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Only foolish men waste their time waiting for clarity to make an appearance in their lives. The problem with waiting for a clarity is that it doesn’t always arrive when you need it, if it arrives at all. We need to take action in order to inspire clarity. It will be scary, but the most effective thing we can do is jump right in.
During high school I developed the required skills to become an auto-body repair technician. I deliberately selected this path because I was unclear about my future. After years of practice, I developed the skills to work in the field. It didn’t take long to recognize that this was not a path that I wanted to continue. I thought I had failed.
Sometimes, we need to create superficial moments of failure in order to discover internal moments of clarity.
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Clarity is Murky, and Ambiguity is Clear
D.H. Tracy – poet, critic, and editor – proposed that “clarity is real enough to bear some anatomizing”. In other words, clarity is so important (real enough) and valuable that we must devote time and energy to studying and dissecting (anatomizing) in order to better understand how it works and how to better create it.
He wrote about “Six Types of Clarity” which has inspired the following 6 constructive ways to create clarity (for tips on how to implement them click, here):
1. Comparison Creates Clarity
In literature, adding metaphors is a form of art that enriches writing by offering vivid comparisons. We can apply the same technique to create clarity in our work and our lives. Examining and comparing options, considering the pros and cons, reflecting on our emotions about a particular path or decision; these are all practical ways that activate our brains’ ability to interpret ideas.
The activity of comparison stimulates the brain. It goes into a state of information processing which helps it rationalize, make distinctions, and better interpret ideas. By comparing two distinct options you’ll get a better sense than if you just check in to your sense on one. This very act is what creates clarity.
When it’s clearly a ‘Yes’ towards one option, commit. When it’s clearly a ‘No’, don’t.
2. (Self) Consciousness Creates Clarity
“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom.” – Lao Tzu
SELF-Consciousness requires knowing yourself at the core. This includes understanding your values, motivation, strengths and weaknesses, and what actions you’re willing and able to take. This intimate level of understanding allows you to make more aligned decisions.
Reflection helps us to build upon the successful moments and break free from the self-doubt that holds us back. To create clarity through self-consciousness all you have to do is make space. Add time to your day for processing information and reflecting on it.
3. Conflict Creates Clarity
What do you do when things begin to heat up? Are you the type you to smooth things over? Have you ever found yourself playing the peacemaker? Don’t do it.
We look for harmony in the midst of a controversial moment. Disagreement isn’t always bad. To differ doesn’t always mean to be correct, it usually suggests individuality and uniqueness. Conflict brings to the surface a different perspective which naturally leads to a deeper level of understanding; and clarity.
Think about meetings at work. What happens when conflicting opinions come up. Usually, one of two things happen. Either everyone bottles up or the room gets louder. If the latter happens, it usually leads to dialogue. If you can keep the conflict civil, the dialogue usually leads to deeper conversations.
These conversations uncover the root problem. The real issue that hadn’t reached the surface. What seemed like a problem is no longer a concern. Something new surfaces. Clarity.
4. Cleanliness Creates Clarity
Doctor’s suggest that the act of hoarding is an anxiety disorder similar to obsessive compulsive disorder. With hoarding, people displace their anxiety with possessions. They surround themselves with stuff and avoid the discomfort of throwing stuff away.
Whether you’re aware of it or not, your physical space plays a role in how you behave.
Every item in your workspace and home are anchors. Images and photos are anchored to a memory. Books are seductive and suggest that you take the time to read it. Files and paperwork hint to you to spend time working on it.
5. Change Creates Clarity
Have you ever been in an environment where it feels like you can’t get any work done? The noise level is too high. Disruptions are never-ending. You just can’t bring yourself to focus. It feels like chaos.
It’s simple. If your environment isn’t structured to support your work toward your goals then you will be wrestling with it every day. In order to gain clarity, you need to be in the right environment. Sometimes, that requires change.
6. Community Creates Clarity
Two or more people gathering together doesn’t always have to lead to a party.
The most clarifying moments in my life have occurred when I got others involved. I am not the smartest person in the room and I am not afraid to admit that. The sooner you admit that to yourself the clearer and more successful you can become.
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A Final Thought On Clarity
“Clarity is not a destination, it’s a habit” – unknown
Most people fall trap to the idea that clarity only manifests itself. This is only a partial truth. We stand by waiting for clarity which causes us to miss it altogether. Clarity is something that already exists, you just need to find it.
The overlooked reality is that we can expedite the process through action. A habit of action is bound to lead you directly to clarity.
What challenge are you struggling with right now? Are you clear about what to do next? If not, what action can you take to create some clarity? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Thank you for reading.
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This post was originally published on the author’s website and is republished here with his permission.
About the author:
Edwin Almonte shares ideas to help entrepreneurial leaders (1) get unstuck, (2) improve performance, and (3) produce great work with lasting impact. He is committed to uncovering the techniques, systems, and routines that help high achievers succeed at work — and in life. If you enjoyed this you should sign up to join his free newsletter, where he shares his best content delivered directly to your inbox.
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Photo credit: Flickr/Greg Lobinski