I love the opportunities I have to speak to business audiences. However, I feel a special passion when I get the chance to stand before a group of educators.
This summer I spoke to a large educator audience where many teachers lined up afterward to speak with me and purchase books. One teacher came up to me and said, “I really didn’t want to buy a book, but I’m going to anyway.”
Whoa. Should I be offended? Encouraged? I wasn’t even sure exactly what she meant, but I knew I really liked this lady’s honesty.
Later that week she recorded a video and emailed it to me. In the video, she further explained her thinking and her comments that day. Here’s an excerpt of what she said:
“Internally I thought I didn’t want to buy this book. I loved your talk, but the line is long, and I was sure you didn’t need my money. This would be a waste.”
But something stopped her in her tracks, and she said she felt convicted by this thought:
“Sow where you want to grow.”
She said that this statement compelled her to get in line even though she didn’t really want to. Her belief was that reading my book would be investing in herself both personally and professionally. Additionally, she said that I had added value to her that day during my speech, so she wanted to add value and sow into the work I’m doing and the message I am sharing. She was compelled to sow where she wanted to grow.
I’m so grateful that she sent me this video. Her candor is inspiring, and her simple message has made me think about the areas I am investing in in my own life. She challenged me, and now I’m challenging you: Sow where you want to grow. Decide where you want to get better and invest in those areas.
If you want to grow as a leader, sow into your personal development.
If you want to grow into your faith, sow into reading Scripture and prayer.
If you want to grow as a parent, find someone ahead of you in parenting who you respect and ask them to mentor you.
If you want to grow in healthy habits, sow into your eating and exercise regimen.
If you want to grow as a reader, sow into your time reading a variety of different books.
If you want to grow as a friend, sow into your relationships by carving out intentional time with the people you care about.
If you want to grow as a communicator, sow into your communication skills by taking a class or receiving feedback from other communicators you admire.
Here’s the point: Be intentional about where you want to get better. You have areas you want to develop, and it’s time to move these desires into actionable results.
