…where you water it. Did you think I was going to say something else? Perhaps you thought I would say “on the other side.” But I don’t understand that phrase. It makes no sense to me. Growing grass is not an easy task. Those who take care of their lawn get green grass. If you are just starting to grow grass, it takes steps. Five steps to be exact.
The first step to growing grass is buying the best seed. Did you know there are different types of grass seeds? Just like how there are different types of careers. If you want green grass, you must pick the best job for you. People assume the path to success looks the same for everyone, but it doesn’t. Success is measured differently by everyone. Having a lot of money does not measure success. Having a high position job does not measure success. Those are just the paths to success other people took. A low-level position worker can also feel successful because they love their job.
Step two for growing grass is to prepare the soil. Your mind is the soil. Are you pumped about the career you chose? Can you picture yourself being whatever it is you want to be or that you are? I learned from Dr. Joe Dispenza that I have the power to create my future. If I can imagine myself doing it, I can get it done. I’m not convincing, tricking, or hoping that I can see myself being a mental health counselor. I can see myself as being one. There is no doubt in my mind. My soil is prepared.
Step three is planting the seed. You picked the career so now you either apply for the job, go to school, or take on the role of entrepreneur. For me, I am taking the year off to get more experience in a people focused field. I do plan on going for my masters in 2019. I want to learn as much as I can in the meantime. Remember, you have only planted the seed. Does not mean you have green grass yet. Planting the seed is just the commitment to nurturing it. Planting the seed does not guarantee success, but there are two more steps left.
Step four is covering the seed. Birds like to eat grass seed. People can potentially discourage you from your career choice. The thing that matters the most is how you feel and think about the choice you made. If you are fully confident in the decision you’ve made, protect it. Be excited about it so people cannot undo the work you have accomplished or try to dull the passion you have. You will lose some grass seed, but do not be discouraged. If you spread it out well and added extra, you can still grow grass. It won’t matter how well you covered your seed unless you have accomplished the final step.
Step five is water often. Grass needs a lot of attention. You cannot just plant the seed and hope it grows. You have to water it and not just once or twice, but often. That means periodically, every day even. The best way to be successful in your future career is to show up. Be fully present in your job and give it your 100% best. I’m not going to tell you to “work hard.” Watering grass doesn’t have to take that much effort. Just remember to turn the water on and use a sprinkler system. People associate work with difficult or challenging. But if you love your job, maybe it will feel natural to put in the effort. Doesn’t mean there won’t be challenging days, but you will overcome them.
Successful people come in all forms. We admire people who have millions and who are the CEOs of major companies, but what people forget to see is the efforts they put into watering their grass. No one magically becomes a successful business owner. There is failure, defeat, hard times, challenges, rough patches, dead grass, and weeds. The difference between their grass and yours is that they kept watering it. They did not let the hard times stop them from taking care of what needed to be done.
If you think the grass is greener on the other side, it is because you envy someone who has taken the time to water their grass. Even if you tried to take over their grass, it would die if you don’t plan on taking care of it. Grass is never just handed to you green. Grass won’t stay green if not properly cared for. Does not matter where you go. The effort to take care of grass is unavoidable.
I never wanted to be an accountant. I picked that seed because I knew I could get a job. I planted the seed, but never covered it. I showed up, but never watered it. I did an internship that made me realize that my grass was never going to grow in that field. I was not going to be successful. I could have easily gotten a job, but it would not have been a success for me. My success is now measured by my level of mental and physical health.
As a caregiver, I show up and I enjoy my time. I can read books, watch Netflix, and even write this blog post on the job. Success! I am working the days I want to work. Success! The first client I have is not difficult to be with, and we have even formed a friendship. Success! I have plans to work with other clients soon to expand my knowledge and skills on caregiving. Success! I am not rich or famous. I do not have a high-level position. I do not own a home. But none of those things matter to me. I choose to water my grass. Now my grass is green.
Good luck with yours…
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