How to find clarity and why it's so important

Let's start with the 'why'

Have you ever experienced feeling ‘stuck’? Like there are so many possibilities swimming around your head you end up paralyzed and struggle to move forward? If you have or you’re currently there, don’t worry – it’s not just you.

​We live in a world of information overload, one which constantly distracts us from ourselves. It’s easy to get lost and overwhelmed in all the noise. That said, there is a path to clarity and by reading this blog post – congrats, you have taken the first step!

Having clarity gets us motivated and inspired. It’s like being given a map to a city you’ve just arrived in. The map clearly shows all of the attractions you’d like to see and equally, the ones you’re not so interested in. Just looking at the map you’ll discover gems you never knew existed/things you didn’t even know you wanted to explore. With your map, the direction you want to move in becomes clear. You can plan a route you’d like to take moving towards the things you’re interested in and around the stuff you’re not.
 
Clarity lays out the path to action. It’s a whole lot easier to get out of bed in the morning when you have a clear focus, even better when it’s a focus you’ve chosen for yourself!

As human beings we are blessed to have hindsight and foresight. Hindsight helps us to learn and foresight enables us to create. To create the life you desire, you must first have clarity around what it is that matters to you. To write a book, you need to be clear on your message. To bring anything you want into fruition, clarity is the first step.

There will never be a more perfect time than now to create the life you desire. You can move through life with conscious intention or you can coast along on autopilot, riding the ebbs and flows without ever giving much thought to how you want to spend it. I don’t judge anyone for how they choose to spend their time, what I’d like to highlight here is the choice. If you don’t spend the time, asking yourself the questions will you regret it later?

Ok, now for the ‘how’.

I have listed my steps to finding clarity below. You’ll need a pen and something to write on. I recommend getting yourself a nice journal and coming back to it regularly.

5 steps to clarity

1. Get outside in nature

Please don’t skip this step! In fact don’t skip any step but especially not this one. I know it may not seem essential but trust me, it is. Nature feels good! It helps us disconnect from all the noise. Being outside naturally decreases our stress levels and helps us regulate our emotions. Go for a 20–30-minute walk before you get started. It really does help.

2. Find some space.
 
Literally. Find yourself some time and space away from distractions, a place where you won’t be interrupted. If you live an extremely busy life, schedule it in – put it into your calendar. If you can find a comfortable setting outside, even better.

3. Pump the brakes by activating your ‘’rest and digest’’ response.

Ever find yourself in a rush and suddenly the simplest tasks are challenging? You’re forgetting things or dropping things, it’s just general chaos!

When we are stressed/overwhelmed/ in ‘’fight or flight’’, it’s very difficult to think clearly. The different options swimming around your head as you search for clarity can make you feel overwhelmed. Equally, not being able to come up with any answers can have the same result. So, we need to pump the brakes and allow ourselves some breathing room.

We do this by turning on your ‘’rest response’’ - your parasympathetic nervous system. This is where all the magic happens– your immune response is boosted, digestion occurs, your heart and breathing rate slow down, and it even helps to quieten the mind.

How to turn it on?
One of the simplest ways is through your breath. The aim of the game is to slow down and deepen your breathing –
​the magic lies in a long exhale.

Use this simple breathing technique:
Nose breathing is preferred but whatever works for you. Breathe in for the mental count of 4, hold for the count of 2 and breathe out for the count of 6. Repeat this 10 times. The longer and slower you can make your exhale the better – if you can extend your exhale to the count of 7, 8 or 9, go for it! Whatever feels comfortable for you.

4. Uncover your core values – your ‘’inner compass’’.  

Your core values are the things that are most important to you. Living in alignment with our values leads to a sense of fulfillment. I like to think of them as my 'inner compass' for navigating life. Being clear on your values helps you to make decisions that feel right to you.
 
If you find yourself feeling frustrated, often it’s a result of someone or some situation contradicting your values. For example, if your core values are creativity, adventure, freedom and fun then working a job in an office admin role with regular, long hours and little room for creativity will probably leave you feeling frustrated, unmotivated and maybe even angry. However, if your core values are security, teamwork, safety, order and diligence – you may feel extremely fulfilled in this working environment. This is a basic example, but you catch my drift.
Although that example relates to work, it extends to your whole life. It is a balancing act. You decide what works best for you.
 
Seeing your core values out on paper makes things clearer. It is a huge step towards clarity.
 
To find out what your core values are, I have created a FREE guide ‘’Unlock your inner compass’’. You will be taken through a series of questions to help you refine your values and uncover what is truly important. To access this guide, simply click the link below, sign up and receive it straight to your inbox. It is now your PDF copy to keep for life. Be sure to check your spam folder, confirm your subscription and enjoy! You can unsubscribe at any time.
 
https://niamh-hurney.ck.page/aab4d44313
 

5. Your journal is your friend!

Discovering your core values is fantastic but journaling on them really clarifies things. I have included a number of journal prompts at the bottom of the guide and also play around with your own questions, initial reactions to reading your list etc.

Journaling tip: There is no right or wrong way to journal. Many people avoid journaling because they don’t know how but if you can write, you can journal! Don’t judge what you write. Your journal is your place of self-expression, allow yourself that freedom.
 
A lack of clarity can feel scary but there is so much joy to be had in the journey. Getting clear on who you are and what you want is a process, so go easy with yourself and don’t expect it to come over night. Come back to these practises, revisit your list whenever you feel the need. `
 
Thanks for reading.
 
Niamh x
 
If you enjoyed this blog, please let me know.
 
References:

Yao, W., Zhang, X. and Gong, Q., 2021. The effect of exposure to the natural environment on stress reduction: A meta-analysis. Urban forestry & urban greening, 57, p.126932.
 
Bratman, G.N., Olvera‐Alvarez, H.A. and Gross, J.J., 2021. The affective benefits of nature exposure. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 15(8), p.e12630.