Sowing the Seeds of Success
A close friend of mine once described gardening as ‘outdoor housework’. At the time I wholeheartedly agreed with her. It was something else to add to my to-do list. Over the last few years, however, I’ve discovered the joy of pottering around in my garden. In the garden, I can be described as a novice at best and knowing this I’ve chosen to focus my attention on only a few pots and one raised bed. The rest of my garden? Well, it's more like a wild, organic jungle!
Several months ago, anticipating a busy end of the year, I weeded and prepared my raised bed for planting. I bought several packets of wildflower seeds, planted them and gave them a drink. I continued to water them and regularly checked for any signs of life over the coming weeks. And eventually, I was rewarded with the first green shoots. They looked like a mess of tangled weeds for some time, until one day some pink buds began to appear. These were followed by blues, whites, purples and most recently the bright yellows of miniature sunflowers. My work months ago has now rewarded me with a beautiful display just outside my kitchen window.
Creating something new almost always requires some preparation, a shift in mindset or the acquisition of new knowledge and skills. More often than not it’s the work we do before we see any signs of progress that sets us up for success in the long term. Whether it’s the late nights that are yet to yield the result you are seeking, the early morning wake-ups dedicated to studying or exercise, or the incremental adjustments in habits that you are diligently pursuing - it all counts, even when you can’t see the fruit of your labour.
It can be disheartening to continue showing up and putting in the effort while still waiting for results - I understand that feeling all too well! If you find yourself in this place today, can I offer you some encouragement? You are doing the important work of preparing the ground. It is our consistent efforts, even in small increments, that will have the biggest impact on our lives, our relationships and our aspirations. Those little steps you take today, tomorrow and then the next day will accumulate into something significant. If you feel tempted to throw in the trowel (pun intended!), remember and remind yourself that good things are happening beneath the soil. Keep going my friend, be faithful with your little-by-little and eagerly await those first shoots.