Article Contributed by Dr. Joey Faucette
The snow finally melted to reveal a spring-like day. The calendar called my wife and I to activity—to act on our plans for the blueberry bushes to grow fruit.
Successful people understand that it’s a process to grow personally and professionally. They Work Positive to bear fruit and grow their business.
They do these five spring things to grow:
Purpose
For our blueberries, the purpose is for me to step outside around 6AM each day in July and August to pick berries for breakfast. In the evenings, we want to pick and put berries in the freezer for later in the year.
What purpose do you plan to achieve? Whether it’s a personal one like being happier, or a professional one like making more money, first define your purpose. To positively succeed, your purpose is relevant; something you care deeply about which hooks your commitment. State your purpose clearly and write it down to read each morning.
Prepare
A few weeks ago, my wife and I pushed through over a foot of snow to feed our horses. Now we’re working our blueberry bushes. Really?
Yes, because we understand the cycle of growth. We know that to reap later we sow now. We prepare for winter to leave and spring to arrive so we clear away the leaves and amend the soil. We fertilize and prepare for berries.
The positively successful prepare for growth. They understand this cycle takes time and refuses to be rushed. To prosper and bear financial fruit later, your business markets better to attract new clients and amends customer relationships. These sowing efforts mature into reaping results later when you prepare for it, despite the cold adversity in which you find yourself now.
Prune
Blueberry bushes require pruning for new growth. The long-term viability of the plant requires annual evaluation to cut out the overly mature, less productive canes and stimulate the new growth.
What personal habits and professional core practices of yours need pruning? What isn’t producing the returns they once did and need to be eliminated? What new growth is emerging that needs more time, energy, and attention?
Yes, it’s challenging to prune the familiar. Yes, as with the plant, your business may appear to die when cut closely. Yes, you are made to grow and will in more productive ways.
Partner
We know our purpose and prepare and prune accordingly. Only with our partners the sun and rain do our blueberries grow.
Likewise, you must invest in partners. You might can do everything your business needs, but not all at once. Collaborate with those who commit to your purpose. Like the sun and rain were made to provoke growth, so your partners are present to grow your business. Create fulfilling jobs for them. Invite them to solve problems at a profit with you.
Persist
My wife and I know our purpose and prepare, prune, and partner accordingly. The fruit requires a persistent presence throughout the growth cycle to feed the bushes and harvest in season.
So it is with you and your business. You believe in more growth by regular feeding of your business dynamics. You cultivate by pulling weedy bad habits that crop up. Even when you aren’t making it rain, you find water. You persist regardless, committed to your purpose.
How will your business grow this year? Purpose, prepare, prune, partner and then persist as you Work Positive and grow successfully!
About the Author
Dr. Joey Faucette is the #1 best-selling author of Work Positive in a Negative World (Entrepreneur Press), Positive Success coach, & speaker who helps business professionals increase sales with greater productivity so they get out of the office earlier to do what they love with those they love. Discover more at www.GetPositive.Today.