The power of clarity
Why a fuzzy plan never win
works with organizations in solving their leadership and management effectiveness crises. Photo: LinkedIn
Mark and Tyler decided to take a cross-country trip from Halifax to Vancouver. They packed their car, filled the tank, and hit the road with excitement and freedom in their hearts.
They didn’t bother with a detailed route—they just figured they’d “head west” and let the adventure unfold.
The first few days were full of laughs and confidence. But soon, the charm wore off. They missed exits, doubled back more than once, and argued about which highway to take. Their fuel ran low in the middle of nowhere, and what began as an adventure started to feel like a struggle.
When they finally arrived in Vancouver, exhausted and way behind schedule, one of them said, “Next time, maybe we should look at a map first.”
That trip taught them something powerful: energy and enthusiasm mean nothing without clarity and direction.
That’s the same with planning—whether you’re leading a business, developing your career, or working on personal goals. If you don’t know where you’re going, every road looks tempting. But you can’t win a race you haven’t clearly defined.
Step 1: Start with Vision That Moves You
A plan without vision is like a map without a destination. Before you talk tactics, timelines, or to-do lists, ask yourself one question:
“What do I really want to create?”
Your vision should excite you. It should pull you forward when things get tough. A motivating vision isn’t just about what you want—it’s about why you want it.
If you’re a leader, your vision has to do more than hit numbers. It has to connect to meaning—growth, pride, contribution, or impact. When people believe in the “why,” they’ll commit to the “how.”
Here’s a simple test: If your vision doesn’t give you goosebumps, it’s probably not strong enough.
So take the time to craft a vision statement that’s short, specific, and personal. For example:
- “To build a team where people grow faster than they thought possible.”
- “To become a calm, confident communicator who earns respect through clarity.”
- “To create a business that helps others live with more confidence.”
The clearer your vision, the easier your next steps become.
Step 2: Create a Simple Measurement Tool
A vision gives you direction, but measurement keeps you honest. Too often, people plan big but never check their progress. It’s like driving for hours without looking at your dashboard—you might run out of gas before you realize it.
You don’t need complex spreadsheets or expensive software. What you need is a simple scorecard—a way to measure whether your actions are getting you closer to your goal.
Try this: At the end of each week, ask yourself three questions:
- Did I move closer to my vision?
- What did I do well this week?
- What can I improve next week?
Give yourself a score from 1 to 10 for each. Keep those scores visible. Watch for trends.
When you start tracking your consistency, your results will follow. Progress is not about perfection—it’s about awareness. The power of a simple measuring tool is that it forces reflection, and reflection drives growth.
Step 3: Without Clarity, You’ll Never Reach Your Goals
Clarity is the heart of effective planning. You can’t plan what you can’t see. Most people fail not because they’re lazy or unmotivated—they fail because their target is fuzzy.
If your goal is “do better at work,” what does that mean? How will you know when you’ve achieved it? A clear plan transforms that vague idea into something specific:
“Within six months, I will lead a project that improves team communication scores by 15%.”
Clarity sharpens focus. It aligns energy. It makes decisions easier. When you know exactly what success looks like, distractions lose their power.
Three Actions to Strengthen Your Plan Today
- Write Your Vision in One Sentence. Make it personal, emotional, and future-focused. Read it daily.
- Measure Weekly. Use a 1–10 scoring system to track progress and patterns. Adjust as needed.
- Eliminate the Fuzz. Ask yourself: “Would someone else understand my goal without explanation?” If not, make it clearer.
Planning isn’t about control—it’s about clarity, direction, and movement. If you know where you’re going, have a way to measure progress, and stay honest with yourself, you’ll always find a way forward.
After all, even the best car can’t get anywhere without a destination.
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Paul Kearley is a professional leadership, communications and sales coach for businesspeople who are taking command of their career and making an impact. He has worked as a business coach and trainer, Virtual Trainer, and speaker since 1985.
To see eBooks Paul has written, go here: https://payhip.com/PKWalktheTalk
