My wife, Lanae, is a gardener (She’s also a cosmetic chemist with her own brand, but that’s another story). Always has been. Our yard is amazing. I have very little to do with the garden except cutting the grass and working the soil. For the past 20 years I’ve observed a specific action she takes with plants, trees, shrubs; anything living. In order for plants to be healthy AND produce fruit; pruning needs to take place.
I started thinking about pruning as a part of life and leadership. I’ve been thinking about this for a number of years and here are some of my thoughts that have led to amazing conversations with clients. In order for us to be healthy, pruning of people, places, projects, habits and thoughts need to take place.
In life and leadership, we should want to produce ‘fruit’. In order to produce fruit, we have to be healthy. In order to be healthy, we need to prune the people, places, projects, habits and thoughts in our life that can be detrimental to our growth.
I want to be clear, pruning does NOT always mean we remove, sometimes it’s a trimming that is needed. Here’s an example, if there is a person that drains you of energy, it doesn’t mean you remove them from your life, because that might not be a possibility. What you can do is minimize or prune the amount of time and energy you give to the person. Pick and choose when, where, and how (if you’re able) you spend time with them.
The same goes for places, projects, habits, and thoughts. What needs to be removed from your life for you to grow and produce fruit in your life, relationships, and work?
On of the ways this change takes place is developing a new rhythm. Rhythms are helpful to grasp the flow of life and work. When it comes to life, I want clients to look at how they’re growing their Mind, feeding and caring for their body. Are you getting into nature. I love walking around barefoot. Feeling the grass, dirt or sand under my feet makes me feel connected. I make sure this is a rhythm I choose.
Developing rhythms that are healthy will help you to produce fruitfulness in your life. You will experience more joy, more purpose, more fulfilled relationships. I’ve seen it happen in the lives of my clients.
If you’ve made it this far, you have some thoughts of the people, places, projects, habits and thoughts you want and need to prune. Grab your pruning shears and take a little bit off. Better to cut too little at first, than too much.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Pruning. Is there merit to pruning? What stops you from pruning in your life and work? Who are the people, places, projects, habits and thoughts you need to prune (remove or lessen in your life)?
If you’re not sure where to start or feel overwhelmed with what needs to be done, reach out. I’d love to serve you with a Discovery Conversation. There is no charge. Let me help to make sure you’re heading in the right direction.