I’ve covered the concept of planting seeds twice in the past – here and here.
The first post was when I was introduced to the idea and the second tied to our careers.
These followed the philosophy of this quote:
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.”
– Robert Louis Stevenson
In the last year, I’ve tried to intentionally focus on planting seeds.
Seeds of relationships. Seeds of book ideas. Seeds of thought leadership.
Conversations plant seeds.
Notes in my notebooks plant seeds.
Presentations plant seeds.
They may grow quickly, or they may take time, but the seed has been planted.
New Perspective
While I think the intentional seed planting is a great one, I recently came across this quote:
“If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.”
– Confucius
Suddenly I realized my intentional work needs to expand.
I need to move beyond the seeds to the trees and teaching.
What are the trees I’m planting for ten years from now?
I have already started teaching people in small ways, but what else can I start to do?
What more can I share to help others plant their own seeds and trees?
I’m going to plan this as planting pineapples, palm trees, and products (teaching).
Your Turn
What seeds have you planted this year?
What trees have you planted for 10 years out?
What are you teaching others that will have 100-year value?