"If I just think about it some more, I’ll achieve clarity," he said. Others call it analysis paralysis. Both are different names for the same thing: indecision, delay, and procrastination. “I need more information!” they proclaim, as if the next piece of data will magically dissolve their uncertainty.
Meanwhile, their delay is met with frustration from spouses, team members, or colleagues: “Just make a decision already!”
Clarity-seeking often feels like a responsible, rational approach to decision-making. But beneath the surface, it can be a sophisticated avoidance mechanism—disguising fear, perfectionism, or discomfort with ambiguity. This is where coaching becomes invaluable, helping individuals break free from the illusion that more thinking will yield more certainty.
Why Clarity Feels So Important—And Why It’s a Trap
The need for clarity is deeply ingrained. It makes us feel safe, in control, and prepared. But ironically, the relentless pursuit of clarity often creates the opposite: stagnation. We stall, waiting for the perfect answer, only to find that certainty never truly arrives.
Here’s why clarity-seeking can hold us back:
Fear of Imperfection – I need to get this right before I act.
Analysis Paralysis – If I just consider every possibility, I’ll be sure.
Fear of Change – If I make the wrong move, everything could unravel.
Unrealistic Expectations – It must be perfect before I start.
Comfort Zone Attachment – Ambiguity is uncomfortable, so I’ll avoid it.
A Client Story: Learning to Move Without Total Clarity
One of my clients, a Senior VP leading a team of 1,000, struggled with launching projects. His CEO had set a clear benchmark: 70% readiness is enough to move forward. But my client’s internal standard was a 90% readiness threshold that caused costly delays in projects and research.
Through coaching, we uncovered the underlying fear: a deep-seated belief that launching anything less than “fully prepared” was reckless. He equated speed with carelessness. Over time, we worked on discomfort tolerance—allowing him to act before feeling totally “ready.”
After a few sessions, a shift happened: he successfully launched a project at 80% readiness, challenging his old standard. It wasn’t perfect, but it was moving. He realized that momentum creates more clarity than overthinking ever could.
The Stretch: Embracing Action Over Overthinking
If you find yourself endlessly searching for clarity before making a move, consider this: What if clarity comes through action, not before it?
Where in your life or career are you waiting for more clarity before acting?
What if “not knowing everything” was an acceptable state?
How much has your need for clarity slowed you down?
If this is a pattern that’s holding you back, let’s talk. Coaching isn’t about making blind leaps, it’s about recognizing when seeking clarity is wise and when it’s just an excuse to stay stuck.
A stretch is taking a coaching moment into real-life action. What’s one action you can take today without waiting for full clarity?
At Legacy, we help leaders and professionals break free from over-analysis and move forward with confidence. When you stop chasing clarity and start embracing ambiguity, you’ll feel good and that leaves room for confidence to grow. Schedule your chat here.
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