Is it Time to Change Your Environment?

The school bell has rung, class is now in session.

We have all heard the saying, “They are just a product of their environment” or “Be careful of the company you keep.”

Which brings me to a recent conversation I had with a friend about plants. We both shared experiences of times when we had plants, and how sensitive they are to their environment/surroundings. The trend we noticed between our stories were that our plants could thrive in one area, but wither in another.

Why is this the case?

Why is it that a perfectly healthy plant that is in a spacious pot, full of rich soil and an abundance of sunlight, can be taken to another environment and began to regress? Plants, like humans, require special conditions in order to flourish. It is not just about maintaining the same routine as before, but about understanding the requirements of the new setting/environment.

Life Parallels

One of the most overlooked factors for achieving success is the environment you choose to plant yourself into; it plays a significant role in who you will become. For example, think about a time when you started in a new organization. You may have entered with an optimistic attitude, even though most of the individuals present had a fixed-mindset. At first, you tried to encourage those around you, and worked very hard to do a good job, but after awhile, the negative environment started to drain you. This is when the withering process begins, and you end up adapting to your environment instead of going against the grain.

Unfortunately, if you spend enough time in any crowd, you are going to pick up a habit, a trait, a point of view, or two. If you are constantly in an environment surrounded by pessimistic cynics, it is bound to impact your own self-confidence and optimism, which will ultimately slow down your progression.

Like plants, people also have unique requirements for nurturing their potential. If you surround yourself with individuals that have a growth-mindset and high expectations, you will also begin to believe in the possibilities of achieving your own goals, and following through with them.

Keys to Success for the Right Environment

Soil – like our plant friends, we need to be planted in nurturing soil that is full of good nutrients. This also means being in a place with a fertile culture. A place where your voice is respected, you feel valued and empowered to reach your full potential.

Water – like plants need water to stay pliable and hydrated, we also need hydrating words, conversations and feedback to surround us. Water is the life line to growth and provides the sustenance needed to encourage a sense of purpose.

Temperature – Just like plants thrive in a certain temperature, our performance will flourish if we are in an environment with little to no long-term stress. When we feel comfortable making mistakes, and are not judged, we will feel more productive, instead of diminished. It is also important to have a work life balance. This is achieved by setting boundaries between work and your personal life, which promotes an overall healthy temperature.

Sunlight – Plants need light to photosynthesize and grow, and people need new challenges and opportunities to learn and advance.

Pruning – This practice is essential for the health and growth of the plant, it requires taking away the unfruitful part of the plant. We also need to remove obstacles, people, places and items from our lives that are not producing (good) fruit. Doing so will help us shed dead weight and move about more freely.

Reflection

Below is an image I found on a Real Estate website about Growth Environments. Take a picture of it with your phone as you reflect on the following questions.

Take time to reflect on your current environment by asking the three questions below.

1. Do I feel like I am growing or diminished in my current environment?
2. If I were a plant, would my leaves be healthy or withered in my environment?
3. Is it time to change my environment or am I obtaining what I need to be successful?

The school bell has rung, class dismissed.