Written by: Allison Flores Goebel | Design Director
This year I planted my first garden. I have found myself surprisingly invested in the success of this new horticultural endeavor — which means checking on the humble plot an unnecessary number of times each day. As I admire each new sprout, I am reminded of other types of growth.
At Open Book, one of our stated goals for 2020 is to “nurture growth.” This applies to growth in how we serve our clients; it also applies to each of us as people, too. We seek to bring our best to work every day, and so we are continually looking for ways to add value and be better partners to our clients, teammates, and community. As I’ve thought about how to nurture growth in my own life and at Open Book, I see parallels with the growth nurtured in my new garden.
“We seek to bring our best to work every day, and so are continually looking for ways to be better partners to our clients, our teammates, and our community.”
Reflection 1:
Nurturing growth requires vision. From the first time I saw the overgrown tangle of volunteer saplings and invasive weeds behind the garage, I knew there was potential for something different, something beautiful and purposeful. In order to nurture growth, I had to see possibility for something better than what was before my eyes. The same is true as I consider other areas of my life. Where have I settled for the way things are? Can I look past the tangled weeds of my own flaws or insecurities to see the potential for who I can be? What type of growth do I want to see flourish in my own life?
Reflection 2:
Nurturing growth requires action. Without action, my vision for a garden would have never materialized. While some growth can happen coincidentally, nurturing growth means taking intentional steps towards change. Sometimes the steps are easy — and my type A personality loved drawing out a plan for how to maximize my garden plot. Sometimes the steps are challenging: chopping out stumps is no joke. But as I begin to see sprouts emerge from the evenly tilled dirt, I am reminded that each step is progress and a step worth taking. Where can I move from vision to action? Are there steps toward nurturing growth in my life that I am avoiding because they will be difficult?
Reflection 3:
Nurturing growth requires hope. True change does not happen overnight. Sure, I’ve been checking my garden since Day One looking for the faintest sprouts—but despite my eagerness, growth takes time. I had carefully planted and now dutifully watered, believing that there was something happening below the surface that I couldn’t see yet. Similarly, when nurturing growth in my own life or in my community, it is important to resist the desire for instant gratification. It takes time for roots to grow deep and time for healthy fruit to develop. Are there growth areas where I feel discouraged, but need to persevere with hope? How can I encourage the efforts of those around me?
The possibilities for growth are endless — which feels both daunting and exciting. Thankfully, at Open Book, we are in this journey together. With vision, action, and hope, growth will come. On that note, I need to go check on my garden.
Open Book Communications is a communications consultancy and creative team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We help leaders build compelling stories and brands fueled with vision. We’d love to hear your story.
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