Finding Clarity: A Simple Guide to Intentions for the New Year
“The reasons many people have chaotic lives is because they are living in chaos in their head. As soon as you get clear, it clears up.” — Oprah Winfrey
Sounds like Oprah’s got it all figured out, doesn’t she? Imagine a life where everything just clicks into place because you’ve got crystal-clear clarity about what you want. No more second-guessing, no more feeling stuck in a whirlwind of ‘shoulds’ and ‘what-ifs.’ Just pure, unapologetic focus on what you truly want. How do we get there, though?
Here’s the secret: if you don’t know where you’re going, how will you know when you’ve arrived? It’s like getting in a car without a map—you’re probably just driving around in circles. So, let’s talk about how to get clear on your vision so you can finally steer your life in the direction you actually want to go.
Clarity: The Missing Piece
We’ve all been there: overwhelmed, uncertain, caught in the chaos of daily life. The constant to-do lists, other people’s expectations, and the voices in our head telling us what we should do. But here’s the thing—what if the real reason many of us feel so frazzled is because we haven’t given ourselves permission to simply want what we want?
Getting clear isn’t just a mental thing, either. It’s not just about writing down a list of goals or figuring out what’s next. Clarity is something that gets under your skin—literally. When you clear up the noise in your mind, you start to feel it in your body. Suddenly, your energy is flowing better, your nervous system is calm, and it feels like you’re in the zone—and that’s exactly where you need to be to start making things happen.
The Neuroscience Behind Clarity
Now, I know we’re talking about feelings and energy here, but there’s some real science behind this. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, your brain is often stuck in "fight or flight" mode. The amygdala (your brain’s stress centre) is running the show, making you feel frazzled and focused only on the immediate moment. That means it’s harder to make decisions, plan for the future, or even get out of your own head.
But when you get clear about what you want, something magical happens. Your brain shifts gears, and the prefrontal cortex—this is the part of your brain responsible for thinking, planning, and decision-making—takes the wheel. You start to feel more grounded and focused, making decisions that actually feel right and aligned with your true self. In short, clarity is like flipping a switch from chaos to calm—and the result is your brain working at its best.
How to Get Clear on What You Really Want
So, how do we get to this magical clarity? It’s all about permission—permission to want what you want, without feeling guilty about it. No more “shoulds,” no more “I guess that’s what people expect.” Just you, figuring out what makes your heart sing.
Here are a few fun, simple practices to help you get there:
1. Breathe Your Way to Clarity
Breathing isn’t just something we do to stay alive—it’s also a superpower. Deep breathing helps calm your nervous system, turning off that stress response and helping you tune into what your body and mind really need. Try this simple 4-7-8 breathing technique: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. As you breathe, ask yourself, What do I really want? Just notice how your body feels. No need to rush—let your desires bubble up naturally.
2. Body Scan to Tune Into Your Inner Wisdom
Have you ever felt like your body is trying to tell you something, but you’re too busy to listen? A body scan can help you tune in to what’s really going on beneath the surface. Start at the top of your head, and slowly move your attention down to your toes, checking in with each part of your body. Is there any tension? Discomfort? What’s your body trying to say about what you really want? Sometimes, our bodies know what our minds are too busy to figure out!
3. Move It, Shake It, Release It
When your mind is clogged, your body needs to move! Physical movement is one of the best ways to shake out any stuck energy and make space for clarity. Whether it’s a quick dance around your living room, a walk in the fresh air, or a few minutes of yoga, get your body moving. With every step, imagine shaking off old doubts, fears, and limiting beliefs. The more you move, the clearer your path will become.
4. Visualise Your Future (and Make It Fabulous)
Visualisation is a game-changer. Close your eyes and picture yourself a year from now. Where are you? What are you doing? How do you feel? Try to make it as detailed as possible—what’s around you, what are you wearing, what’s the energy like? Don’t worry about how it’s going to happen… that comes later. The clearer you get with this picture, the more real it becomes. And when you focus on how it feels in your body, you’re not just imagining your future—you’re training your brain to make it happen and select things that will support it.
The Role of a Coach in Getting Clear
Okay, so now you’ve got some tools to help you get clear—but sometimes it’s hard to see things clearly on your own. That’s where a coach can be a game-changer. Working with a coach is like having a personal guide who helps you untangle your thoughts, clarify your vision, and keep you on track. They’ll ask the right questions, offer fresh perspectives, and hold you accountable—so you can make those big, bold, unapologetic choices that move you toward your vision.
A coach doesn’t give you all the answers—they help you find them within yourself. They provide the space to explore, reflect, and make choices that align with who you truly are. And let’s face it, who doesn’t need a little support along the way?
So, as you step into the new year, take a moment to ask yourself: What do I really want? Not what you think you should want, or what others expect from you—just you. By giving yourself permission to dream unapologetically and getting clear on your vision, you’ll start to feel more grounded, empowered, and ready to take on the world.
When you know where you want to go, making decisions becomes a whole lot easier. And as you align your choices with your true desires, you’ll find that the energy you create will naturally guide you toward the life you’ve always wanted. So, go ahead—be unapologetic about what you want. You deserve it!