Chasing Clarity

What does looking for clarity actually look like?

Let us first note what doesn’t qualify as looking. Waiting for clarity is not looking. Sharing your lack of clarity is not looking. Distracting yourself is not looking. Only looking is looking.

How can you tell if someone is looking for clarity? What would you expect that person to be doing? What activities would you classify as “looking for clarity” if someone else were doing them?

Are you regularly engaging in similar activities?

I can tell you what it’s like when I’m looking for clarity. I’m reading books and listening to audiobooks on the subject. I’m researching online. I’m talking to people with more experience. I’m going to club meetings and related events. I’m making phone calls. I’m sending emails.

I’m asking questions. I’m gathering information. I’m recruiting social support.

I’m writing about the subject in my journal. I’m brainstorming ideas and drawing up lists of questions. I’m meditating on the topic. I’m muttering aloud while going for a run or walking in the park. I’m relaxing on my couch, staring up the ceiling, and daydreaming about possibilities. I’m often blogging about the subject while I’m still trying to figure it out.

This works. I normally feel extremely clear about my path. I almost always know what I want and where I’m going. It’s rare that I get stuck in confusion or uncertainty, and when I do it’s usually just a short pause. And ...

Source: Steve Pavlina's Personal Development Blog - January 19, 2020 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Steve Pavlina Tags: Productivity Source Type: blogs