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What does an old farmer know about a bigger business harvest for you?

March 7, 2016 by David Martin 4 Comments

This blog comes as a challenge to you to step up, now.

It’s hinting at spring in the northern hemisphere. It’s the perfect time to apply some old farmer wisdom to your life, today.

Every spring without fail, my dad marveled at the same thing.

So did my grandpa. Both of them were farmers, so this is old-school, farm-family wisdom.

boost your business harvestThe message was about timing, and it’s 100% applicable to you.

In farming, you plant a seed and expect it to start growing almost immediately.

In nature, a seed that falls to the earth can lie dormant for years and never take root. Then, one day, it starts to grow.

Why then? Maybe the soil was tilled and lifted the seed to the surface. Maybe the soil and climate conditions changed. Or maybe it was just the right time.

The seeds took root and started shooting toward the sky.

Stand with my dad and I as we look out across his field.

I have a memory of standing next to my dad behind our farmhouse. We were looking north over acres of short green sprouts of soybeans peaking up through fresh, rich soil. Dad is pointing out the unwelcome weeds* that had also sprouted, seemingly out of nowhere.

*A weed is just a plant that grows where the farmer didn’t want it!

The farmer in him isn’t so happy about the weeds, but the dreamer in him appreciates the mysteries of nature. Every year, new plants sprouted out of nowhere, and he marveled at that mystery.

Stand with me as we look across your field—of dreams.

You and I know you’ve got the seed of an audacious idea in you. A big dream. You’re human, and that means you’ll always wish or dream for something better. You’ve got at least one.

When will it take root? That’s mostly up to you. A better harvest and a bigger thrill await you.

Permission to grow.

No one gave the “weed” seeds in my dad’s bean field permission to grow. They just did.

News flash: No one is going to give you permission to start growing that big, audacious dream you have. You just begin. You give yourself permission.

What did the people you admire do?

Think of specific people who you admire for making a great impact in their world. One thing they have in common: They gave themselves permission to make an impact, even when their idea was just a weed to someone else.

You’ve already done great things. But this next big idea is probably bigger and scarier than any of them. Maybe you should just wait. Maybe someone else will start it.

Are you waiting for someone to give you the nod of approval or for another big project to end, first? Are you waiting until you figure out HOW you’ll reach the goal?

Most leaders would have acted sooner.

Yes, timing and patience matter. Be wise.

But most leaders who reflect back on their work say they wished they’d moved sooner. What will you say?

Hail to the seed that can sprout when it’s supposed to. This post is dedicated to the seed that sprouts because it’s time to.

Is now your time?

It’s your turn. You’re among friends here. What dream seeds are you going to start to grow? Please share below in the comments.

 

Filed Under: Confidence, Goals, Impact Player

Comments

  1. Neil says

    March 8, 2016 at 11:56 am

    David, as always love your insights and observations. The comment “You and I know you’ve got the seed of an audacious idea in you. A big dream. You’re human, and that means you’ll always wish or dream for something better. You’ve got at least one thing!” gave me pause. I’m not sure I can agree with that statement any more, about having a big dream that is. I know that I did, at one time but I don’t know…I feel like I’m in the “rut” and the seed isn’t taking hold and that’s been bothering me a lot because it’s not who I was…or better said who I am. I have thought about this a lot lately. Is it my age? That I’ve been at the same place for 19yrs? That I sent my only daughter to college this year? Seasonal changes? A combination? I’m here and it doesn’t feel good.

    Sorry, not a lot to offer here but wanted you to know that your thoughts “planted” a lot of my own…

    Reply
    • David Martin says

      March 25, 2016 at 1:48 pm

      Neil. I’m so glad you let this inspire some deep reflection. Even when it may be uncomfortable at first, it can lead to great insights. Keep me posted.

      Reply
  2. Todd Ordal says

    March 7, 2016 at 6:34 pm

    Very well said, David! I know I still have a couple of dormant ideas in me… Hopefully not weeds!

    Reply
    • David Martin says

      March 7, 2016 at 10:30 pm

      Weeds are in the eye of the beholder. Or something like that. I am certain you’ve got some good ones ready to go. Grow baby grow!

      Reply

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