Here’s The Truth About Clarity!
There’s a lot of buzz about clarity – especially in my coaching world. On the surface, clarity seems like an honorable pursuit. However, lurking beneath the surface are some enticing myths – beliefs about clarity that may not be serving you!
Clarity: The state of being (CRYSTAL) clear.
Seeking clarity is a little like searching for a needle in a haystack while more and more hay is being added to the pile.
Lately, I’ve been craving clarity; some concrete next steps in some areas of my life and work. Maybe you’ve had that desire too.
Here’s the funny thing – as I’ve contemplated clarity, I’ve realized that it’s actually not all it’s cracked up to be! In fact, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing myths like these:
1. CLARITY is the Destination
The idea of arriving at a place of clarity is comforting, but clarity shows up in bits and pieces along the way. I’ve noticed in my life that it often shows up unexpectedly and fades just as suddenly.
Life is constantly changing and so am I. Something I was clear on yesterday is often fuzzy today.
Clarity is more of a process and rarely a destination no matter how much I want it to be true.
2. CLARITY is the Prerequisite to Getting Started
Heading somewhere in the dark is a scary proposition. It takes a whole lot of faith and that’s just where God wants you to be. Reliant on Him to lead you through the dim and unclear places. That’s hard for everyone, but especially for those “C” personality types prone to endless research and getting it right; maybe even perfect.
If you wait until all the unknowns are filled in, you will be waiting indefinitely! Clarity is a process. It shows up via experimenting, making mistakes – even failing.
Don’t fall into the trap of feeling productive by spending your time exploring all the options or investigating one more thing. That’s actually an avoidance tactic.
The truth is that life is unpredictable. There will never be the ideal time to start.
Clarity is the result of taking ACTION! Everything becomes clearer when begin moving forward.
3. CLARITY Protects Against Failure
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a super power that protected you from failure? Unfortunately, that’s a fantasy!
The truth is that your greatest revelations often show up on the heels of failure. That’s when you gain insights that catapult you to where you need to be!
There is no escaping the messy middle. The only way is through. Each failure unlocks the door to a better “how” and greater clarity. And each time you become more resilient.
So be bold! Take a risk.
4. CLARITY Leads to Massive Results
Thank heavens that’s not true, since we rarely arrive at a place where we see everything clearly. In fact, sometimes the further along the path we get the less and less clear we are!
Results are the reward for not giving up; for steadily learning and growing and trusting God in the midst of ambiguity.
5. CLARITY Allows You To Be In Control
OK, this is probably the one that trips me up the most! It’s no secret that I like to be in control. Having a neatly spelled out plan feels empowering and safe. The same is true for having clear targets or goals. Even being able to rattle off your Top 5 values, or your One Word for this year. Maybe you are clear about your personality and strengths – you even know your weaknesses. There’s nothing wrong with having clarity in these areas, but that information does not equal control.
You can have all the clarity in the world, but the unexpected still shows up, forcing you to improvise and revisit the dark!
The beauty of not being in control is that it keeps me dependent on God and that’s the best place to be! If there is anything to be clear about, it’s what He’s up to and following His lead!
Here’s the Truth…
CLARITY is a starting point, a launching pad. Are you brave enough to take ACTION, embrace failure, and trust your gut and God’s leading along the way?
CLARITY is not the end point so stop waiting for that lightning bolt to hit that finally illuminates everything for you. I guarantee that you will become clearer on your journey!
There is great value in having clarity when it comes to…
Understanding who’s you are, how that shapes you, and your purpose – that’s powerful.
What you really want in life and in your work. Chasing your desires is a dead end. Your desires are met when you courageously step into your identity.
What’s truly most important to you. What you are willing to sacrifice for and that leave an ache in your life when they are missing.
Those are all needles worth searching for.
Watch out for putting too much stake in seeking clarity in the “how.’ Your desire for clarity just might be an attempt to avoid stepping outside your comfort zone or an excuse to justify not taking action.
Step into the adventure and pursue the goals and dreams that God’s placed in your heart. Trust that He will lead the way even when the way forward seems unclear.
What myths have you bought into when it comes to clarity?
