There’s a need that exists. Why do you think we so often look externally? When we feel like we need to garnish up some bravery to try something new, we often look for support from others to make the jump. When we need strength, we may look at some external persona on social media to feel the power we think we need.

I’m a big believer in embracing diversity of thought. It expands the lens we see the world through. I want to be clear, outside perspective is important. But what I see many of us having is an overreliance on the external when so often the answer is within.

The difficulty is the insight we have internally isn’t always easy to find. We may have to search deep within and even further than we can imagine. But what does our instinct do when we can’t readily find what we need internally? Too often when we lack confidence and the uncomfortableness has set in, we think there’s something external we need to scramble and find.

Here’s the challenge. When the mind rushes quickly to rely externally, pause and take a moment. Search within. I guarantee there have been moments you can recall where you’ve taken a leap. What can you pull from these moments you took a leap – both the success and the lessons learned?

I’m sure there have been moments when you’ve been asked to do more than what you think you’re capable of. What did you learn? What momentum and confidence did you gain from challenging your limitations that you can drum up power and perspective from?

Each of our pasts are unique but there will always be moments we can pull from to learn and push forward with. If we take the time to pull forward these lessons, learnings, and moments of success, we can create an authentic formula of how we can face challenging times. Regardless of the magnitude, these moments provide insight we can leverage, but only if we are willing to take the time to look within for strength and courage.

We certainly will run into times we need to look external to help get perspective and advice. We are surrounded by a plethora of opportunities to learn and grow. I want to challenge us though to quit skipping the step of looking within. There’s so many authentic answers and insights when we take our time to look within. While diversity of perspective will always be a key element of growth, give yourself more credit and make sure to embark on the process of looking within as well.

Take your step: when we have a need, the last thing I want you to shut out is the idea of getting help. But there is a step I believe we need to take and that is to search within. Search within your times of resiliency, perseverance, triumph and pull from these moments. Our experiences can shape us in so many ways, but we must be willing to reflect and explore how these moments can benefit us in the future. To take your next step, make sure to look within.