PRAX Leadership
Alex Geesbreght
In today’s fast-paced world, many people focus on external measures of success — wealth, status, or the approval of others. But the most fulfilling and sustainable way to live is by living an in-to-out life, where your actions are guided not by external pressures, but by your core values, passions, and purpose. This approach doesn’t just feel better — it’s been shown to lead to greater happiness, resilience, and success.
What is an In-to-Out Life?
Living an in-to-out life means making decisions based on your inner compass, aligning your actions with your beliefs and intrinsic motivations. It contrasts with the "out-to-in” mindset, where external factors like societal expectations or material rewards drive your choices.
Famous leadership expert Stephen Covey, in his best-selling book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, emphasizes the power of being principle-centered. Covey explains that when you act according to your core values, you gain clarity, inner peace, and better decision-making. Covey’s work has shaped leadership paradigms and has helped millions focus on what truly matters.
Proven Benefits of Living from In-to-Out
- Enhanced Well-Being Living an in-to-out life improves emotional health. A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology showed that individuals who aligned their actions with their values experienced greater life satisfaction and a stronger sense of purpose. This was linked to lower levels of stress and higher levels of happiness. By making choices that resonate with your true self, you're more likely to experience fulfillment and emotional balance.
- Improved Decision Making When your choices reflect your personal values, you're less swayed by external pressures, resulting in more confident and authentic decisions. Organizational psychologists like Daniel Goleman, who popularized the concept of Emotional Intelligence, argue that aligning with your core values enhances self-awareness, a critical factor in effective decision-making.
- Stronger Relationships Authentic living fosters trust and emotional connection with others. Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston and expert on vulnerability and leadership, suggests that people who live authentically build deeper, more meaningful relationships. According to Brown, vulnerability and authenticity lead to stronger bonds in both personal and professional settings.
- Resilience in the Face of Challenges An in-to-out approach helps build resilience. When you are aligned with your inner values, setbacks are seen as learning experiences rather than failures. Psychologist Carol Dweck’s work on growth mindset has shown that individuals with an internal locus of control—those who feel in charge of their own actions — tend to respond more effectively to adversity.
- Long-Term Success People who live from in-to-out tend to sustain long-term success. According to research by McKinsey & Company, leaders who practice self-reflection and align their actions with their personal values have better decision-making skills, greater employee engagement, and higher organizational performance. This approach doesn’t just work on a personal level but also contributes to success in business and leadership roles.
If It’s so Great, Why Doesn’t Everyone Do It?
- Unfamiliar With Self As odd as it sounds, many people simply don’t know themselves or their core values and beliefs. Discovering these requires curiosity, introspection, and time.
- Social Pressure Most people fear social isolation or a lack of acceptance into the “pack.” The tendency to just go-with-the-flow is often the most expedient and comfortable course of action. These pressures can be felt at work and even within friend groups.
- It Can Be Hard There are many barriers we experience as humans that keep us from our true selves. Pursuing and understanding ourselves requires vulnerability, authenticity, and often a willingness to face our insecurities.
How To Begin Living From In-to-Out
- Practice Self-Reflection Take time regularly to reflect on what matters most to you — your values, your goals, and your vision for your life. Journaling, meditation, or simply quiet time can help you reconnect with your true self.
- Prioritize Alignment Make decisions that align with your core beliefs. When faced with a difficult choice, ask yourself if it resonates with your values. This will guide you toward more authentic, satisfying outcomes.
- Cultivate Emotional Intelligence Work on becoming aware of your emotions and how they influence your decisions. Building emotional intelligence helps you respond thoughtfully and mindfully to situations, rather than reacting impulsively.
- Embrace Vulnerability Don’t be afraid to show up authentically. Brené Brown’s research shows that embracing vulnerability can lead to deeper relationships and greater personal growth.
Living an in-to-out life isn’t just a feel-good approach — it’s backed by science and endorsed by experts across psychology, leadership, and personal development. When we align our actions with our values, we create more fulfilling, resilient, and successful lives. So, take the first step today — look inward, connect with your purpose, and start leading from the inside out.
Alex Geesbreght is the founder and partner of PRAX Leadership, LLC, Geesbreght Capital, LP, and Geesbreght Group LLC. He is also a former owner of PhysAssist Scribes and Emergency Medicine Consultants, where he served in various roles including general counsel, president, and chief strategy officer for more than 16 years until the sale of the companies in 2014 and 2018, respectively.