When we want to create success we must know where we are going. We need to have a clear destination on the map. All success starts with Clarity. When we know where we are trying to get to we can ask the most powerful of questions; "Closer or further away?". As soon as we can do this we can course correct and get back on track to success. As options arise on our journey we can ask closer or further away and thereby make continual progress towards our goal. To further make progress we must create insights.

Insight is one of the key building blocks of success. When we have insight we can create clarity and invest our energy into creating the things that we want to achieve. The State of Insight is all about creating clarity. I define Insight as a moment of clarity that creates progress. It's the break-through, the moment in which a key piece of information is revealed or a path for progress presents itself.

When we are in a State of Insight we are able to step back from the confusion and clutter and see the way forward. To do this we must get into 'state'. State is when language, physiology and focus combine to unlock a powerful force inside us that creates success. When we are able to bring a State of Insight we bring clarity, communication and accuracy. These traits allows us to clearly chart a way forward and build success. When you need to plan, strategise, or need to create clarity, then you need to call on the State of Insight.

To get into a State of Insight you need to do the following;

Language: change your vocabulary to use precise and formal language. Speak in a slow measured tone. Think about what you will say before speaking. Listen and take notes. These actions will allow your mind to relax while being attentive and productive. Inner language and what we say to ourselves is as important as what we say to others. This too must change to create the right state.

Physiology: sit when trying to create insight and clarity. Be still in your body language. Using a pen and paper is best as it removes the distraction of technology. Try to find a quiet room and create the space and time to think. Allow your breathing to be calm and even. Roll your shoulders back and close your eyes if it helps.

Focus: To channel your focus write down a questions that you would like to answer. Many people just think about the problem but what we really need to do is phrase the problem as question and write that question down.  For example; Problem: I have low sales this month. Question: How might I grow my sales this month? Problem: My team are not communicating. Question: How might we communicate to create clarity? The triad of Language, Physiology and Focus can be used by individuals or practiced as a team. 

The State of Insight allows people and teams to create clarity, communication and accuracy. The most effective people and teams demonstrate these qualities. These people and teams 'begin with the end in mind' and ensure all efforts are clearly aligned to achieve your desired outcomes.

Some questions that may help you create a State of Insight might be;

•    The issue is not the issue, what is the real issue behind the problem?
•    Where in your life do you need clarity?
•    Where is your team struggling to find clarity?

Footnote;

The 5 States are the qualities identified by Brendan Foley as critical to creating meaningful success for people and teams. In his amazon.co.uk number one best selling book ‘The 5 States of Success’ (Mercier Press 2010), he describes The 5 States of Success that he observes in his work as a business coach and based on interactions with thousands of people and hundreds of teams. A ‘state‘ is defined as a mindset and skillset that combine to create a powerful quality that supports the creation of success and high performance.

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