think and how they respond. This, combined with a growth mindset and grit, leads to true achievement, no matter the population. The journey of self-improvement is not a solitary endeavor; it is a continuous process that requires dedication and resilience.

Doing the inner work to achieve success is like building muscle: you either use it or lose it.  We all have unlimited potential to build the inner skills of self-awareness and staying present. Thriving people practice the following to build six highly beneficial inner competencies: 

Spirituality: 

• Practice radical compassion — this involves extending kindness not only to others but also to yourself, fostering a deeper connection with your own humanity.

• Volunteer and connect with your local faith community — engaging with others in meaningful ways can enhance your sense of belonging and purpose.

• Meditate — regular meditation can help clear your mind and enhance your emotional well-being, allowing you to approach challenges with a calm demeanor.

Self-Efficacy: 

• Be gentle with yourself and your efforts — recognize that growth takes time and that mistakes are part of the learning process.

• Practice being mindfully aware — this means staying present in the moment and acknowledging your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

• Check your narratives — challenge negative self-talk and replace it with empowering affirmations that support your goals.

Grit: 

• Discover and cultivate your passions — identify what truly excites you and invest time in nurturing those interests.

• Practice tolerating discomfort and life’s inconveniences — resilience is built through facing challenges head-on and learning to navigate through them.

Adaptability: 

• Think of yourself as “flexible” and open-minded — embrace change as a natural part of life and remain willing to adjust your plans as needed.

Growth Orientation: 

• Discover and pinpoint the main goal — clarity on what you want to achieve is crucial for effective planning.

• Develop long- and short-term goals — having a mix of both types of goals can provide motivation and a sense of direction.

• Involve other people in the cultivation of your goals — sharing your aspirations with trusted friends or mentors can create accountability and support.

• Build baby steps—don’t just dive directly in — taking small, manageable actions can lead to significant progress over time.

• Make your goal-related behavior enticing and habitual to build a routine that feels like second nature — integrating your goals into your daily life can make them more achievable.

Emotional Regulation:

• Practice mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) techniques to develop your emotional quotient (EQ) — enhancing your emotional intelligence can improve your interactions and decision-making.

Building these competencies through the inner work has countless benefits; however, avoiding it proves to be consistently costly in the workplace.  For instance, poor leadership costs U.S. companies $550 billion a year in lost productivity. Additionally, just 19% of organizations think their leaders are effective at coaching and developing others. This stark reality highlights the importance of investing in personal development and leadership training. Starting your personal awakening journey is simple and begins with exploring the fundamentals of inner work. Begin today, and you’ll improve the pathway between leadership impact and results in the office and in life. Embrace the challenge of self-discovery, and watch as it transforms not only your professional landscape but also your personal relationships and overall well-being.

Source: Sounds True