Planting Seeds

Have you ever felt stuck, yearning for something – like an ambitious goal – but unsure how to get there? The “right” path seems elusive. I know I have, many times in fact. That's why, whenever someone seeks guidance, I encourage them to simply take action. Any small step towards their goal is like planting a seed. It doesn't have to be perfect, just a beginning. This idea came to life for me last week at a mindfulness retreat in Costa Rica. As we brainstormed with a fellow participant who felt trapped by her circumstances, the metaphor of planting seeds emerged. Then, as I was getting ready to head back home, the next podcast in my queue serendipitously echoed the same theme. Coincidence? I don’t think so.

What it means to plant seeds

There are a few distinct ways to approach the concept of planting seeds. I like to think of them as the three I's: Initiate, Influence, and Invest.

1. Initiate

Perhaps the simplest way to plant a seed is to make progress toward your goal. What is one action that you could take right now? The point is to do something to get yourself unstuck, especially if you’ve been hesitating due to uncertainty or doubt. Instead of wishing you could have something or worrying about whether you’ll succeed, look at it as an opportunity to learn and gain more knowledge about how you can get closer to what you want.

• Example: Early last year, I posted in my local Mom’s group, offering my coaching services. It was scary, but I got a couple of responses. While those initial leads didn’t pan out, it was an essential first step.

2. Influence

You can plant seeds in other people's minds. Here, the seed is an idea. We often hesitate to share our ideas for fear of rejection, but if you don't communicate what you want, how can anyone know? They can’t read your mind.

• Example: This is a common theme with my internal coaching clients who are seeking career advancement. Whether it's a promotion or a stretch opportunity, you need others to help you get there. Who are the key decision-makers and potential advocates or sponsors? The first step is often simply letting them know what you're aiming for.

3. Invest

Time and money are precious resources. Making even a small investment in something you want helps to strengthen your commitment.

• Example: When I was exploring yoga teaching and personal training, someone advised getting certified (in anything) as a starting point. This led me to enroll in yoga teacher training. Similarly, my interest in coaching prompted me to research certification programs and sign up for one that fit my busy schedule. These were significant investments. Later, when unsure of my coaching path, I opted for smaller investments by taking free Coursera courses on subjects ranging from Writing to Positive Psychology to Machine Learning..

Planting seeds isn't always about grand gestures. It's about taking intentional action, influencing others, and investing your resources – even in small ways – to nurture growth toward your goals.

What happens next

Once you’ve planted your seeds, the next stage is nurturing and observing. Here are three key principles to remember during this time.

1. Be patient

It takes time to see a sprout, but that doesn’t mean nothing is happening. Roots need to form before a plant emerges from the soil. Over a year had passed since that Facebook post when, out of the blue, a neighbor who’d seen it inquired about coaching a few weeks ago. Timing can be unpredictable, but there are often actions you can take while waiting.

2. Continue to cultivate

Plants need proper light and water to thrive. Just as “the grass is greener where you water it,” consider what weeds – limiting beliefs or obstacles – might be choking your progress. Enrich the soil you’re in by planting yourself around supportive people who want the same thing as you – you’ll all benefit from each other’s presence. 

Additionally, the more certainty you feel about your goal, the more you should cultivate. The amount of effort you’re willing to invest may be a sign of your certainty or commitment. Even a lack of certainty can be valuable information that helps to steer you in a different direction. Case in point: A few weeks ago, I scattered some seeds in a neglected corner of our yard. The area lacked direct sunlight and I didn’t bother to water it. So what happened? Unsurprisingly, nothing grew.

3. Not all seeds will sprout

Despite your best efforts, some of the seeds you plant won’t take root, for a variety of reasons. The conditions or timing might not be right, or perhaps it’s the seed itself. This is a reminder that we don’t always control the outcome. 

You may discover unexpected opportunities sprouting from your efforts. These aren't random luck, but results of the seeds you've sown through past words and actions.

While in an area of Costa Rica popular with surfers, I took a surfing lesson – my second one ever. I failed during my first attempt many years ago and hoped my improved strength and balance meant I’d fare better this time. Unfortunately, I couldn't stand up on my board. While frustrating, it wasn’t a crushing defeat because it dawned on me that even if I had succeeded, surfing wouldn’t bring me the bliss I’d hoped for. I kept trying, but deep down, I knew that surfing wasn’t for me. While I was drawn to the idea of surfing – the vibe, the coolness, the strength and balance – I can embody those qualities in other ways. I’ll keep my admiration for surfers but let go of the idea that I need to be one.

Patience, consistent cultivation, and acceptance that not all seeds will thrive are essential for growth. Remember, unexpected opportunities can still sprout from the seeds you've sown. Where will you plant your next seed?