Reflecting on recent events and the current political and social climate, I felt this article from two years ago was worth republishing this week. Remember, we cannot force others to grow or to change or even to understand our own perspective; but we can plant seeds.
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I do not know with whom the following quote originated, and I believe there are a few different variations floating around the internet, but wherever it came from, it’s a good one:
“We cannot force someone to hear a message they are not ready to receive. But we must never underestimate the power of planting a seed.”
As I’ve reflected on this concept, I’ve come to realize that it can be interpreted and applied in many ways. There are countless “messages” we might wish others to receive and understand, such as:
- A parent trying to teach vital life lessons to a wayward teen,
- A teacher attempting to explain difficult concepts to an inattentive class,
- A friend hoping to communicate a gentle admonishment to a struggling colleague, or
- A boss determined to impart more effective work habits to an employee.
In every sphere of our lives — personal, professional, and organizational — situations arise in which we wish to influence other people and make them understand something that we believe to be important.
But no matter how hard we try, we cannot force people to comprehend and accept what we’re telling them. No matter how much we’d like to, we cannot force them to understand. We cannot force them to change. We cannot force them to grow.
Even so, we can plant seeds. We can do our best to communicate the message firmly but kindly—planting that seed of thought. And then do our best to nurture that seed, patiently waiting and hoping for growth. While there’s no guarantee of a seed we plant ever sprouting and growing, there’s absolutely no chance of a harvest if the seed is never planted!
So plant those seeds. We need more people planting positive seeds wherever they are and wherever they go. Keep it up, and a harvest inevitably will come!
