The Power of Clarity - Learn How to Stop Drifting and Start Living

Introduction:

How often do you get into your car, drive aimlessly, and not know where you're going? Besides the occasional joy ride to get out of the house, I'm confident the aimless driving is held to a minimum to avoid wasting your time, gas, and money. So why do so many of us do this with our lives? In this article, I'll discuss the following topics:

• Clarity
• Plan
• Focus
• Execute

If you're a visual learner, watch the same concepts in the video below.

Clarity:

Throughout this article, we'll reference our previously mentioned driving example. This analogy is a helpful reference to understanding how clarity helps you arrive at your desired destination.

 So, the first thing you need to ask is, "where do I want to go?" Ultimately, you can't go anywhere if you don't first know where you want/need to go! If you don't know where you're going to drive, you probably won't get in the car in the first place. If you decide to get in the car, frustration and stress quickly set in from knowing you need to go somewhere but don't know where.

This scenario is no different from the goals you're striving for in your life. Whether personal, professional, relationships, health, financial, etc. — you need to understand where you want to go. Establishing this result requires you to think. Improving your ability to think may sound like a simple concept, but most of us do little to no beneficial thinking during our day. We simply think enough to get by. 

Next, implement internal or external changes to better align with your goals now that you know your destination. For example, as it relates to driving, if you're going on a long car ride, you may need to switch cars to one with better gas mileage, space, and comfort. As it relates to your health goals, removing unhealthy food from the pantry is an easy way to set yourself up for success if you're looking to lose weight. But, the correct will never be picked, and the unhealthy food will never be removed unless you truly understand where the end destination is.

Plan:

 When you get in your car to drive, you either consciously or subconsciously create a plan. For instance, if you're taking a routine drive to the local grocery store, you may get in the car and go. But, whether you realize it or not, you've already planned in your head which roads you'll take and understand approximately how long it will take from your previous experience.

Conversely, if you're planning a more intensive drive, such as a cross-country trip, you'll have to prepare before driving from your lack of experience. There's a direct correlation with a more extensive unfamiliar trip requiring more planning time before moving. For example, you may aim to make the journey as short as possible. As a result, you'll choose the roads that allow you to arrive at your destination the quickest. Conversely, you may have a goal of taking the scenic route. This goal requires you to create a different travel plan. Although it will be beautiful, it won't be the fastest. Neither option is incorrect — what's correct is making sure that your plan aligns appropriately with your destination.

Regarding your life goals, be aware that some destinations require more planning than others. In some instances, you may subconsciously already know the plan for success. In that case, start taking action immediately! But in others, it might require you to strategically plan the night, day, or weeks before you implement the goal. You create a plan based on your end destination in both scenarios. However, your planning time and implementation alter depending on the size and familiarity with the goal. 

Focus:

 How often have you been driving, arrived at your destination, but have no idea how you just got there?

Conversely, have you ever realized the increased focus you have when driving in inclement weather? You're fully present, watching out for others, and can most likely recall every trip detail.

 So, are you drifting (example #1) through life or living life (example #2)?

Unfortunately, we live in a world that is full of distractions. There are countless strategies such as focus apps, listening to music, or being in a quiet room to improve focus while minimizing distractions. But, if you've solved the first two steps (clarity and planning), you'll simultaneously solve your focus problem. Your focus struggle comes down to your lack of clarity and planning. By addressing these two steps, you're fixing the source of the actual problem. When the source of the problem is solved, you'll have the long-term answer you're looking for to achieve your goals.

Execute:

You're sitting in the car, you know where you want to go, how to get there with focus and then you.... drive!

Sure, driving was scary when you were first learning. But, you ultimately learned and now drive effortlessly. 

The same concept applies towards your goals. It may seem scary at first, but with clarity, planning, and focus — anything is possible! You may need to work at it, like your did when you learned to drive a car, but it will get easier and you will reach your end destination with consistency.

 Conclusion:

Let this be your friendly reminder to...

...Know your destination

...Know how you're going to get to the destination

...Know the focus required to reach the destination

...Execute to achieve the end destination