I just read an e-zine from Adam Urbanski of www.themarketingmentors.com and it reminded me of a wonderful story of a farmer… and how this applies to our business. Here is the condensed version: (I am summarizing.)
This pic reminds me of my Grandad.
After a season of much higher rainfall than normal, a local reporter visited a farmer for a comment on how the increased rain had impacted his crops. Upon arriving, the reporter noticed the lush green fields surrounding him and asked the farmer to comment. The farmer noted that the crops HAD done very well with all of the rain, but also said that he hoped that it didn’t stop.
Because MOST people had been complaining about too much rain, the reporter asked for more information. The farmer said that when water is so prevalent, the roots no longer “search” for water, making the visible parts of the plant beautiful, but the roots of the plant shallow, short and completely ineffective in guarding against a lack of water or even a strong wind. Essentially, the more a plant struggles to survive and thrive, the stronger it is and the better equipped it is to sustain “tough times”…. leaving his crop particularly vulnerable to even the smallest of “threats”.
This really hit home for me… Because as I reflect on my life, it has been the seasons of struggle that equipped me to accomplish more than I ever thought possible. It was during these times, when what I “needed” wasn’t readily available, that my roots and my core “self” grew stronger.
When I attended Virginia Tech, I worked 40+ hours a week to “make ends meet” – juggling two jobs and no less than 21 credit hours. During this time, I had to negotiate with my professors so that I was not penalized for not attending class. (This left room for my part – time day job.) I also sought out jobs that supported me financially, but also allowed me the freedom to complete my degree on time. This “season” prepared me so well for “working my own way” after I had my first child. Had money come easily to me, I would not have had these strength-building experiences….and may not have had the confidence to do what I am doing now.
When I began my life as an entreprenuer, I had NO money to invest, and had to get VERY creative with my marketing. Had money been readily available, I would have probably invested it in many of the “tired” ways recommended to me by SCORE or by many “business gurus”. (You know, chamber memberships, BNI meetings, print advertisements, pay per click advertising, fancy pens and bumper stickers, etc.) If I had not struggled in this area, I wouldn’t have learned how to market masterfully…
BTW, as a side note, I believe our worldwide financial “situation” is largely due to the fact that for FAR TOO LONG, easy credit and foolish investing kept the VISIBLE parts of our economy “lush and green” while the root system (of profit, ROI, and sound financial decisions) became impotent and shallow. Don’t allow your business to mirror this scenario!! SEARCH… and find strength in the struggle!! To YOUR success!!
Absolutely great blog, Michelle!
I’ve always maintained that my peers that got out of school, got their plush jobs, and take two or three vacations a year will ultimately realize that they have a ceiling. I, like you, have taken the hard way around, struggling for each dollar and sacrificing every way we can along this road. Given that, my family and I have planted our roots deep, and we can put up with storms that others won’t be able to handle. We’re putting the work in now, so later we can live the life we want.
We won’t recognize success if we haven’t struggled to achieve it.
Again-great blog!
When I look back over my life, it is in the valleys that I have grown the most. Your comments are a good reminder to focus on the lessons being learned and the strength that is being built. I do, wish, however, it didn’t have to be so painful to get so strong! :o)
Love your website Michelle – you are doing the good work! Hope we have an opportunity to meet soon.