Clarity: Is It Really That Simple?

Is it just me, or is finding clarity often easier said than done? It sounds straightforward:

→ Write down what you want.

→ Envision your perfect day.

→ Map out the life or business of your dreams.

But when it comes down to it, true clarity can be challenging to achieve, why is it so difficult to look within? Even as a coach, I sometimes struggle to drill down on the finer details, whether it’s for my business or personal life, that’s when I remind myself to start at the beginning again, what are my values, what feelings do I want?

The Journey Toward Clarity

In my experience, clarity isn’t a one-time epiphany; it’s a journey that takes work, time, and the wisdom of lessons learned. I’ve come to realize that recognizing what doesn’t serve me, whether it is situations, activities, or even people can be jus a valuable step towards clarity. Identifying what I don’t want informs what I do want, whether that’s in my living situation, relationships, or career. Especially for expats, who are constantly navigating new cultures, norms, and lifestyles, clarity is both a compass and a process that unfolds over time.

Digging Deep: The First Step in My Coaching Practice

That’s why, in my coaching practice (and when consulting with businesses), digging deep is always the starting point. That is why the first session can range between 2-3 hours because nothing is more important than being clear on the true goal and values of a person. I start by asking clients: → What’s the vision?

→ What’s the goal?

Once we get a sense of where they want to go, we peel back the layers.

→ Why do you want what you want?

→ Is this goal aligned with your core values?

→ What are those values?

→ Do you believe it’s achievable?

→ Is this goal something you genuinely desire, or are there external influences at play?

→ Do you believe you are capable of this goal?

Taking time to dig deep and reflect on these questions is crucial for finding real clarity. Often, I’ve found that we’re unhappiest when we aren’t aligned with our values or when we’re allowing limiting beliefs to hold us back. In fact, there were times in my life when I was not just unaligned, I hadn’t even defined my own values yet and it felt impossible to have a sense of purpose without this clarity.

Values: Your Anchor in a Shifting World

Our values guide us, whether we realize it or not. They influence our decisions, our motivations, and how we feel about our lives. But it’s crucial to ensure they’re our own, not inherited from society, friends, or family. For example, as an expat, your values may evolve as you adapt to new environments, or they may feel tested as you find your footing abroad. Times of high anxiety or unhappiness are often signals that we’re living out of sync with our values.

Values also aren’t static, they change and mature as we or our environments do. They may vary in different areas of our lives, but there are usually consistent themes that emerge. Identifying those values can provide clarity and act as an anchor, especially when life feels like it’s in constant flux, something every expat understands well.

Limiting Beliefs: Breaking Down Barriers to Clarity

Our limiting beliefs can cloud the clarity we seek. They create invisible boundaries, holding us back from embracing opportunities and pursuing what we’re truly capable of achieving. I’ve encountered this time and time again in my own journey. I now use specific tools in my coaching practice to help clients uncover and challenge these limiting beliefs, transforming them into empowering insights that support a clearer vision.

Clarity Is Fluid

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that clarity itself is fluid. Even when we achieve clarity about what we want, that vision can evolve in a matter of months, weeks, or even days. This can be especially true for expats, who are often recalibrating their lives and adapting to new situations. Learning to accept that life isn’t a linear path and that clarity may shift as you grow and experience new things is key.

For those of us who feel pressured to have everything “figured out,” (like me, more often than not) it’s important to remember that life is an experience, not a destination. We’re allowed to pivot and adjust. Giving myself permission to let go of fixed expectations and be open to life’s surprises has been a powerful practice.

If you’re ready to dig deep and gain clarity on your own journey or if you are in the process of re-examining your values after a move abroad, schedule your free intro session today. Together, we’ll explore what you truly want and how to align with your values, goals, and vision.