Clarity is the luxury commodity for the highflying executives. High altitude comes with beautiful views, but they can be blurred given the distance.

Clarity is impeded by the “curated” feedback that an executive is given. There are few people who pass the gatekeepers and even fewer who are true to the executive. Most have a personal agenda to achieve; giving true and honest feedback not being one of the issues on that agenda.

Time is another enemy of clarity. There is little time an executive has to sit back and reflect about self, both in terms of personal and professional reality. There is always a more important and pressing business issue or meeting to attend. When there is some time available, family and friends take priority to self, which is to be understood.

Although it seems executives are in control of their career development, it very rarely is so, because they tend to be caught up in a game that has set rules. I remember meeting a prospective client who admitted at the end of our meeting that he didn’t really realize that he’s not fully in charge of his career options and that he’s caught up in a process that is driven by external factors rather than his true free will.

What he realized is that although most opportunities coming his way were great, they we narrow in choice because they were coming from a small group of people, mostly from the same industry. He realized that there’s more to life, both personally and professionally, and it’s entirely up to him to open up for those opportunities to come into his life. Having a plan to keep options open made a big difference in his current life approach.

Focus is like a snowplough: it clears the path ahead, but can block the lateral roads if one doesn’t have a wide peripheral view. The sooner this fact is acknowledged, the easier and more enjoyable the trip to the top is.

Clarity comes once more into play when it comes to motivation. Motivation is great, if used for the right purpose. I’ve heard lots of my clients telling me that they are very motivated, but they just don’t seem to be able to reach the results they are expecting. A simple conversation highlighted that whilst they were indeed motivated, they were putting their efforts either behind the wrong goal or to support an unfitting plan.

But the news is not all that grim! Clarity can be achieved and maintained even for the highest-flying executives. All it takes is will and openness, and it starts with taking charge of your personal and professional development.