Quotes have a way of putting things into perspective. I receive inspirational quotes via email on a regular basis, and often like going through different quote books to see what wisdom I can glean from others. In an effort to never stop learning, reading through these tidbits of wisdom provides insight and tips for success, and I would like to share one particular quote with you today:
“Bloom where you’re planted.” – Mary Engelbreit
It seems like a simple thing, but how often do we truly act on this wisdom? It is so easy to constantly pursue the “next big thing” and to constantly uproot ourselves before truly developing roots and allowing ourselves to bloom.
A plant takes time, nourishment, and care to truly bloom, and when one of these attributes is missing, the bloom is short-lived or never comes at all. Like plants, we have the opportunity to bloom, but only if certain conditions are met. We need time in a particular job or place to fully understand our potential. We need mentorship to nourish and feed us as we develop. We need self-discipline to allow both of these things to happen as we are pruned and set up for success.
Chris Van Gorder, President & CEO of Scripps Health, touched on this subject in an interview I was honored to conduct a few years ago. Van Gorder espoused the value of slowing down and taking the time to consider that you are where you are for a reason:
“Spend time really doing a good job. People will notice you if you’re doing a good job and they will grab you and pull you out and give you those opportunities. If you spend all your time looking for that next opportunity, it probably won’t happen.”
Take the time to develop. In other words, you might have to slow down in order to hurry up.
3 Things to Consider to Bloom
- Stop and reflect on where you are and what you currently do. Write this down.
- As you consider where you are, think about what you could accomplish with your current position. What goals can you attain from where you are right now?
- Keep track of these goals and actively work toward them. There may come a time when you need to be uprooted and are given the chance to grow somewhere else, but make sure you have what you need to flourish.
As I write this I am reminded of Easter lilies. Easter lilies only bloom for a short amount of time. While they can be uprooted and planted somewhere else, the bloom will die for a season and they will not bloom again until the next year. Keep this in mind as you strive to focus on the job at hand and prepare yourself for greater success!
