Planting Seeds of Change: Cultivating a Flourishing Life

Spring is just around the corner, so it's time to prepare your garden to ensure it flourishes! Like our plants, we must prepare ourselves to transition from winter's dormant state to the vibrant blooms of spring.

Last year, I published my book “Gardening for the Soul.” The book aims to provide people with easy-to-implement strategies to enhance their well-being and create a flourishing life. The inspiration for this book came from my work in positive psychology and a saying that has served as a mantra for me: “Bloom where you are planted.” I've always loved this phrase, but when I started exploring positive psychology, a light bulb went off for me. I realized that if we adopt the mindset of blooming where we are planted while trying to create a fulfilling life, we may be doing ourselves a disservice. We have more control over our happiness than we might realize. Thus, I shifted from "Bloom where you are planted" as my motivation to "Plant yourself where you will flourish."

The Concept of Locus of Control

Have you heard of the concept of locus of control? It explores how much control people feel they have over their lives. There are two perspectives on control: internal and external. Those with an internal locus of control believe they can influence the outcomes in their lives through their actions. Conversely, people with an external locus of control feel helpless and believe external factors dictate their circumstances.

To me, this concept parallels the difference between "Bloom Where You Are Planted" (external locus of control) and "Plant Yourself Where You Will Flourish" (internal locus of control). While having a "Bloom Where You Are Planted" mindset isn't inherently bad, embracing the "Plant Yourself Where You Will Flourish" mindset builds confidence and encourages individuals to take action to create a flourishing life. It's easy to blame others or feel defeated when things go wrong. However, when we learn to reframe our mindset and recognize that we have more control over our happiness than we might think, we empower ourselves to make positive changes that nurture our well-being.

Are you ready to plant yourself where you will flourish? Here are five simple tips to jumpstart your growth:

 1. Focus on What You Can Control: When you find yourself in an overwhelming situation, pause and ask, “What can I actually control here?” By shifting your focus to what you can influence, you reclaim a sense of control and foster a more positive mindset.

2. Set Achievable Goals: Goals provide us with direction and show us that our actions lead to positive outcomes. Achieving these goals boosts confidence and motivates us to make positive life changes.

 3. Identify Your Strengths: Our unique strengths can help us become better versions of ourselves. We can leverage our strengths to succeed when we become aware of them. This self-awareness empowers us to recognize the innate abilities that can aid our growth.

4. Pause for Reflection: When things don’t go as planned, take a moment to reflect on your impact on the situation. Consider what was within your control, how your actions influenced the outcome, and what you could do differently next time. This self-analysis can reveal that you have more power over the situation than you think.

5. Celebrate Your Wins: When you experience success, take a moment to acknowledge your role in it. Don’t dismiss your achievements as luck; reflect on how your efforts contributed to your success. Recognizing this can reinforce your belief in your ability to create positive outcomes.

By reframing our thoughts and recognizing our level of control in shaping our lives, we can move from merely blooming where we are planted to creating an optimal environment for growth by planting ourselves where we will flourish.

Happy gardening, my friends!