As I reflect on Mental Health Awareness Month, it brings to mind that clarity is one of my core leadership fundamentals. And as 2021 progresses, clarity has never been more important. According to the dictionary definition, clarity means lucidity, coherence, and purity. To me, clarity is also closely connected to purpose, courage, and resilience. They go hand in hand and are all essential for these highly unusual and still-evolving times we are living through. Having a clear mind helps us to be our best selves and stay emotionally balanced. Clarity of thought enables us to access our strength, steadiness, and resilience so we can move forward effectively in all our endeavors.
You will not be surprised about my conviction that clear vision is rooted in quality sleep, which enables mental, emotional, and physical fortitude. Being well-rested gives us energy, clarity, and confidence. Science shows poor sleep can result in a foggy mind. When we’ve slept well, we’re better equipped to tackle the day ahead. Inna Khazan, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and sleep specialist at Harvard Medical School, and author of Biofeedback and Mindfulness in Everyday Life, summarizes this well: “One extremely common effect of poor sleep is having trouble thinking clearly. When you don’t give yourself enough time to sleep, your brain is not firing on all cylinders.”