Finding Solace in the Fog

I've been reading Jonathan Field's book called Uncertainty lately as it is so relevant to where I'm at in life's journey.  When I took the leap of faith to leave stable employment to pursue my own business and the live the convictions I have about servant-leadership and competition, I took a big step straight into a fog bank of uncertainty.  While many have made this same step before me and I have gained wisdom and solace in reflecting on their experiences, when you step into the fog, it can feel like you are completely on your own.

Interesting thing about fog for me is that when it's so thick you can't see your hand in front of your face, it doesn't seem to matter much knowing you have others near.  Even if they are holding your hand, there can still be some doubt as to if the hand that is holding yours is someone familiar to you or someone (or something) else.  Field's writes that it is however the uncertainty that is truly the sign you are moving into something new and bold - you are pursuing your dream.  Despite how uncomfortable that may make you feel, it is one of the best signals that you're actually on the right path.  He also notes that certainty is a sure sign you aren't pushing yourself into something new.  If you are on a path with a certain outcome, then it's a path that others have trod and your chances of doing something truly great (for yourself, others, our world) are diminished.

Strange thing about being in the fog is that when you feel like you're ready to bolt out of fear or frustration, it's really hard to know in which direction to go.  When you can't see anything around you, a step in the wrong direction can prove to be either one where there is a break in the mist and you can finally see again, or a step off the edge of a cliff.  Not knowing what the outcome of those steps will be often creates even further uncertainty.  I'm reminded of the times when standing in a strange room in pitch black darkness, you begin to cautiously feel your way around moving in small steps exploring each direction until you find something that is either solid or familiar.  That gives you some confidence that in fact you have found a path that will eventually lead to the light switch.

There are some wonderful and beautiful things about standing in the fog though that are often overlooked.  There is stillness in the fog as the moisture has a tendency to absorb noise.  It can give you time to reflect as it hides the distractions and potential chaos around you.  The moisture nourishes as it brings refreshment to plants and other living creatures.  We have all seen morning dew left on the grass and vegetation as those droplets renew life it comes in contact with.  And finally, probably most important thing about fog is that it eventually clears when the sun's warm rays touch it.  I'm reminded of a time very recently when I was present to the lifting fog across a pond as the sun rose.  It was inspiring and I was filled with awe as the once impenetrable blanket slowly gave way to a glorious array of colors.

Living in the fog says a lot about our life's journeys and the paths we have chosen.  Living in a world of certainty takes out the excitement and suspense.  Certainty also prevents us from challenging ourselves and pursuing our dreams.  While no one wants to live in the fog forever, a regular journey into the mist can be exhilarating and nourishing.  And keep in mind that the fog doesn't last forever.  Sooner or later the sun will rise, the fog will lift, and the beauty of what was once unseen begins to unfold before your eyes.

Duane Grove is founder of Connect2Action, a strategy execution specialist at the intersection of employee engagement and executive leadership, igniting innovation as a lever to accelerate your growth.  Follow Duane on Twitter @connect2action.