We all know that we’re supposed to be intentional about what we do, but it’s hard to stick with this habit, doing the right thing consistently.
Most of us are so busy throughout the day that we don’t have time to think about how our actions affect our lives. And If we’re not careful, our habits can lead us down a path where we aren’t happy and fulfilled.
As I look outside my window, to the beautiful weather, with flowers starting to blossom and trees coming to life, I am reminded of the consistent seasons of the year. And the question that comes to my mind for you is, what soil are you planting on?
Year in year out, the 4 seasons are consistent, and the benefit is that as humans we have certainty in our expectations. Although sometimes there might be some variations a great farmer will always maximize the seasons, by doing the right things.
Our lives indeed are in seasons, springtime is the time farmers plant a seed in the soil, and after the planting season comes the reaping season, which literally means growth and accomplishment to a farmer. The number of fruits harvested from the crop will depend on the condition of the soil and the availability of all the essential resources.
If the ground was not fruitful or fortified with richness, its guaranteed that the results will not be an increase. Hence for a farmer the question, what soil are you planting on? makes a lot of sense.
You and I need to think about this question for our personal journey in life, because if the life that you are experiencing is different from the life you dreamed of and expect to have, then your soil might be in need of some nourishment. I am not saying that your expectation would always be spot on right, but rather I am saying it should at least be close. Even if you would need more time and resources, it should be close enough that you can see the progress you’re making.
The process of your personal growth is similar to a farmer’s plant growth, the main difference is the farmer is responsible for the plant growth and you are responsible for your growth. It is your responsibility to make sure you’re doing the right thing to empower your growth process.
Are you on track?
How would you know if you’re on track if you don’t track your progress and journey in life? There are certain things that are constant, year in year out, just like the seasons.
And we have to intentionally choose what we want, how we want it, and when we want it. Just like the farmer chooses what crop he wants to plant, how he will plant, and when he would plant.
Many people make the wrong choice leading to unwanted results. You may have made some mistakes by doing nothing when you should do something, or doing the wrong things at the right time. Essentially it is important to keep track of what is important and do the right thing at the right time.
Take a look back to the experiences of your life, what more could you have done? Where could you have planted your seed? How and what would have made a difference? Take a moment and reflect. Take a pause and think about these questions. You will benefit from your sincere answers to these questions.
As a coach, this is one of the experiences I like leading my clients through, to keep yourself on track, you have to consciously look within yourself for answers.
Even though doing the right thing, does not mean everything will turn out right, but it is better to do it anyway so that you can learn what works and what doesn’t. It is possible that there are some blind spots that you may miss, if you do nothing.
Many people make the choice to remain in complacency, because it is easy. No heavy lifting, no need for extra skills, all that is required to put the seed in the ground, to water it, to add fertilizer and other nourishment. But what happens when the hedge that you are hanging onto is taken off.
What will you do then? What’s your plan? Why stay stuck on the same spot, while expecting a different outcome?
There is a very popular quote by Albert Einstein, “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results”
Have you considered what you are planting?
Doing nothing is not your best option, because it will still leave you consumed with pain and burned up with fear. Instead, I encourage you to take a step, a little effort goes a long way, do one thing today that will help you grow.
As you grow, think like a farmer, consider the seed you are planting and the ground you are planting on, consider the seed you are not planting. You have the control to choose what you want to plant.
You are just like a farmer (but for your life), and farmers will always plant what they delight in. They plan ahead and focus on the process. Many people on the other hand leave their lives to chance until a big crisis happens and sweeps them off the ground. This was exactly the experience some people had when the virus hit last year. So many more are yet to recover from it all.
If your life feels like it’s in shambles, then it’s time to look at your garden, and I am not referring to a physical garden, I am referring to your heart. Your heart is your spiritual garden. Seedtime and harvest is a spiritual concept and principle, that can help you embrace risk, and make the right changes in your life, that would lead to real personal growth.
Tired of feeling disappointed, frustrated? Tired of feeling alone? Everything feels so suffocating, you can hardly breathe and you don’t understand why? You put in all the work, you rise up early, you stay up late, yet your results don’t show.
This is a great time to
- Consider what you are planting and do the right thing.
- Step out of a sense of familiarity, security and certainty.
- Take risk and open yourself up to other possibility outside stress and anxiety.
You might be going through, what you’re going through because of a lack of understanding. But I want you to know that you can give yourself more room for optimal performance.
Learn from a farmer how to do the right thing
In our current world, you must be like a farmer, willing to take risks and step out of your comfort zone, to reap great rewards. It’s time to take a look at what your spiritual garden is like.
What do you regard in your heart? Who do you respect most? Who do you identify with? How do you see yourself? Are you doing the right thing at the right time to maximize your seasons?
Life is in different seasons, and every season has its own challenges and opportunities for growth. The key is knowing which season you’re in at any given moment so that you can take action accordingly.
This is what leads to living intentionally, doing the right thing for yourself as well as those around you. Having a personal coach can help you, keep track of your progress towards achieving your goals!
This may be you – You’re tired of living a life that is not your own. You want to do what you love, but it seems like every time you try something new, someone or something gets in the way. I want you to think and reflect and start to imagine having the freedom to live out your dreams without worrying about other people’s opinions and expectations.
I believe that with God by your side, you can achieve anything! Doing the right thing for yourself means doing what makes YOU happy. It means listening to God’s voice instead of others’. Don’t let anyone tell you how to live your life! Get help to come out of your comfort zone, this is one thing that you can do right today!