Dr. Benjamin Hardy said it best: “In an obsessive state, you begin to justify away what you truly want from life. Yet, in a moment of CLARITY, of seeing life without your unhealthy passion, you feel immense hope and joy again for the life you seek to create.”
From Ryan Holiday’s Daily Stoic, he quotes Epictetus and his wise perspective on our opportunity for response amidst times of distress. Epictetus said: “It is not external events themselves that cause us distress, but the way in which we think about them, our interpretation of their significance. It is our attitudes and reactions that give us trouble. We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.”
Brendon Burchard went on further to say: ”If you are always in a state of hurry, anxiety, stress, panic, busyness, then what energy are you teaching others to adopt? If you won’t learn to bring mindfulness and peace to the day for yourself, do it for those around you who may be harmed by unchecked emotional contagion.”
In a world of constant volatility and variability, it seems at times it’s all we can do to keep our wits about us. Even in times of less chaos than others, it can still feel a bit tenuous and disconnected, resulting in a sense of question and mire. The call for CLARITY in a world of chaos has never been more needed. Those who remain clear and grounded in their pursuits and personal stewardship will continue to be a beacon of light in the world.
With your permission, can we shake off the funk for just a moment?
When things start to feel pressured and tempest, I have found that a good timeout is something that can afford us an opportunity to get a bit more grounded and intentional. In this space I have also found that a well framed question is something that can help us see, feel, hear and explore new possibility and claimed space. With that, let me give you five questions meant to help you explore where there is an opportunity for real CLARITY in your life.
What do you feel most certain and clear about in your life right now?
What are the things you value the most in your life, and why?
Do you feel clear about who you are, and WHY you exist?
Do you feel aligned in your efforts to become your highest and best self?
What new level of impact and influence can you have on those you serve?
Question four from this list introduces us to one of the great mentors we’ll have ongoing access to, as we navigate life’s challenges and forks in the road. May I introduce you to your “future self” and/or the “best version of yourself?” This incredible human being will show up when called upon, to advise you in the decisions you face and challenges you’re trying to navigate. We forget how smart this person is, and if we will thoughtfully frame the questions and answers from a place of strength and humility, we’ll find a tremendous amount of insight and CLARITY from them. This is not an excuse for pride and ego, nor is it an excuse for distancing, but rather an acknowledgment that our best efforts will require an increased level of CLARITY and commitment. So many of us look at our present level of existence and lack of CLARITY as par for the course. Hal Hershfield intimated that “We perceive our future selves” more like strangers than as parts of ourselves.”
When it comes to the intentionality growth requires, remember the words of Robin Sharma: “Getting lost along your path is a part of finding the path you’re meant to be on. Sometimes we need to get off track before we can develop the CLARITY to be on track.”
CLARITY is a foundation of growth and significance. It is a tenet of a life by design, and one of intentionality. With that understanding, I will leave you with this insight from my friend Brendon Burchard: “Doubt increases with inaction. CLARITY reveals itself in momentum. Growth comes from progress. For all these reasons, begin.”
May you take a moment of intention to create the CLARITY you’ll need to navigate this next season of life. Your vision for the future and your role in it will lend itself to a sense of peace, and your actions will be a beacon and light in times of darkness, not only for yourself but also for those around you.
Remember that growth is always a choice!
Until next week my friends, make it a great one, and remember to always…HONOR.THE.GIFT.
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