Did I mention how much I like clarity?
I love it when things are logically set out. I strive for a distinct rationale to things. I crave logical steps towards a defined purpose. I also fundamentally believe this can be reached through creativity, playfulness, fun, and collaboration.
This is what I have built my business upon - I provide the tools and approaches to guide you to clarity and growth.
But when things feel messy, reaching this utopic state of clarity can feel (at best) a far-off slog and (at worst) an impossibility.
Then ensues the lack of creativity, enthusiasm, motivation, energy. We can more easily say hello to procrastination, fatigue, going round in circles, or the temptation to jack it all in.
This is equally true whether you work alone, if you run your own business or venture, whether you organise meetings, run projects, or lead teams.
How to gain clarity amidst confusion and chaos
As I always say, when we feel like there’s a mountain to climb, the best thing to remember is that putting one foot in front of the other is all that’s needed to make progress.
And what can help you take that first step is a little bit of focus.
That's why my favourite question for beginning to concentrate on what really matters is this:
I’ve begun with this question when planning workshops which brought together CEOs from different health and care organisations to make plans and take decisions collaboratively. This gave me a clear focus to design the content of each session.
I’ve used this question when establishing group projects or freelance programmes of work. This gave a clear aim for us to collectively own, regularly check progress, and be accountable for.
I’ve opened with this question when collaborating with organisations to develop their organisational strategy and vision for the future. This gave a clear purpose to the process and boosted commitment from the team to take part.
I’ve asked myself this question when designing my money mindset workshops for women. This gave me the ability to decide the knowledge and practical tools I want to impart to the group, and the space of safety and confidence I want to create.
I’ve posed this question when onboarding new 1:1 collaboration clients who want to access my mix of strategy, coaching, and mindset support. This gave my clients a question that feels easier to answer than lofty goal setting and helped us decide which of my skills would best support them to make the shifts they want.
Why it works
It’s a short and sweet question. It’s not intimidating and doesn’t have to be overwhelming. And as you can see from the examples above it’s a rather versatile little thing.
It works across all areas of my business because everything I do is really about identifying the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. And once we know the gap, we collaborate together, using my range of skills and yours, to bridge it.
Starting with this question gives you the focus, motivation, accountability, and confidence to take the first steps towards clarity. Perfect!
How you can use this question
I would caution against using it too broadly (e.g., what do I want to be different in my life?) as this may not help you to focus and can invite overwhelm. Instead, try and be a little more specific to an area of your career, business, or life
For example, you might ask yourself:
What do I/we want to be different by the end of this meeting? Then use the answer to steer conversations, keep everyone on track, and check for success. Goodbye pointless discussions that go nowhere!
What do I want to be different about my mood/energy levels by the end of the morning? Then use this to decide what you can do to make that change. It might be tried and tested methods that work for you, or you could test out something new and check the results.
What do I want to be different in my relationship with my partner/parent/friend? Then use this to consider what patterns and behaviours are getting in the way of this. Consider steps that might help to improve things and think about what you can take responsibility for.
What do I want to be different about the way I spend my time this week? Then use this to shake things up or course correct. Take back control of what you consume and who you interact with, mentally and physically, to help you feel your best.
What do I want to be different for my clients? Then use this to tell people what problem you can help them solve and how you’re going to do it. Make it easy for people to see the change you are supporting them to achieve.
The most important bit
The absolute key is that once you’ve identified the difference you want, you take swift and relevant action towards it. Otherwise, you risk getting stuck in the world of only wishing for better, entering a doom spiral of comparing your life/career/team/project/business as it is now to what you hope it could be, or (even worse) opening the flood gates to a whole heap of 'shoulds' and paralysing self-criticism.
Steven Covey says that to be effective in this means “to begin each day, task, or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination, and then continue by flexing your proactive muscles to make things happen.”
Are you ready to flex your proactivity?
Try using this question (what do you want to be different...?) in the next few days on something practical and meaningful to you.
Then create a strategy that sets out the actions you’ll take and how you will address the obstacles in your way. Depending on your style, this might be a simple list, some ideas on sticky notes, or a fully colour coded spreadsheet. Being proactive in this way will help you move forwards with greater confidence and take accountability for your progress.
If you or your organisation / team would like the help of a strategist and coach, you can access my range of skills to guide you towards clarity and growth. Get in touch and start moving forward with purpose, confidence, and ease.
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