The Three Keys to Becoming Stronger: Look Outward, Seek Inward, and Keep Moving Forward

In Living the Way, Japanese entrepreneur Kazuo Inamori wrote:

“We live in unsettling times. The world feels chaotic, the future unclear. We are materially rich, but spiritually empty. Our plates are full, but our hearts feel hollow.”

Sound familiar?

Lately, many of us have said the same: “Life feels harder. The world feels heavier.”

The cost of living rises, our calendars overflow, and still, there's this quiet voice inside asking, “Is this it?”

We're moving fast, checking boxes, chasing deadlines—yet often feel like we’re falling behind. We fear giving our all and still coming up short. But here's the truth: anxious or calm, today will pass either way.

So, how do we move through this chaos and come out stronger?

We look outward. We seek inward. We keep moving forward.

1. Look Outward: Possibility Lives Beyond Your Limits

“Looking outward isn’t about distance—it’s about courage. The courage to challenge your assumptions.”

Too often, the biggest barrier we face is the one we built ourselves.

We tell ourselves we’re not ready, not qualified, not good enough.

So we stay in our lane, cling to our comfort zones—and call it safety. But comfort is not the same as fulfillment.

Last year, I wanted to try something new—creating content online. I spent six months second-guessing every idea. It wasn’t until I joined a creative writing group that I saw what was possible. Surrounded by others who dared to try, I finally took the leap.

One month later, I had 2,000 new followers—not because I was perfect, but because I started.

Open a window, and light finds its way in.

Sometimes, all it takes is stepping outside your self-imposed walls.

2. Seek Inward: Everything You’re Looking For Already Lives Within You

Philosopher Yuan Liaofan once said:

“When things don’t go your way, look within.”

It’s easy to think the answer lies outside: in a new job, a new city, a new relationship.

But true power begins with self-awareness.

The peace you crave? The confidence you seek? It’s already in you—just waiting to be trusted.

No path is truly blocked. What holds us back is often our mindset.

When we stop chasing what’s next and start listening inward, we become grounded.

And from that rootedness, real strength grows.

3. Keep Moving Forward: Progress Is Built One Small Step at a Time

As Actionist founder Wang Xiao put it:

“The moment you decide to begin, you’ve already passed the hardest part.”

You don’t need to sprint. You don’t need to be perfect.

You just need to take one step—and then another.

In the summer, I remember getting caught in a rainstorm while waiting for a bus. I was soaked, cold, frustrated. But the rain eventually stopped. The bus arrived. I got home. And life carried on.

Setbacks feel permanent in the moment. But they aren’t.

2024 came with its own share of struggles: failed projects, fading friendships, quiet nights spent crying into a pillow. But every morning, I made coffee, opened my laptop, and kept going.

Because progress doesn’t always feel like a breakthrough.

Sometimes, it just looks like showing up.

“Even if you're walking slowly, even if you're unsure—keep walking.”

– Someone wiser than me

So if you’re tired, lost, or starting over—remember this:

🔸 Look outward to find inspiration.

🔸 Seek inward to stay grounded.

🔸 Walk forward, one honest step at a time.

And when it’s hard? That’s okay too. Growth often feels like resistance before it feels like reward.

May you find strength in exploration, peace in self-trust, and momentum in the quiet act of continuing.

This is your life. You don’t need to have it all figured out.

You just need to keep going—with intention, with grace, and with heart.