Seasons of Success
by Joe Mayne

There is a great cartoon I once saw that summed up the conflicting messages society sends to this generation. It shows this kid staring at two shirts laid out on his bed. He's trying to decide which one to wear to school. One t-shirt said "Just Say No!." The other t-shirt said "Just Do It!" The caption read: "Some days it takes a little longer to get dressed in the morning."

Now you could argue...."Why is this kid wearing a t-shirt to school anyway!?"

But seriously, the marketplace is sending all of us similarly conflicting, often confusing messages. I speak on the necessity of speed. How we need to take action, fail fast and move forward. It's true that society is speeding up. Change drives our world. Yet we cannot ignore the time honored truths that guide all successful people.

Noted author and speaker, Stephen Covey,

refers to these principles collectively as the "rule of the farm."

Agriculture does yield many lessons we can apply to today's crazy work world. The lessons of reaping what you sow, nurturing and time value fit in the analogy.

The seasons dictate when you plant. And the economy or specific industry you're in dictate when you make a change, vie for advancement or retrench. We also know that without our attentiveness...weeds will take over the garden.

Constant care is needed. This is where the tedious disciplines come in to play. These disciplines that we need to cultivate to be our best and to become our best.

Nurture your mind. Improving yourself by reading, studying and keeping a journal are all proactive activities that benefit you. Keep away from the noxious mind candy. The mindless books or TV shows that don't add value.

Finally the lesson of time value comes into play.

Think of a farmer rushing out at the end of the season and you see him quickly planting the seeds, watering and fertilizing. Then he runs back to the shed and returns almost instantly with a big bushel basket expecting to find a mature crop.

This is absolutely ludicrous. It holds true for your development on the job or for your own personal growth. It is a process...not an event. Plant the seeds through goal setting and journaling. Take the time to implement your plan with disciplines and course corrections. And to paraphrase from author and speaker Mr. Jim Rohn...."reap without regret." Make no apologies for the balance, success and contentment you achieve.

There will always be people who will ridicule you for staying your course and bettering yourself. Pay them no mind. Keep one eye on the dynamic marketplace and the other on your crops. And make room for the bounty.