#121 You are only one thought away from clarity

A supervisee recounted this phrase to me recently, and it has really resonated.

The idea fits with philosophies and practices focused on mindfulness, awareness, and certain spiritual traditions. It suggests that sometimes, a single shift in perspective, a sudden insight, or a moment of stillness can lead to profound understanding.

This notion is common in mindfulness and meditation, where practitioners are encouraged to observe their thoughts without judgment. By doing so, clarity and focus often emerge naturally. Similarly, in coaching and psychology, it aligns with the idea of reframing - a technique well known to coaches - where altering the way you think about a situation can change your emotional response to it. It also connects to literary and philosophical traditions, where breakthroughs or epiphanies often come from a single, pivotal realisation.

As coaches, we may well practice mindfulness or use reframing techniques to help our clients achieve new clarity about situations they are working to change. I’m also noticing that by simply remaining curious, coaches can recognise they are edging closer to clarity themselves. “Tell me more about that” is a coaching question (it is actually an instruction) that signals your curiosity. You are holding back from interpreting or analysing what your client is saying and instead inviting them to think their way towards clarity.

You are perhaps only one more question away from clarity.

Stay curious.