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The Self-Mastery Journal
Clarity Was Once the Norm
Our ancestors didn’t miss the herd of buffalo because they were scrolling Instagram.
If they didn’t act with a clear mind, they (and their tribe) didn’t survive. Clarityshhmarity.
The world has worked that way for 99.99999% of it’s existence — Not exact math but you get the point.
But today? Clarity is THE competitive advantage.
For example, who do you think wins?
- The person who wakes up with a clear mind and short list of tasks.
- The person who begins their day with a laundry-list of to-do's and is stuck in reaction mode.
Clarity is your Ultimate Advantage
Let’s start with a simple question: What is clarity?
Clarity is identifying worthwhile goals and how to inch closer to them. It doesn’t mean you won’t make mistakes along the way—but it is a skill that helps you know what to focus on, and when.
We live in a fast-paced world. Technology is always changing. New tools and apps that promise to keep us organized continue to pop up.
Ironically, this "progress" has led to more clutter, not less.
The Productivity Paradox
Improvements in society usually result in becoming more productive. Think about the leap from horse and buggy to cars—suddenly we could do more in less time, thanks to better travel.
Until 2015.
Since then, it’s been trending in the opposite direction. Each year, we're getting less productive.
So who, or what, is to blame?
You're probably expecting me to hand you a neat answer the same way my kids hand me their tissues with boogers in them (sorry for the visual). But the truth is: I don't know.
I do not know the exact reason that productivity is on the decline. What I do know is the endless notifications and information overload aren't helping.
Less Is More
We are more connected than ever. Every day we see endless highlights on social media. This makes us think we need more of this to get or do that.
- “I need to work harder.”
- “I need to travel more.”
- “I need to make more money.”
- “Why do they seem so organized, and I can’t even keep a thought straight?!”
The pressure to do more by adding is exactly what’s feeding your overwhelm. It’s clutter.
The truth?
Productivity isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing less, but better.
Yep. Do less, better.
Before you go write that down and call me a wizard I got that from Ryder Carrol. He's the author of The Bullet Journal Method. He’s the wizard, not me.
In a world full of distractions, doing more won’t help you. Doing less—but better—will.
Eliminate → Prioritize → Execute
What does “doing less”mean? It means that in a long list of to-do’s we identify the few should do’s. Then we focus on them and ditch the rest.
Doing less forces you to focus on what matters.
As you review your day and what you need to do, ask yourself:
- Is this necessary?
- Is it urgent?
If the answer to either isn’t a clear yes, toss it. Then zero-in on the things that are.
Back to the Basics
For me, the basics work.
Pen and paper.
When I open my notebook in the morning, I’m not hit with red notification bubbles or missed calls. Just a blank page, an open mind, ready to reflect.
That may not work for everyone. Maybe you prefer a digital tool. That’s fine—if it’s used with intention.
Don’t get caught up in the endless search for the “perfect” app. Pick one and stick with it. The best system is the one you can use easily and consistently.
No matter the tool, the process is the same
- Remove distractions
- Identify what is necessary and what will move the needle
- Get yo butt movin’
Question of the day: What challenges do you face in finding clarity?
Dallen “Back to the Basics” Reber