The Fog of Uncertainty

I have a number of people in my life going through a hard time right now. I suspect many of us do. At some point we all end up in “the fog” - uncertain, overwhelmed, and struggling to see a clear path forward. That’s life.

As for my fog… for a long time I’ve been seeking to understand what makes me tick and how I create value for other people. Wanting clarity, I surveyed a number of people asking them “what do you see as my superpower?” The first response back was one word in all caps, KINDNESS.

This was the response I saw coming and feared most. For years I struggled to understand how being kind helped create real tangible value for other people. My mind would tell me… “sure you’re nice… but other than making people feel better… how does that really help… how does that add real value?”

What’s completely messed up about my thought process is that I know with my entire soul how important positive emotion is for motivation, clear thinking, and getting stuff done. I’ve been studying this 💩 for decades… read all the books (The Confident Mind, Tiny Habits, Man’s Search for Meaning, and countless more)… and doing the work for just as long.

So why was I thinking in a way that was so wrong?

Well, that’s what the fog does to us. When life is uncertain and we’re not clear on where we’re going, fear takes over. Our minds start telling us 💩 that is a complete lie. Maybe it’s our ego trying to protect our psyche, maybe it’s something else. But the hard truth is that when fear creeps up, it’s really hard to be at our best. And this world needs us to be our best.

In retrospect, that first response from asking people about my superpower was exactly what I needed. It forced me to face my truth and dig deeper. Thankfully I received a number of other response that provided the additional context I needed. I also had the help of my good friend (and Interim Integrator/COO) Gina Lee to make sense of the feedback.

I’m happy to report that I’m no longer seeking. I now understand how my kindness creates value for others. I am through the fog… and I can tell you something that you already know… going through the fog is hard.

On my darkest days, I’d lean on music to help me through. The song I had playing on repeat for years was Fix You by Coldplay. The lyric that helped me most…

When you try your best, but you don't succeed…

But if you never try, you'll never know… Just what you're worth.

Lights will guide you home… And ignite your bones… And I will try to fix you.

Looking back, the most dangerous part of the fog is that it distorts reality. It convinces us we’re stuck, broken, incapable, or alone. But we’re none of these things. We just can’t see clearly - yet.

While going through the fog people don’t need someone to fix them. They need someone to help them see reality clearly enough to keep momentum moving forward.

That’s true in life, and it’s especially true in leadership. Most business problems become clearer when we’re willing to face reality honestly and work through it with the right support.

Here’s my kind offer for you… if you (or someone you know) is in the fog and would like help from someone who genuinely cares about your success, then please reach out to me. I don’t have the answer, but I do have some questions that might help. My skill is helping you face the hard truth with kindness, clarity, and courage.

Call or text me at (647) 403-4679. Friends helping friends.

P.S., the concept of the fog comes from the book WHAT TO MAKE OF A LIFE by Jim Collins. It’s his latest book, and it’s awesome. You can get it on Amazon here.

For those of you who would prefer a video, then this might be for you…

Call or text me at (647) 403-4679. Friends helping friends.

About EOS

EOS is a simple, complete and proven system for running a truly great organization. As an EOS Implementer, I help my clients create organizational alignment, execute with accountability and discipline, and work together as a healthy team.