A boy stands in a moonlit lake looking up a golden stairway between the mountains

The Look Within Series

Look within.

Illustrated stories and four simple steps for becoming the person you already see.

Begin the journey

Within

See it · Map it · Live it · Cultivate it

The person you want to become is already within you. Look Within is a series of short, illustrated stories about a boy who meets a mentor, and the steps he takes to become who he admires.

Written by Miles McAlister for anyone who feels stuck, in the wrong place, or without a plan. Read in a single sitting. Carry it for years.

Read the story

Praise for Look Within

“Ranks among the best-in-class.”

Beth Adams · Pacific Book Review

“A timeless story with an ever-powerful moral.”

Pacific Book Review

“A must-have for youngsters' libraries.”

Pacific Book Review

“May literally change the lives of those who read it.”

Pacific Book Review

From readers

★★★★★

“Inspired me to think about life from a proactive point of view.”

N. · Verified Amazon review
★★★★★

“Perfect for teens trying to pull away from a rut, and also for adults.”

Karin · Verified Amazon review
★★★★★

“As a teacher I would recommend it to anyone who has a vision or is looking for one.”

J.J., teacher · Amazon review
★★★★★Five-star reviews on Amazon · 4.7 on Goodreads

Free · Step one: See it

Start with the worksheet.

The same ten-minute exercise that started my journey. Get it free, plus one short email a week to help you live the four steps.

Free · one email a week · unsubscribe anytime

The four steps

Four steps from the books.

A mentor teaches these steps to someone who feels lost and alone. They work for anyone, starting from anywhere.

The boy's reflection in a puddle shows his future self

I · See it

The Goal

“Write down who you want to become.”

The boy writes his plan while walking along the shore

II · Map it

The Plan

“The goal is the destination. The plan is the map.”

Kim and the boy walk the road together at sunset

III · Live it

The Routine

“Discipline yourself to a daily practice.”

Kim looks across the river at a glowing city

IV · Cultivate it

The Environment

“Surround yourself with people, places and things that help you grow.”

And one promise holds it together · take action

Look inside

Every page is illustrated.

Coming next

The 30-Day Look Within Workbook.

A guided workbook that walks you through all four steps, one short page a day. Join the waitlist to get it first, at the early-reader price.

No spam · you'll hear first when it opens

Work with Miles

Programs & services

From one-time events to full integrations, the Look Within Program helps young people build meaningful habits and connect education to purpose.

01

Speaking engagements

I share my journey from a former college athlete in Oakland, California, to author and entrepreneur. Real stories, real lessons, and the four steps of Look Within, delivered live.

Schools · conferences · community events

02

One-day workshops

Interactive personal development workshops on goal setting, discipline, financial literacy and an entrepreneurial mindset. Flexible format and delivery.

Schools · youth organizations · athletic programs · libraries

03

Curriculum & plug-in programs

A custom personal development curriculum built on the Look Within framework, with instructor guides, student workbooks and flexible pacing for different age groups.

Schools · nonprofits · after-school programs

Inquire
Miles McAlister

The author

Miles McAlister

I'm a former college athlete from Oakland, California.

My turning point came in a post-grad business program. The assignment was to draw the ideal client for a business I was building. As I described their taste, their income and their lifestyle, I realized I was describing the person I wanted to become. So I drew myself, five years in the future, and presented that to the class.

At that time, I had no mentor, and no one around me had done what I dreamed of doing. That picture became my guide: how to carry myself, what actions to take, who to become.

Seeing my future self before I had any proof was the biggest breakthrough of my life. It started the journey that became Look Within, and everything I've built since.

Stay calm. Look within. Be your own hero.