Seeing clarity clearly

Twice in my life I have driven through a blinding snowstorm.  The snow and wind combined for whiteout conditions, where you can only see a few feet in front of you.
Both times were dangerous and scary.   I wanted to stop, but couldn't. 

There was no safe place to park my car,  and by stopping, another car might have hit me.

I didn't want to drive, but I felt compelled
 to keep going,  to plow ahead with less than clear vision to avoid an accident.

The thick snow combined with wind and darkness to prevent me from seeing clearly.

What is the snow storm or thick darkness

that prevents us from seeing our destination clearly?  

• Excessive hubris: "I am better at____ than other drivers, my spouse, or my colleagues"
  
• Ignorance: "I don't like that sort of thing. That is dumb. I've always done it like this."
  
• Laziness: "I just don't have the motivation. I'd rather watch TV  than do something."
  
• Grumbling: "They should do it my way. The past is better than now or the future."
  

 Usually it takes someone who has navigated the snowstorm of life to guide us.

We can't always see clearly but pioneering guides can.

If you are struggling in life it might be because your vision isn't as clear as you think.
Ask someone who has more wisdom, more experience, or a better perspective. Ask a spouse, parent, friend, or leader what they see as problems and opportunities in your life.

This is a very humbling task, but it will open up your eyes to amazing growth.

Hubris, ignorance, laziness and grumbling melt away when you accept the challenge to change.

Recently I spent 12 hours listening to 52 people each give a short speech. Some speeches were very crisp and powerful, to the point of causing people to stand in ovation.

Regrettably most were scattered, unfocused and lacked a clear understanding of their audience.

 Clarity was the difference between a great speech and a dull one. Some knew their goal and audience, most did not.

It was amazing to watch as some seemed to blame the audience or their disposition for their lack of connection. Had they asked a mentor for help in delivering their message they would have been better prepared.  They would have been able to connect with the audience and convey their message in a meaningful way.  Instead, most failed miserable, because they couldn't see their problems clearly.

Another great way to get clarity is to record your life in the form of a journal.

I often muse about my own lack of clarity as I read journal entries from 20 years ago.

It helps me to clearly see where I have improved and the areas I still need to work on.

What helps you see more clearly? What are some obstacles that obscure your vision?

 

 

(Photo courtesy imagerymajestic)