The Clarity Trap: How to Keep Creating Despite Uncertainty
3 Things to Remember
I have a friend, who writes beautifully.
But what happens to him happens to many of us artists before embarking on a project. He falls in love with the idea yet feels the enormity of it.
Therefore, he wrestles with questions — How do I start? How much time will this take?
Then, after several days of inconsistent obsession and no answers, he convinces himself the project is not worth pursuing.
At least, not until he receives full clarity and direction.
And this is all before he even completes the first draft.
Life can feel like an unending maze. And doubt and uncertainty can be dizzying. But how do we find direction? How do we know that what we’re doing is right, for sure (for sure)?
Along my creative journey, I’ve found helpful practices that have helped me endure the fog of uncertainty. Here are 3 tips to remember the next time you’re waiting for clarity.
Work while you wait
I cannot stress the mental exhaustion I’ve endured, waiting for clarity to show. I cannot quantify how many hours, days, years I’ve looked into the sky, looked into the black of my eyelids, looked directly into the gloom of a world that wouldn’t answer back my call for clarity.
And after five too many wasted years, I finally decided to go another way.
I stopped waiting. I stopped letting good ideas pass me by.
And finally, I gave myself permission and grace to work without a clear path.
One of the biggest discoveries I’ve made as a writer is that the answers to my question will unfold while I’m working. Meaning most, if not all times, I write my way to clarity. There have been countless instances when I didn’t know what to write about. So I just wrote. And soon enough, in the perseverance of the mental storm, clarity found me.
This is what happened when I wrote my first book.
So now, instead of waiting, I wait while I work. Or even better, working is my new waiting.
You can brave it without clarity
I didn’t realize this at first. But many facets of life require us to act without knowing.
Most days, I have no idea what I’ll eat for lunch or dinner. Yet, I still manage to find something to fill my stomach. I’m not left to fend helplessly because I don’t know whether I want a sandwich or cereal. I’m not pacing, jumping foot to foot, worried that I’ll starve. I recognize that this is a blessing. But I also see this as an insight.
We brave uncertainty every day — when entering taxis, subways, and buses. In our beginnings of taking on anything new.
So, in small moments of panic, I remind myself that not knowing isn’t a detour or roadblock towards my desired direction.
In my many moments of wonder, curiosity, and uncertainty I must choose bravery as my guide.
Doing what’s right is your only obligation
In this process, I’ve learned to simply do what’s right. I’ve learned that if my dream is to create art. I should do just that. If I want to write or build a business. I should go for it.
Because that’s what’s right in my heart.
Questioning what I should do after having received the answer is fertile ground for confusion.
One of the biggest sins to finding clarity has been overthinking it — wallowing in the but what do I do nowness of it all.
Ridding my life of distractions has helped too. Because mental clutter is just as debilitating.
So in short: do what’s right.
After years of writing, making art, and braving uncertainty, I’m still here.
And here’s a recap of where my clarity is:
- Clarity doesn’t come to those who wait. While clarity is a good thing, it won’t come magically. Ideas, dreams, whatever is on the heart may just be all the affirmation needed. This grants us permission to start.
- Clarity requires boldness. Don’t be afraid to go forth. Even if against the current. Create, learn, and adjust. Rinse, repeat.
- Keep doing right until clarity appears. Work is your preparation for clarity. Become ready for the answer to appear. If it still feels right, then there’s a great chance this is the path.
Clarity won’t be found by thinking harder. We must act towards clarity. Do more to know what you must do more of.
Keep braving uncertainty. Keep creating.
