My experience as a founder CEO has been that I go through alternating phases of feeling clouded, and then those clouds lifting and clarity around important decisions emerging. When the clouds have cleared, I feel in flow and focused and I can give direction to my team.

Whenever I am feeling clarity, before long I inevitably hit a new patch of feeling clouded around certain issues or opportunities that newly arise. I've come to believe that these cycles are part of the journey, and that as hard as it can sometimes feel to be clouded and indecisive, there is value in those clouds.

Clear skies drive strong execution, and with strong velocity you can easily start to go a little off course. This is especially the case when you're working as a team. As the leader, I see my role as setting a clear direction, and then being involved enough to spot where course corrections are needed.

What I've realized, is that the clouds start to form above me when I know, sometimes subconsciously, that there is an adjustment to make, or there is a powerful opportunity to be uncovered. In that sense, the clouds are a gift. The clouds represent a powerful breakthrough or an important correction, which will lead to better outcomes.

Over the years, I've become a little more aware of when clouds have started to form. I can sense in myself that I'm feeling clouded, and decisions aren't coming as easily. Rather than sit at my desk and try to grind it out, I've found there are things I can do to help the clouds lift and the clear skies emerge. I'll just get up and go for a walk. Or start writing a journal entry. Pacing around my patio can sometimes bring rapid clarity. Working out can bring the clear skies too.

I still find it hard when I'm clouded, but I'm learning to embrace both the clouds and the clear skies. I think both are vital parts of the journey.