Inward vs Outward

Outward thinking reacts.

It responds to what happens around us — a dip in sales, a comment, a comparison, a sudden change. It creates urgency and pushes us to fix things immediately. Inward thinking does the opposite. It slows us down and asks a quieter question: does this really need my attention now, or is it noise pulling me away from the right direction?

The difference is subtle, but it changes everything.

Outward focus makes us chase symptoms.

Inward focus brings us back to ourselves.

In a way, inward thinking is how we apply the animated movie Inside Out to ourselves. Instead of being driven blindly by fear, anger, or excitement, we step back and observe what’s happening inside. We recognise emotions as signals, not commands. When we understand what’s really driving our reactions, we regain the ability to choose our response instead of being controlled by it.

We are taught to work hard, master skills, fulfil responsibilities. These things matter. But when life becomes only about execution and output, we stop asking something more fundamental: what is the best position for me in this world? Or, if I were an ingredient, what dish am I actually meant for? That answer doesn’t come from numbers, trends, or other people’s opinions. It comes from understanding who we are.

Business exists to serve customers, but vision always begins invisibly. In the beginning, no one can tell you whether your idea will work — because it lives only in your mind. Like a simple bowl of noodles, a small twist can change everything, but it can’t be explained until it’s tasted. Too much external feedback too early dilutes belief. Sometimes the best way to protect a vision is to stay quiet and walk it through yourself.

This is where confidence and ego part ways. Confidence comes from knowing your capacity and moving within it. Ego comes from overestimating what you can carry. The difference is self-awareness — the ability to observe yourself from the outside. Some failures come from forces we cannot control. Many others come from excuses and pride we refuse to see.

Everything starts with a “what if.” Nothing is proven at the beginning — not even the simplest business. Passion has to exist before evidence. And because passion cannot be calculated, this path isn’t for everyone. Like a heavyweight boxer, you step into the ring only if you are built to take the weight.

Understanding yourself is not a one-time conclusion. It’s a lifelong process. You may not yet be in your perfect role — but being good enough for now is part of learning. Contentment doesn’t mean stopping. It means moving without anxiety. From that place, decisions become steady instead of rushed.

There is no best bowl of noodles.

Only the right one.

When you do things properly and honestly, the right people will find their way to you. You don’t need to convince everyone. And once you accept that what is right for you may be wrong for others, criticism loses its power.

Inward clarity doesn’t reject the world.

It simply stops being ruled by it.

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