Blurred Lines

So often we try to exact or compartmentalize life. It seems easier at the surface—clarity, separation, independence. And usually, something will seep in, overlapping to the point of confusion or frustration and causing us to struggle to regain the distinctions.

But what if that overlap—those blurred lines—are where the real space, color, clarity, and increased opportunities reside? What if by merging things or letting them naturally ebb and flow, we gain greater insights, creativity, and peace?

I’m currently at the early stages of a big change management consulting project. As is typically the case, the organization is complex with multiple priorities, limited resources, and shifting objectives. As I learn more about them and try to separate out what is in and out of the project scope, I have realized I’m attempting to simplify something that is genuinely a bit murky and messy.

So I paused, I breathed, and I looked through new lenses. I considered what makes sense and what is disjointed; I allowed edges to naturally blend and overlap and I intentionally stirred the pots a bit to notice what flowed over. I allowed for some potential scope expansion that might have a broader impact and also make the project easier to understand and guide. I simplified by allowing the lines to blur and the possibilities to flow.

This may cause some clumsiness along the way, but life is rarely neat and clean and it is possible—even recommended—that we adjust along the path when new turns provide additional information and choices. Control often times seems like the best approach, and yet we forget that release may be what truly enables the control we crave.

How might you blur the lines in your life in order to reduce stress, improve clarity, ease your burdens, and expand opportunities to achieve greater outcomes? Give it a try—it’s my guess you will be surprised and impressed by the results.