Real Growth? It's a Sod Story

We recently had some work done on our neighborhood water lines. Although the intent was to be as least disruptive as possible, the job required a fair amount of digging in just about every yard on our street. After several months of looking at various stages of excavation blight and some debate on whose yard got the worst if it, the finishing crew finally came in to restore the damage. And, I must say they did a very good job of filling the holes, leveling the ground and laying the rolls of sod required to once again, provide a beautiful, grassy surface. At that point, all the yards looked pretty much the same. There was fresh, new grass and from every indication the work was now complete.

However, anyone who has had experience with fresh sod knows, or at least soon learns, that in spite of the healthy-looking blades, the grass has no real root and unless specific care is taken to allow it to do so, it will soon wither and die. So, it's not enough to simply make the application and move on -- not if we want to see permanent and healthy growth. Our new grass needs to be watered and properly fed if it's going to take root. So why should it be any different in the areas of our personal and occupational growth?

Today, we have more information available to us than in any other time in history. Books, articles, blogs, podcasts, websites, audio-books, e-books, and electronic newsletters are within immediate reach at almost any time and in almost any place. That means we have seemingly unlimited amounts of "informational sod" that we can simply cut, lift out, and apply where needed. Sometimes it shows up on dramatic backgrounds or on cleverly designed memes, or in audio soundbites -- and we look good and we sound good.

However, much like the freshly laid sod, there is no real root underneath. Give it a little time, or apply some heat to it, and that which looked so lush soon begins to wither. The question becomes; did we really learn the information, or did we simply apply a nice layer to the surface and hope that no one would dig much further? More importantly, did we squander the opportunity to experience the deeper growth by letting the information and potential knowledge flourish and take root?

Like real sod, true growth and real change in our habits takes root over time. We need to give ourselves that time and then add the elements of consistency and life application if we're going to get the real benefit of true learning. Perhaps we need to slow down and take the emphasis off quantity and place it where it really belongs -- on quality. Benjamin Franklin developed his 13 virtues at the age of 20, but spent the rest of his life mastering each one by practicing them over and over and over again. Certainly, he learned a great many things throughout his very successful life. History bears out the deeper roots of his accomplishment.

What about us? What are we capable of truly learning and mastering in the remainder of our lifetime? Will we commit ourselves to careful study, critical thinking, intelligent reasoning and consist feeding and application? Or, will we be content to simply take a slice of knowledge here and there, lay it down quickly and in time watch it die from lack of adequate upkeep? The choice is ours, but I believe legacy favors the evidence of our deeper roots rather than the memories of our withered grass.

About the Author: Terry Crouson is the Owner and Head Coach at Silver Coach Solutions, LLC and is currently doing business as The Growth Coach of West Metro Detroit. He is dedicated to helping business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and self-employed professionals find their way by finding their why. He is a highly respected business coach, speaker, facilitator, and community builder. Terry is certified in the Strategic Mindset Process, and is also a DISC Certified Behavioral Consultant.