Is it an oversimplification to say that 3 main issues that prevent productivity and progress? I don’t think so. In fact, I’d say it reflects reality—at least, it certainly does in my life, more often than I’d like to admit.
Over the years, working with both individuals and organizations, I’ve noticed these same 3 issues show up time and time again. Of course, there are more challenges out there, but these three seem to capture the core of what holds people back:
- Rudderless
- Unaware
- Unfocused
Rudderless
The first—and arguably the most common—of the three issues preventing productivity is being rudderless. This is when you lack clarity around your purpose, strategy, and goals. You’re not clearly defining where you're headed or what you’re trying to accomplish. It's like the old saying: What’s the difference between a ship without a rudder and a captain with no course? Nothing. Both are at the mercy of the day’s currents, wind, and tides. Is that you?
In my experience working with people, many think they know how to set goals. But honestly, I believe 95% of people haven’t learned how to create goals that are truly clear and actionable. Too often, what they call a "goal" is really just a vague intention. Ask them to describe the end result, and they can’t. That end result—that clear picture of success—is everything.
The good news? You can absolutely improve this. Simple tools like SMART goals can make a huge difference.
It’s time to get clear on what you want to build, create, or achieve.
Unaware (or Blind)
The second issue is being unaware—or even blind—to reality. This means you're out of touch with how things actually are. Of the three common obstacles, this one tends to be the most invisible.
The biggest flaw in most planning and goal-setting? People skip the step of getting clear about HERE—your current reality. When you're unaware of where you truly stand—your resources, your challenges, your strengths, or the real opportunities—you lose objectivity. Instead of a clear picture, you're working from assumptions, guesses, or vague impressions.
Yes, you might think you know your situation. But without facts, it’s just a rough estimate at best. The difference between a subjective guess and an objective understanding is the difference between reading an opinion piece and reading a research report backed by data.
When you're unclear about your current reality, you usually fall into one of two traps:
- Believing things are better than they actually are.
- Believing things are worse than they really are.
Either way, you're not operating from truth. And when your view of reality is distorted, any plan you create will be off-target. This issue is a tough one—because let’s face it, speculating is easier than facing the facts.
Unfocused
The third issue is being unfocused—and it usually stems from the first two. Without clarity about where you're headed (THERE) and where you currently stand (HERE), it’s almost impossible to focus effectively.
Your days fill up with activity. You're constantly busy, running from task to task, solving one urgent issue after another—putting out brush fires. But in the end, there's little meaningful progress to show for all your energy. That’s because your actions lack direction and alignment.
Being unfocused is exhausting, and it makes success feel random rather than intentional.
The Solution: THP (There – Here – Path)
So what’s the way out? It’s a simple yet powerful process we call THP(THERE, HERE, PATH)!:
- THERE (Future) — “I want to go THERE.”
- HERE (Present) — “…but I am HERE.”
- PATH (Transition) — “This is the PATH I’ll take to get from HERE to THERE.”
THP is our version of the creative process taught by Robert Fritz. It’s been used for thousands of years—and it works. Your brain is wired to follow this pattern. But following it with intention takes discipline.
Even Abraham Lincoln understood the power of this clarity. He said:
"If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could better judge what to do, and how to do it."
It’s time to eliminate all three of these main issues preventing us from being productive—rudderless, unaware, and unfocused.
Start by defining your THERE (where you want to go).
Get real about your HERE (where you actually are).
Then build your PATH (how to move forward).