Search Inside Yourself: The Unexpected Path to Achieving Success, Happiness (and World Peace) by Chade-Meng Tan

Search Inside Yourself is a book written by Chade-Meng Tan and published in 2012. The book outlines an unexpected path to achieving success, happiness, and world peace, and provides instructions on how to do the same. Through his book, Tan gives an insightful and informative look into the challenge of achieving success and living a meaningful life.

The book begins with Tan introducing the concept of “Search Inside Yourself”, which Tan explains is a process of turning one’s gaze inward in order to discover the answers one is seeking and to understand the self more deeply. Tan uses a variety of nuggets of wisdom interspersed throughout his book to emphasize the importance of individuals taking responsibility and accountability for their own lives.

Tan then continues to discuss the various factors that impact success in all aspects of life, including physical health, mental wellness, and financial stability. He provides tangible techniques and exercises, such as mindfulness and mindful self-awareness, to help readers discover and unleash their full potential. Additionally, Tan explores techniques to train the brain to become more comfortable with ambiguity, develop empathy and show compassion for others, and promote inner peace.

Tan then moves on to describe how cultivating a good “inner life” can lead to enhanced facing of obstacles and external challenges. He explains the different methods that can be used, such as mindful breathing, to control emotions and respond to stressors. He also highlights how optimizing the ability to regulate one’s own emotions can help in settings that call for conflict resolution, trust-building, or collaboration.

Tan goes on to discuss how success and happiness can be achieved both outwardly and inwardly. He demonstrates how success can look drastically different depending on one’s own definition of what it means to have “made it.” Tan explains that it is only when we look at the world differently and appreciate its complexity that authentic happiness can be achieved.

Tan also shows readers how to create an “inner board of directors” consisting of their own values, strengths, and virtues. This inner board of directors serves as the basis for deciding on various life decisions and decisions of utmost importance.

The book culminates with Tan discussing how world peace can be achieved through mindfulness practices. He explains the concept of global karmic debt and how it is connected to fundamental principles of moral economics and justice. Tan emphasizes the importance of developing global consciousness when making decisions and understanding the effects of inequality everywhere.

Search Inside Yourself provides a thoughtful and educational look into how people can find success, happiness, and peace in their own lives. Through Tan’s insightful and detailed explanations, readers can be inspired to think differently and discover what success looks like to them. Tan’s book encourages readers to take ownership of their lives, while inspiring them to create inner peace and to use their strengths in finding balance and satisfaction in areas of both life and work.