In times of difficulty turn outward
When you feel threatened, do not turn inward.
“Objective judgement, now at this very moment.
Unselfish action, now at this very moment.
Willing acceptance — now at this very moment — of all external events.
That’s all you need.”
Marcus Aurelius
Following the Great Depression of 1932, which decimated the economies of countries around the world, nations turned inward. They broke off trade and moved towards protectionist policies. Countries chased self-sufficiency and independence from the world.
This was a terrible idea.
The lack of economic and political cooperation fueled the growth of nationalism, particularly in Germany. In trying to bolster her own sagging economy America significantly contributed to the collapse of world trade. Her tariffs and taxes “exported” the Wall Street Crash to the rest of the world.
Such was the impact of turning inward.
In Richard Branson’s autobiography, he recalls how during particularly difficult times, instead of giving in, suffering the loss, he expanded out of the crisis. He took on more credit. He acted boldly and created opportunities that took advantage of the crisis. He thrived not in spite of the adversity but because of it.
“I have found that recession and tough economic times have often thrown up more opportunities for growth into new areas or enabled our existing businesses to expand further. We grew our record business through the tough times of the ’70s and expanded Virgin Atlantic through the recession of the early ’90s when it was easier to lease planes and grab new slots at Heathrow and abroad.”
The same is often true in life.
In times of difficulty, turning inward seems most attractive. However, in the long run, it is often devastating for the same reason that Jo Malone says:
“Don’t make a life-changing choice when you’re not feeling your best, wait a day or two until you can see the whole landscape.You’ll make a more informed and wiser decision.”
That is not to say continue when doing so is incredibly foolish. Of course not. You must have your wits about you. You must be smart. However, as Branson advises, often the only way to get out of a recession is to expand out of it.
In Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power, the 18th law is ‘Do Not Build Fortresses to Protect Yourself — Isolation is Dangerous’. Robert Green states that we should fight the urge to enclose ourselves, to turn inward. When you feel threatened, do not turn inward. Why? When you isolate yourself, you come to rely on a smaller and smaller circle. Isolation makes you paranoid and you lose perspective.
The digital age has provided anonymity, an easy way to hide: behind the screen, compounded by the impact of the current coronavirus pandemic. It is difficult and tough to not want to build fortresses around ourselves. The more we ‘protect’ ourselves, the harder it becomes to break out of our isolation when we choose to.
What should we do therefore when faced with adversity? Turn outward. Ask for help. How difficult it is but oh how necessary! That is not to say mindlessly look outwards for things to grasp. Rather, take some time to breathe, refocus, recalibrate, in this time of overstimulation, and then to embrace the novel and new. To brainstorm and transform our ideas to reality. That is the definition of success according to Henry Ward Beecher, an American social reformer, known for his support of the abolition of slavery:
“The ability to convert ideas to things is the secret of outward success.”
Turning outward may involve:
- Making yourself accessible
- Seeking out old ‘allies’ and making new ones (terminology of Robert Greene)
- Forcing yourself into more and more different circles
- Mingling in unfamiliar groups, societies.
- Exposing yourself to new scenarios or networking with new people.
- Learning how to get along with all kinds of people
This is tough advice during a pandemic which has so slashed our mobility and movement but we must do the best we can. The pandemic has seen unprecedented collaboration between scientists in research and development, collaboration between NATO and the EU, for example, and there are opportunities for us to do the same. How can we forge relationships, ideas, and solutions? How will we emerge from the pandemic? How can we make a difference?
But remember, it’s not the questions that matter. It’s how we answer them.
“Obstacles are not only to be expected but embraced. Embraced? Yes, because these obstacles are actually opportunities to test ourselves, to try new things, and, ultimately, to triumph. The obstacle is the way.”
Ryan Holiday
