In today's fast-paced, ever-evolving world, achieving high performance has never been more crucial—or challenging. Yet, amidst the multitude of strategies and tactics to enhance productivity and effectiveness, one fundamental principle stands out: clarity. Let us start to unravel the deep connection between clarity and high performance and offer actionable insights to turbocharge your progression.

Clarity & High Performance Defined

Before diving into the correlation, it's imperative that we are on the same page with two key definitions, Clarity, and High Performance. Clarity, in this context, means having a clear understanding of oneself, how one interacts with others, and the guiding principles that dictate one's life decisions and practices. It's about removing the fog from your lens of perception and viewing your goals, ambitions, and life's purpose with unobstructed vision.

The High Performance definition we’ll be using comes from Brendon Burchard: “High Performance means succeeding beyond standard norms consistently over the long term, while maintaining positive well-being and relationships.”

Why Clarity Matters

Relating to high performance, research studies have shown that when compared to others, high performers have a great sense of overall clarity for themselves, others, their values, and their goals and ambitions. They are clear on who they are, how they interact with others, their goals, and how they can achieve them.

From a workplace perspective, research from the Harvard Business Review also emphasizes the importance of clarity. They found that "organizations with clearly defined principles are 12 times more likely to achieve sustained, profitable growth."

The Clarity & High Performance Relationship

High Performers understand that clarity is the underpinning of high performance and success. Without having a clear sense of self, others, goals, and values, the chance for success is greatly impeded. Let’s break down each one of the categories briefly.

• Sense of self: A study in the Journal of Applied Psychology concluded that individuals with high self-awareness, derived from clarity, were better decision-makers, had more positive relationships, and were more effective leaders. Being clear about who you are anchors your decisions and propels you forward.
• Interaction and treatment of others: When individuals are clear about how they wish to treat others, they foster healthier relationships and build stronger collaborative networks. A 2018 report from LinkedIn identified that 89% of professionals believe that the relationships they have at work are fundamental to their overall success.
• Goals and ambitions: Henry Kissinger once said, “If you don’t know where you are going, every road will get you nowhere.” Having clearly defined and documented personal and professional goals are critical to achieving and maintaining your level of high performance.
• Life principles and values: Your guiding principles and daily practices lay the foundation for your long-term performance. A study by the American Psychological Association found that individuals who had clear life principles reported higher levels of satisfaction, productivity, and success.

Practical Steps to Achieving Greater Clarity

Now that we have started to better understand the relationship between clarity and high performance, how can you increase your clarity? Below are four steps you can start today!

1. Self-Awareness through Self-Reflection: Over 2,400 years ago “Know Thyself” was inscribed on the Temple of Apollo in the Greek precinct of Delphi. Understanding who you are is the beginning of clarity.
2. Journaling: Writing your thoughts out can offer insights into your feelings, behaviors, and aspirations. Over time, this exercise will often show patterns which can provide invaluable clarity. Start by asking yourself these three questions: 1) Who am I now? 2) Who is my best self? 3) What’s the next best step I can take to become my best self?
   Dig deep into these three questions and remember that these questions refer not only to yourself, but how you interact with others as well as your values, goals, and ambitions.
3. Feedback: Actively seek feedback from peers, mentors, and loved ones. Their external perspective can help identify blind spots. Often times, people will also look to personal coaches or High Performance coaches for an outside perspective.
4. Continuous Learning: Clarity is not a one and done exercise. Whether through books, seminars, workshops, or coaching, continually expanding your knowledge base can help refine your clarity on various subjects and decisions.

Conclusion

Clarity is not just a buzzword; it's the backbone of high performance. As you focus on enhancing your clarity about yourself, your interactions, and your life principles, you set the stage for unparalleled success. Remember the words of Anatole France, "To accomplish great things, we must not only act but also dream; not only plan but also believe." Clarity is the compass that ensures your actions align with your dreams, and your plans are rooted in belief. Challenge yourself to prioritize clarity in your life and witness the transformation in your performance.