It doesn’t have to be this hard to see

As we move deeper into January, many of us are hard at work executing the strategies we set for the year. However, even the most focused leaders can find themselves squinting at a problem, trying to force a solution that isn't quite clear yet. This week, I am sharing a personal moment of resistance that reminded me how a small, external shift can change our entire perspective. 

Glimmer of Inspiration ✨

The inspiration for this issue came from a quiet moment over the holidays. I was sitting at the dining table with a family member when the conversation turned to something I needed to read. For a while now, I have been reluctant to admit that I might need a little help with my vision. I’ve resisted wearing reading glasses, preferring to push through the blurriness on my own.

My family member eventually handed me their own pair and asked me to try them. The moment I put them on, everything on the page came into sharp, effortless focus. I was struck by how much energy I had been wasting just trying to see what was right in front of me. It made me wonder: What has been holding me back from accepting this simple tool?

In leadership, we often do the same thing. We tell ourselves we should be able to see the path forward on our own, even when the details feel fuzzy. We resist the external perspective because we think we should have all the answers.

Lightbulb Moment 💡

That moment at the dining table stayed with me because it highlighted a common trap for high achievers. 

We often equate effort with effectiveness. 

We think that if we just squint harder at a strategy or a team challenge we will eventually find the answer. However, just like my experience with the reading glasses, squinting is actually an exhausting way to navigate the world.

The real lightbulb moment came when I realized that resistance to an external perspective often stems from a sense of responsibility. As leaders, we feel we should be the ones providing the clarity for everyone else. We worry that needing a different lens somehow diminishes our authority.

In reality, the energy we spend pushing through the blurriness is energy we are not using to lead. When we finally accept a new perspective, whether it comes from a coach, a mentor, or even your own team, the blurriness disappears. We stop wasting effort on the struggle of trying to see and can finally focus on the work that actually matters.

Shine Brighter: Your Growth Challenge 🌟

My challenge for you this week is to identify where you might be squinting. Think about a project, a decision, or a team dynamic that feels blurry or difficult to navigate. If an answer does not come up as you are reading this, I encourage you to set 5 minutes aside to reflect on it.

Often, we stay in the struggle because we feel we must solve it alone. In my experience, clarity usually arrives the moment we are willing to look through a different lens.

How to find your new lens:

• If you feel exhausted by a specific task, ask yourself if you are trying to force clarity instead of seeking it.
• Reach out to a trusted peer, a mentor, or even a member of your team. Ask them how they see the situation without leading them to your current conclusion.
• Notice how much energy is freed up when you stop pushing through the blur and start acting on what is finally in focus.

The strongest leaders are not those who have perfect vision at all times. They are the ones who know when it is time to ask for a better way to see.

A Final Spark ✨

The moments of friction in our leadership are often just signals that we need a change in perspective. When we stop resisting the tools and people that help us see clearly, we can lead with much more ease and impact.

What is one area of your business or career where things feel a little blurry right now? 

I look forward to hearing how you are finding your focus.

Here’s to finding your spark, and letting it shine.

Coach Karen