Finding Clarity: The First Step From Drifting to Driven

Growing up, I hated when people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I never knew how to answer. At ten years old, how can anyone know what they want to do every day for forty-five years?

The problem is, the older I got, I still couldn’t answer the question. I just assumed that one day it would all make sense—that clarity would somehow find me.

Now, nearly thirty years into the workforce, I know I’m not doing what I was meant to do. Waiting for clarity to arrive only kept me drifting. That realization is what drives me to create the movement within the Mid-Shift Mentality brand—helping people move from drifting to driven.

Because every day, people are waking up lost. And the very first step to stop the drifting is to find clarity.


What Clarity Really Means

Most people think clarity means having all the answers.
 But I believe clarity is not knowing everything—it’s knowing the next right thing.

To stop drifting, I don’t need to see the whole path. I just need to see the next ten feet. Growing up, I kept waiting for a lightning bolt to hit me. I should have been looking for a candle to guide me.

That candle is your inner compass, quietly showing you the next step. It either pulls you toward something that gives you life—or warns you that what you’re doing is draining you.

Clarity starts when you’re honest with yourself. Look in the mirror, acknowledge your situation, and write it down. This is where journaling becomes powerful.

Try asking yourself:

If the same ideas keep showing up when you ask these questions—pay attention. That’s your compass pointing you toward your purpose.

If you keep thinking about saving the planet, maybe that’s your calling.
 If animals come to mind, then go save the animals.
 The point isn’t to have every detail figured out—it’s to recognize where your energy naturally pulls you.


Remove the Noise

Once you start moving in the right direction, clarity grows. But so does distraction.

Every few months, I go through my social media and unfollow accounts that no longer align with where I’m headed. Most of the time it’s old sports pages or personalities who no longer add value. Sometimes it’s people who used to be positive but now just bring noise or negativity.

If every time you see someone’s post, it makes you irritated, envious, or distracted—stop following them.

Clarity isn’t always found by adding more.
 Sometimes it’s found through subtraction—by removing the noise that clouds your vision.


Ask Yourself Why

When you think about what you want, don’t stop there.
 Ask yourself:

The more you ask “why,” the clearer your “what” becomes. Clarity deepens through reflection, not perfection.

It’s okay if you don’t have a complete plan. You’re starting a process, not finishing one. In the beginning, you don’t need a map—you just need to see through the fog.


Focus for the Week

This week, take time with your journal and ask yourself:

Then, look around your life and identify the noise.
 What do I need to remove that’s pulling me away from what I want?
 Is there someone or something I’m following that makes me negative or distracted?

When the day is done, ask yourself one simple question:

Did I live driven today?