Stop Watering Your Weeds

"Don't pour excuses on your dreams. Pour unbreakable determination and unshakable commitment to make it yours. Back your excuses and you live the same life. Back your dreams and you illuminate the world with your light.”

Imagine you're enjoying a leisurely weekend walk around your neighborhood when you spot a curious sight: someone is diligently watering a yard overrun by weeds, all the while laughing and smiling, oblivious to the beautiful flowers nearby that are parched and in need of care. It's a perplexing and concerning scene. Why tend to the weeds while ignoring the flowers that hold real value? This scenario is a metaphor for our own lives when we invest our energy in making excuses rather than cultivating our true potential. Just as flowers can only thrive with proper attention, so too can our abilities and dreams flourish when we focus on growth instead of watering the weeds of self-doubt and procrastination.

Excuses: The Water for Our Weeds

Ever find yourself saying, "I can't because..." more often than not? These are the sprinklers to the weeds in our garden of growth. Each excuse gives life to self-doubt and procrastination, allowing them to flourish. Remember, excuses are one way we water our weeds - and it's time we turn off the tap.

We are often our own biggest critics and saboteurs. By justifying our stagnation with excuses, we are nurturing the seeds of self-sabotage. Recognizing these patterns is the first step towards uprooting them. Don't let the comfort of familiarity keep you from the gardens you can grow

1. The menace of self-sabotage

   It can manifest in various ways, such as procrastination, self-medication with drugs or alcohol, overeating, and social withdrawal. At its core, it represents an internal conflict where part of us wants to achieve success while another part resists change. It’s like having one foot on the gas and the other on the brake. We feel the drive to succeed, but simultaneously, we’re impeding our progress. I myself have been in the process plenty of times, especially before recognized what i was doing.

   Understanding the roots of self-sabotage is essential for overcoming it. It often has deep psychological roots, possibly linked to past experiences or traumas. Negative self-talk, another form of self-sabotage, involves telling ourselves we’re not good enough, smart enough, or capable enough. This inner critic can be paralyzing, turning potential actions into inactions. This is one weed we definitely have to stop watering as soon as possible. It’s time to make the neighbors jealous of the inner garden you are growing 🙂 

2. Speaking of Growth...

   Talking about doing better isn't enough - it's about action. When we talk about improvement, we're aspiring not to water our weeds but to nurture our talents and abilities. This means pushing past the verbal commitment and getting our hands dirty in the soil of hard work and persistence.

   To actually nurture growth(Like a garden), we must understand its components. This includes setting clear and achievable goals, creating actionable plans, maintaining discipline, and evaluating progress. For instance, if one talks about being a better communicator, growth-oriented action involves practicing active listening, seeking feedback, and maybe even enrolling in a communication skills course.

3. Ignorance is not bliss 

   Well at least not, when it comes to self-improvement. Get more information. What’s not learned can’t be applied. Equip yourself with knowledge, and watch your garden overcome any weed. Whether it's a book, a seminar, or a heart-to-heart with a mentor, make learning your ally.

   We have to remember we are in this Garden of life with others as well. Sharing knowledge is a powerful way to contribute to the growth of others. By disseminating what we've learned, we help create an environment where ideas can flourish and where collective wisdom can lead to shared improvement. Just as crops are more abundant when they are pollinated by bees, our own growth is enriched by the cross-pollination of ideas within our communities.
   

   4.Set Boundaries: The Fence Against Weeds

   Setting boundaries is akin to putting a sturdy fence around a precious garden. Psychologically, boundary setting is an act of self-respect and self-awareness. It is the practice of recognizing our value and honoring it. People with strong boundaries understand that they deserve to prioritize their own needs(And not others weeds), have their own beliefs and opinions, and make choices that are best for their own well-being.

   Sometimes, the weeds we need to defend against are our internal tendencies toward self-sabotage(As stated earlier). By setting boundaries with ourselves—such as firm work hours, dedicated time for relaxation, or limits on self-criticism—we defend against the internal negative chatter and harmful habits that impede our growth. We are the hardest critics to ourselves, let boundaries help tend to your tends.

🌱 This weeks Action Tips:

1. Identify Your Weeds: Write down your common excuses and face them head-on.

2. Cultivate Knowledge: Commit to learning something new this week that can aid your growth.

3. Draw the Line: Set at least one boundary this week that prioritizes your well-being and progress.

I do hope you’re ready to stop watering your weeds and start nurturing your aspirations. Let this be the season you flourish!

Until next time, keep growing. 😁