Through the fog: Pushing forward when the vision's blurry

Editorial Team
Aug 1
4 min read

Driving through fog is always a challenge. Dense fog blurs our view, making it nearly impossible to see what’s ahead or to know where we’re going. The same is often true on our growth journey. There are moments in every career and life journey where the road ahead becomes blurred. Whether by changing markets, a personal crossroads, or an unexpected obstacle, our vision of where we’re going becomes muddled leaving us to feel lost in the fog. Even the most driven individuals suffer through fogged vision at times. But as the saying goes, “If you wait for perfect clarity, you’ll be waiting forever.”

Uncertainty doesn’t have to mean inaction. When the road ahead becomes hard to see, we don’t have to stop moving, we simply need to pivot. In fact, some of the greatest breakthroughs come when we keep going, in spite of a lack of clarity. So, what’s the key to navigating through a blurred vision? Smart and grounded decision-making that’s rooted in your values, guided by data, and open to innovative solutions. With that in mind, here are five tips on how to lead yourself–and others–forward when the path is anything but obvious.

5 tips for moving through the fog

1. Don’t wait for certainty, decide with confidence

According to a McKinsey Global survey, organizations and individuals that make decisions quickly are twice as likely to rate those decisions as high-quality–and twice as likely to deliver above-average financial returns. Waiting for perfect, thorough information often leads to indecision, which can actually be more costly than making the wrong decision.

When your vision gets blurry, try setting a decision-making deadline rather than waiting for the fog to lift. Narrow your focus to what is known, weigh the risks and benefits, and move forward. Stalling out because you’re waiting for a crystal clear vision can leave you waiting for a moment that never comes. Remember, momentum is maintained not by perfection, but by progress. Keep moving forward in a direction that seems most certain.

Quick Tip: Use the 40/70 Rule. Colin Powell famously advised that decisions should be made when you have between 40%–70% of the information. Less, and it’s a guess. More, and you’ve waited too long.

2. Align your choices with your core values

When you can’t see the road that lies ahead of you, your values become your compass. Your core values guide you and your organization through the fog of uncertainty towards achievement. A Deloitte study found that organizations that often reflect value alignment tend to outperform their competitors by up to four times in market value. Why? Because values provide clarity when strategy alone can’t. The next time your vision becomes unclear, let your core values guide you. In moments of fog, ask yourself, “Which option most aligns with who I want to be?”

Read: Value alignment: The key to an authentic life

3. Experiment minimally, learn quickly

Times of low clarity can tempt us to make brash and bold decisions. We can’t see the road ahead or how to get where we want to go, so instead we decide to go ‘all in’ on another path The problem here is that all fog eventually lifts, and those who made all-in bets during the momentary darkness often find themselves on a different course entirely when it does.

When clarity is low, avoid high-stakes, all-in bets. Instead, adopt a mindset of adaptive experimentation. Try thinking through small steps, test your hypotheses, gather feedback, and then course-correct. Innovation isn’t always about taking giant leaps. Sometimes, it involves taking small, effective steps quickly. In fact, Harvard Business Review found organizations that rapidly test and learn during uncertainty are 5x more likely to emerge as market leaders. Imagine what you can do if, during times of uncertainty, you take small but effective steps in the right direction.

4. Use decision-making frameworks under pressure

A lack of clarity often brings a host of other unpleasantries like emotional fatigue, confusion, and burnout. That’s where structured decision-making frameworks come in handy. Consider using a SWOT Analysis or Decision Matrix when working through decisions in uncertain times. These frameworks allow you to identify the best decision for your circumstance and ease the overall pressure that comes from decision-making in unclear situations. Consider adopting one of these frameworks–or making your own–and running each possible course of action through it.

5. Collaborate and communicate

Even in the darkest, densest fog you’re not alone. Those around you can offer insight and support during a trying time. Consider tapping into the minds of your team or support system. Get their feedback on what to do and how to do it. A diversity of voices often leads to a more impactful decision. Differing perspectives are so important in decision making, in fact, that Cloverpop research reveals inclusive teams make better decisions 87% of the time. Take advantage of the unique talents and voices around you by opening yourself up to feedback. While you may be unable to see through the fog, someone else may have a better view of the situation. Lean into those around you in times of uncertainty for extra clarity and collaboration on decision-making.

Uncertainty is not a sign to stop. Rather, it’s an invitation to adapt and lead. Our passion and purpose are tested in the fog. How we handle ambiguity or a blurred vision can build character and perseverance. It’s often moving forward through the fog–not around it–that we experience the most impactful breakthroughs.

You may not see much of the path that lies ahead of you, but you can always take the next step towards your best self. Take that next step today with The Growth Group’s free and invaluable resources. From videos to worksheets, blogs to Ebooks, we aim to provide the resources you need to start–and stay–on your growth journey.