You want to see change. Change in your organization. Change in the economy. Change in political rhetoric. Change in your career. Change in your relationships. Change in your body.

Granted some of those change ideas may not be within your direct influence or control. One thing is universal to all of those areas. Change implies growth and growth takes time.

How much time? Can time for the growth process be sped up? What can you do to make growth happen fast?

Let’s look at nature for examples to answer those questions.

These Narcissus (daffodils) grow from bulbs that have to spend a minimum of six weeks in cold storage prior to going into the ground if you live in a temperate climate without snow. Once planted they sprout within two months and will bloom within two weeks of first greenery. So far, these blooms have held steady for two weeks. I’ll let you know how long they last.

The blooms are beautiful, light and fragile. As gardening time goes, quick growers. Fast growth implies fragility. It’s rare that fragile things last.

Let’s look at a different example from nature: the oak tree.

Photo by Denny Müller on Unsplash

I imagine you are aware that a tiny acorn grows into an oak tree at a pace that is imperceptible. Years, sometimes decades, pass before an oak tree provides shade like this one in Yosemite National Park.

Given optimal conditions, growth will continue for a hundred years. That is sustainable growth.

What can we learn about personal and professional growth from these natural examples?

Fast growth is fragile and does not last for a lifetime. Long term growth is slow to see the change you desire.

Questions you can ask yourself about the changes you want to make:

1. What outcome(s) am I looking for?
2. What time frame am I willing to commit?
3. Do I want this change to last?
4. What is my mindset toward growth and change?

Being aware of the change you want to see is only the beginning. Whether change is personal or professional or communal, time and intentional action steps toward the desired outcome(s) are the only path to lasting change.

Navigating change can be challenging. Having the support of a coach is powerful. Want to know what it’s like to work with me? Click here to schedule a complimentary coaching session. It’s free! What do you have to lose? What might be gained?