The term 'outside-centered' is a compound word formed from 'outside' and 'centered'. 'Outside' originates from Old English 'ūtan' meaning 'out' and 'side' from Old English 'sīde'. 'Centered' comes from the Latin 'centrum', meaning 'center'.

The concept of being 'centered' on something external has evolved with the increasing importance of external influences in business and personal strategies.

Initially, 'centered' meant 'having a center', but in modern usage, it often implies focus or orientation towards a particular aspect.