As I was unpacking a box in our new house the other day, I found a beautiful drawing that my son Jack had done when he was in Kindergarten last year, in the spring. It's 4 pieces of paper layered together with drawings and these 4 words: seed, roots, stem, flower. There is a lot of sunshine and rain above to illustrate how growing something meaningful needs both. When Jack saw it, he immediately began to explain to his younger sister Jenna how this works. "You plant a seed, give it water, then a root grows, then a stem and then you have a flower one day." Wow, if only it were that simple!
Realizing a big idea, dream, or goal is a lot like planting a seed in your garden. The first step is to decide which seed (idea) you want to plant. There are so many choices. Which one seems to be the perfect fit for you right now in your life? After you decide what seed you want to plant, you need to learn about that seed and how it needs to be cared for to get the best results. When you have a big idea or goal, you need to find out everything you need to make it successful so that you can realize a meaningful outcome. Now you need to plant the seed. For example, if it's a business idea, you need to take all the necessary steps to start a business. Next you need to make sure the seed gets enough water and sunshine so that it will form good roots. This can be challenging for some of us. In this example, I'm talking about starting a business. We come up with a winning idea; we give it a name, print business cards, tell a few people we are in business, and wonder why the phone isn't ringing off the hook with customers? Remember the water and sunshine? In the business example, you need to have a solid marketing plan for your business that includes plenty of networking and support. This is how a business develops "roots" in a community.
If you continue to nurture your seed (idea), over time, it will develop very strong roots and a stem. Eventually, you will see your seed turn into a beautiful flower that others will admire and want to gaze at. In my earlier example, your business will develop a presence in your community and people will want to use and recommend your service. The key in growing anything-a beautiful flower garden or a business idea, is nurturing during the early phase.
After 18 years as an entrepreneur, this cycle has proven true time after time. When my business was in a slow-growth mode, it was because I had gotten away from caring and nurturing my idea. When I provided the proper nurturing (spending sufficient time and attention supplying "sunshine and water"), my business soared. Women are great gardeners because we are nurturers by nature. It's not about luck. You just have to stay true to your "big idea", giving it the time and attention it deserves.
I love this piece of artwork that my son Jack made. It will surely stay firmly planted at my desk, as it is a quick reminder of where I am in the growing process.
Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.
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