Lacking Resources or Clarity?

In the world of coaching and personal development, one critical skill that separates successful individuals from the rest is the ability to identify patterns within language and behavior. As a coach, I'm always attuned to the patterns in the language of those I work with. Among the common patterns I've noticed is the recurring sentiment of "if I just had the time, if I just had the money, if I just had the relationships..." This seemingly innocent statement often reveals a deeper issue that transcends the surface-level lack of resources. The truth is, what many of us are truly missing is not just time, money, or relationships, but something more profound: clarity.

The Clarity Paradox

We often hear the phrase "knowledge is power," but what's often underestimated is the power of clarity. Clarity is the compass that guides us toward our goals and helps us make decisions even when external circumstances are uncertain. It's the lighthouse that cuts through the fog of doubt and hesitation. The story that follows illustrates the transformational impact of clarity on resource allocation.

The Gary Keller Mastermind Experience

A pivotal moment in recognizing the significance of clarity occurred during a mastermind session with Gary Keller, a renowned real estate entrepreneur. This exchange took place during the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic when many were hesitant about making investments. A participant asked Gary whether it was a good time to invest in real estate, to which Gary responded with a game-changing insight.

Gary pointed out that true real estate investors operate from a place of clarity. They have a set of criteria that, when met, trigger them to take action and invest, regardless of market conditions. When Gary questioned the participant about his investment activities, the participant confessed that he wasn't investing due to a lack of funds.

The Clarity Revelation

However, Gary's subsequent question turned the spotlight onto the participant's lack of clarity. He posed a hypothetical scenario: "If I were to wire you a million dollars today and gave you two weeks to invest it, where would you invest it? How would you do it?" The participant's response was vague and lacking in specifics. He didn't have a clearly defined plan or criteria for his investments.

Gary's response was a game-changer: "Your problem isn't that you don't have the money. It's that you don't know what you would do with it if you had it." This insight shifted the narrative entirely. It highlighted that the lack of clarity was the true obstacle, not the absence of funds. This realization holds a profound lesson for all of us.

The Clarity-Resource Connection

When we find ourselves making excuses for not pursuing our goals or dreams due to perceived resource shortages, it's crucial to question whether the issue is truly a lack of resources or a lack of clarity. The story illustrates that having all the money in the world wouldn't make a difference if you don't know how to effectively utilize it. Resources alone don't guarantee success; it's the clarity of vision and strategy that transforms resources into results.

Applying Clarity to Your Life

The question posed by Gary Keller resonates deeply: "Where in your life are you claiming to be lacking resources when what you're actually lacking is the clarity of what you would do with them if you had them?" Take a moment to reflect on this question. Are there areas in your life where you've been using resource shortages as an excuse? Could it be that the missing puzzle piece is not a financial windfall, more time, or better connections, but rather a clear and focused plan?

The story of the mastermind session with Gary Keller serves as a powerful reminder that true resourcefulness stems from clarity. It's a lesson that challenges us to reevaluate our perspectives on the challenges we face. Instead of fixating on the scarcity of external resources, let's focus on nurturing the internal resource of clarity. By gaining a clear vision of our goals, strategies, and criteria, we can transcend the limitations we once believed were holding us back. So, the next time you catch yourself saying, "If I just had the..." remember that what you might truly need is not a resource, but a dose of clarity to guide your path forward.