On Seeing Through the Fog: Thoughts From Red Sunflower Farm

Curious Questions from Observing the Everyday  

On Seeing Through the Fog

I love foggy mornings. The cool, misty air smells so fresh. It’s such a peaceful way to begin a Fall day.  

Fog is, essentially, a type of low-lying cloud. Fog shows up when water vapor condenses. Millions of miniscule molecules of water vapor come together to form tiny water droplets that hang in the air.  

Fog offers a thing or two for us to learn about the importance of clarity when running a business:   

1. Sometimes we fail to see what’s right in front of us.

Water vapor is always around us. Just because we can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. It’s only under the right conditions — when molecules condense to create fog — that we notice the molecules in our midst.  

Sometimes our best solutions, opportunities, and resources are right in front of us and have been right in front of us all along. When we pause from the busyness of the day-to-day and open our eyes, we’re able to better see all that is available to us.  

2. When struggling to make a decision, time can clear up uncertainty.

As the sun emerges, temperatures rise, and fog dissipates. What was once a hazy patch of land becomes crystal clear.  

We all face times in our business when we need to make tough choices. And we’re taught to weigh the pros and cons, look to the data, and listen to both our business savvy and our hearts, but there’s another factor that should be part of the equation: time.  

Sometimes we are too close to a situation to think rationally. When we step away from the problem, we often return to it in a better headspace. This is why going for a walk can sometimes lead to our best thoughts. Yes, it’s about changing your environment, switching up your activity, or letting your mind wander, but it’s also about waiting. Sometimes, the simple act of waiting for the sun come up, allows us to see our circumstances in a new way. When possible, allow the fog to clear before making a big decision. 

I’ll leave you with these curious questions: 

What needs clearing up in my life?

What is right in front of me that I can’t see?

How will my mindset change when I allow the proverbial fog to clear?