Mindset, State of Mind, and Innermost Character: The Trio of Life

Life is like sailing a boat: mindset is the sail, state of mind is the water, and innermost character is the quality of the boat itself. The sail catches the wind, the water carries the boat, but it is the sturdiness or fragility of the boat that ultimately determines how far it can journey. These three elements, layered and interconnected, define one’s posture in existence and the realm of one’s spirit.

Mindset refers to temporary tendencies and the direction of one’s emotions. It is the foam on the surface of life—sometimes joyful, sometimes despondent. In favorable circumstances, one’s mindset may soar like the morning sun in spring; in adversity, it may sink like continuous autumn rain. This variability of mindset is as unpredictable as the weather. While it can briefly influence one’s emotions, it may not shake the foundation of life. That said, mindset is not without significance. A positive mindset can add a touch of brightness to life, offering temporary respite. However, if one remains solely at the level of mindset, they risk becoming enslaved by external circumstances, swaying with the wind, lacking steadfastness.

State of mind is deeper than mindset—a relatively stable condition of the spirit over a period of time. It is no longer fleeting emotional fluctuations but resembles a pond in spring: though ripples may appear, it maintains its depth and clarity. A person’s state of mind is often not easily disturbed by trivial external matters; it has its own rhythm and tone. Tao Yuanming’s “picking chrysanthemums by the eastern hedge, serenely viewing the southern mountains,” and Wang Wei’s “walking to where the water ends, sitting to watch the clouds rise” are natural expressions of such a state of mind. This state of mind can, to some extent, transcend the constraints of external things, possessing its own internal rhythm and space.

Innermost character is the most fundamental—the core of one’s spirit and essential inclination. It does not shift with external circumstances nor change with temporary gains or losses. Like an ancient tree deeply rooted in the earth, it grows more robust through wind and rain. Innermost character determines how one views the world, responds to fate, and maintains oneself amidst complexity and change. Mencius spoke of “innate goodness,” while Xunzi argued for “innate evil”—both were exploring this fundamental question. The cultivation of one’s innermost character requires years of tempering through various experiences to gradually mature and stabilize.

The relationship among these three can be described as moving from the surface to the depths, from the shallow to the profound. Mindset is changeable and transient, state of mind is relatively stable, and innermost character is the most fundamental and enduring. Adjusting one’s mindset can improve temporary emotions; refining one’s state of mind can enhance the quality of life; while nurturing one’s innermost character shapes the overall direction and realm of life. Mindset is like the waves, state of mind is like the tides, and innermost character is the deep ocean itself.

In this era of information explosion and accelerating change, people often focus excessively on immediate adjustments to their mindset, pursuing transient positive emotions while neglecting the need to nurture their state of mind and cultivate their innermost character over the long term. Unbeknownst to many, without a solid innermost character as a foundation, a positive mindset is like a tree without roots; without a tranquil state of mind as support, happy emotions are merely fleeting.

Cultivating one’s innermost character starts with daily trifles. In favorable circumstances, remain humble and calm; in adversity, avoid complaint and blame. Face praise with clarity and receive criticism with open-minded reflection. Through reading to gain wisdom and through experiences to temper oneself, gradually broaden and deepen the inner self, making it both soft and resilient. When one’s innermost character is elevated, a peaceful state of mind naturally follows. Even if the mindset occasionally fluctuates, it can quickly return to balance.

Life is essentially a journey from adjusting one’s mindset, to refining one’s state of mind, and ultimately to nurturing one’s innermost character. When we can transcend the superficiality of mindset, abide in the tranquility of our state of mind, and return to the authenticity of our innermost character, we truly grasp the depth and breadth of life. In a world of constant change, we can maintain inner composure and brightness.

The sail can be raised or lowered; the water can carry or overturn. Only when the boat is sturdy can it journey far. Cultivating one’s innermost character is the fundamental way to build this boat of life.