When one thinks about success, it is usually associated with IQ or conscientiousness, but that is not really the case. The skills and mindset you develop inside of yourself can have a larger impact on your success over the long term.
Inner work is the intentional practice of adjusting the way you think, how you respond to situations, and how you internalize gained knowledge so you can grow self-awareness and improve emotional regulation. Coupled with a growth mindset that encourages hard work while seeing mistakes as opportunities to learn, inner work that you develop within yourself can have a stronger impact on your success compared to elements such as the environment, background, and status.
Inner work is best utilized through continuous exercise in order to effectively develop self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and the ability to stay present in any situation. Grit is one of the essential competencies of highly successful people, but it can only be developed through the continuous practice of tolerating discomfort and cultivating passion. Adaptability is another important competency that can be effectively developed by practicing the thought of being flexible on a regular basis.
The cost of disregarding the inner work can be high, especially in a company setting. It leads to high turnover rates with U.S. businesses losing at least $1 trillion per year from voluntary turnover. But companies that invest in training and self-improvement see a 69% increase in collaboration and teamwork as well as a 60% increase in employee engagement that lead to better revenue and productivity outcomes.
Developing one’s own unique set of talents, experiences, insights, and skills through inner work makes it possible for individuals to continuously grow and become better prepared to handle career and life challenges.
Source: Sounds True