Ever feel like life would be so much easier if you could just get a perfect, no-stress, 100% clear picture of the future before making a single move? We’ve all been there, frozen in place, waiting for that “aha!” moment to magically appear and spell out exactly what to do next. But here’s what I’ve learned: waiting for clarity can keep you stuck, and real clarity actually comes from doing. Action first, clarity later. Funny, isn’t it?
My Own “Need for Clarity” Phase(s)
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in this place myself. Take school, for example. I remember sitting there, clueless about what I wanted to study or do with my life. I did all the usual things – aptitude tests, advice from “well-meaning” adults who insisted on giving me their two cents. And where did I end up? Not exactly with a clear answer, that’s for sure. So, I went with what I didn’t want, tossed out the absolute no’s, and landed on the best option from what was left. Not perfect, but it was good enough to get moving. Sometimes that’s all you need.
And then there was the time I moved back to Pretoria, started a job I really enjoyed, and thought, “Okay, I’ve got it now.” Only to realize, wait a second… while I loved what I was doing, there was this itch – something still wasn’t quite right. I wanted more. Purpose, excitement, something that wasn’t in my day-to-day. So once again, I started hunting for clarity like it was the last cupcake on a table full of people.
At some point, I had to let go of this idea that I’d magically get clarity by sitting and analyzing it to death. (Spoiler: I never found it that way.) Clarity comes from taking action, from putting one foot in front of the other and trusting that things will become clearer as you go.
The Clarity Trap (aka Why We’re All Obsessed with Having It Figured Out)
In conversations with others, this obsession with “clarity” comes up all the time. People say, “I don’t know what I want to do… I don’t know my purpose… I don’t know where my life is heading.” And, trust me, I get it. But my first question is usually, “Where is this pressure to ‘have it figured out’ coming from?”
I mean, there’s this belief that if we make the “wrong” choice, life will implode and we’ll end up living with 32 cats in a house with broken windows and no wifi. But here’s the truth: clarity isn’t some magical force field that shields you from mistakes. And sometimes, the need for clarity is just an excuse to avoid taking risks. So, yeah, clarity is nice, but it’s not required.
Big changes? They come from action. Every single time.
The “Leap First, See Where You Land” Mindset
Let me tell you a story about moving to Europe. For the longest time, I had this plan – get to Europe, have a new adventure, all that good stuff. But instead of sitting around and mapping every detail down to the letter, we just started making moves. The funny part? We didn’t even end up in Europe right away – we went to Dubai first. We applied for jobs, sold everything, and just… went. Not exactly the plan, but it was a step forward.
And here we are now, seven years later, in Europe. It didn’t look the way I’d imagined, but sometimes the path isn’t what matters most – it’s the courage to take a step. You don’t need to know every turn before you go; you just need enough of an idea to make a move. Clarity comes later. Trust me.
The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Want
Now, here’s something else that might help: knowing what you don’t want can sometimes be way more helpful than knowing what you do. (This applies to everything from career choices to choosing a dress for your high school dance – which, yes, I have a story about.)
Picture this: I was shopping with my mom for my matric dance dress. We went through fabric after fabric, and all I could say was, “Nope, not that.” I had no clue what I did want, but I knew what I didn’t. My poor mom thought we’d never find anything, but by process of elimination, we got there. Sometimes, that’s just how it goes. You try things, cross off the no’s, and eventually, the yes’s start showing up.
This idea has carried over into so many parts of my life. If you don’t know exactly what you want, start with what you know isn’t right. It’s amazing how much clarity that alone can bring.
Practical Steps for Those of Us Waiting for Clarity
Now, if you’re like, “Okay, this is great, but how do I actually put it into action?” I’ve got a few steps that might help you move forward without feeling like you have to know everything right now:
1. Make a “Makes Me Happy” List:
Think of it like a highlights reel of things you genuinely enjoy. Look back at things that made you happy as a kid, or think about what brings you joy now. List them out. Even tiny things like a slow morning coffee ritual or the thrill of surfing or working out. These can start filling up your days with small moments of clarity. Habit stacking works really well.
2. List the “No, Thanks” Items:
If you’re struggling to know what you want, start with what you don’t want. It can be as simple as saying, “I don’t want a desk job” or “I don’t want to live somewhere cold.” The more you scratch off the no’s, the closer you’ll get to what actually feels right.
3. Add More of What You Love (Instead of Trying to Eliminate the Bad):
You know that idea of “removing the bad”? Here’s an alternative: add in more of what you enjoy instead. Fill your life with small certainties. Can’t stand chaos in the mornings? Start your day with something calming, like a quick journal session or a cup of tea. Little by little, you’ll start replacing stress with small moments of joy.
4. Take a Baby Step Toward Something (Anything):
It doesn’t have to be a giant leap. Just one step in the direction of something you think might be interesting. The act of moving—even a tiny bit—can give you a surprising amount of direction. Maybe take a short course online in s subject you enjoy instead thinking you need to study a 3 year course at University.
5. Balance What You “Have” to Do with What You Want to Do:
Sometimes, we can’t change certain things in our lives, like responsibilities or family roles. But we can create space for things that nourish us. For me, it’s sharing content, connecting with others, and taking time to reflect. Balance the “musts” with things that bring you personal growth or fulfilment. You’d be amazed how much a little balance can lift the fog. Staying focused in a distracted world is a must.
Final Thoughts: Clarity Finds You When You’re Moving
If there’s one thing I’d love for you to take away, it’s this: clarity doesn’t show up when you’re sitting still. It shows up when you’re moving, trying, experimenting, and living. The myth that you need clarity before making a move is just that – a myth.
So, if you’re feeling stuck, take a step. Even a small one. Get out there, try something, and trust that each step you take will lead to a bit more clarity along the way. It might not be a perfectly straight line, but it’ll be a heck of a lot more interesting.
Take care,
Lindi
Ps. Ready to Find Clarity? I offer a free 15-minute session where we can explore where you are now and what steps could help bring you closer to your goals. Sometimes, just talking things through can make all the difference. Feel free to book a free 15-minute chat with me, and let’s explore how you can start with action before clarity. Book your session here.
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