The first five minutes of most first-time coaching calls are usually the same. I listen in silence as clients share their concerns, ending with, “I don’t know what to do. Can you help me?” Imagine their surprise when I tell them, “You do know what to do. Instinctively, deep down…you know!”
Clarity is a choice we make to move forward without knowing all the answers, but having the faith that we can survive any outcome. Many times we know what we should do, but lack the courage to follow through—afraid that we are asking for too much.
If you’re struggling with a decision, here are five things you can do to help gain clarity:
1. Say what you need to say: When we constantly tell ourselves, “I don’t know what to do,” we are producing the very thing we are trying to get rid of…confusion. Our minds, bodies and creativity shut down when we reinforce the belief that we are without answers. It’s the little engine that could principle…if you think you can’t move forward or gain clarity…you can’t. Speak to yourself only using words that instill confidence and motivation.
2. Eliminate external clutter: It can be as simple as cleaning up or organizing your physical or emotional environment. When struggling, steer clear of people who lack focus and vision. They will only confuse you more. Look for patterns of escape; all of us have them when we’re running from reality. Excessive drinking, eating, television watching and smoking are common escapes when we don’t want to deal with reality. Indulging in escapism will dull our minds and instincts—only serving to keep us in confusion that much longer.
3. Imagine your way out: One of the primary ways I get my clients to engage in changing their present situation is to have them cast a clear vision of their desired future. Lack of clarity is more than a mental block; there is an emotional component of feeling unsettled and uneasy. Spend some quiet time envisioning the scenario that will create peace in your mind and body. For example, if financial issues are the source of your confusion, imagine a scenario where you feel peace. A million dollars is a great idea, but if simply having an emergency savings will create peace then make building it your immediate goal. Sometimes it takes a lot less to reduce our stress than we think.
4. Set a goal: After you’ve imagined your way out…you have to put a plan in action. Using the example above, becoming a millionaire might be a long-term goal. But if saving an emergency fund will provide relief sooner, then set your sights there for now. Building an emergency fund will require steps such as budgeting, saving or maybe even selling some things. Regardless, you move from not knowing what to do to knowing that you need a certain amount of money set aside to rest easier. You now have clarity that will produce peace and help focus your actions.
Do Your Work! If you’re lacking clarity, apply the four steps above. Write your goals down and put them in a place to keep you focused. If you’re interested in moving forward with clarity and momentum through coaching, click HERE to see if you qualify for a FREE 30-minute consultation. Only 10 spaces available this month.
Define Your Wealth! Every day affirm, “I know what I need to do for peace and clarity in my life. I am committed!
Recently named the “North America’s Next Greatest Speaker” by eWomenNetwork, Coach Felicia is a Certified Executive Coach who empowers her clients to “Turn their Worth into Wealth” as she partners with them to DISCOVER their WORTH, DO their WORK and DEFINE their WEALTH. Get more insight, download the FREE “8 Choices Winners Must Make!” seminar MP3 at www.coachfelicia.com!
