A few years ago, I moved into a house on a cul-de-sac. I picked the spot because of the big yards with no fences for our kids. There was always a sore point for me at that property, however, because I also valued privacy which is hard to find on a cul de sac with no fences. I wanted to plant some trees because I’m not a fan of an iron or wooden fence. Trees offer more beauty, as well as, privacy from the neighbors next door. When I went to the garden store, the 9-foot privacy spruces I wanted were $400 a pop. I just couldn’t see myself spending $20K on the 50 trees I needed. My wife suggested I buy the 2-foot trees for $30 a pop. Those trees seemed so tiny. I thought they would take forever.

I didn’t see the value in planting them now when I wouldn’t get the benefit of the privacy for a decade.

I lived on that cul de sac for over a decade. Eventually, a new neighbor came in and put up a wooden fence. Boy, did I wish I had put in those trees!

There’s a lesson to be learned here. Sometimes we wait for things to be perfect or all lined up with ducks in a row before we take the first step. Because of our cautiousness or, perhaps our fear, we don’t take that initial step and miss an opportunity.

Another year goes by . . .

It’s never lost on me that if I had planted those tiny trees that were available and within my budget, I would have had everything I wanted in time.

Like every dream or goal, it takes a little seed, a little water, a little nurture and a little time. Then, it grows into the fulfillment of our dream.

I live and learn. Where I live now, I went ahead and planted 100 young trees in the first two years that were affordable. The family and I have put in the effort to nurture them. In only four years, they’ve surpassed my height and look great! 

So many times I’ve come across leaders and clients who are lack the confidence to begin a new adventure or chase a dream because the first step is hard or the journey seems so long. They feel like their small step is insignificant and they discount it or the effort to nurture it from infancy will just be too great. I remind them that baby steps are still progress towards the realization of their goals and dreams. We can’t wake up and ABRACADABRA our way to the perfect 12-foot spruce. Life doesn’t work like that. We gotta’ dig the hole, tend to the water and the fertilizer and grow ourselves over time to be the person we imagine. 

What are you waiting for?

Chase your dreams.  Plant your sapling today.