Two ways to make change: (1) The Tree Method and (2) The Flowers Method.
The tree method is singularly focused. It demands most of your time, energy, and attention. It’s here to grow and here to stay long-term.
The flowers method is diverse in focus. It’s being generous with your time, energy, and attention. It’s planted relatively quickly and lasts maybe a season or two.
The tree method is parenting. The flowers method is teaching.
The tree method is marrying. The flowers method is dating.
The tree method is career building. The flowers method is side-hustling/ flipping.
And so on.
Nether is better than the other. It’ll always be a matter of perspective. But it’s useful to understand which you’re doing so you don’t try to grow a flower into a tree and don’t try to grow trees in your garden.
If you have kids, raise them into the strongest damn trees you can and focus less on the flowers.
If you’re married, invest more into the relationship than the total of what you invest outside of it.
If you’re employed, become a tree the organization can depend on instead of an unsure / hesitant plant.
And on the flip side, if you don’t have kids, give the energy you would normally invest into a family, into all of the flowers in your life.
If you’re not married, spread love to all of those who need it… be like the sun… unconditionally warm and bright.
If you’re not employed, explore! Build, create, experiment, and make sure you’re planting plenty of seeds of opportunity along the way.
…At least until one of the seeds turns out to be a tree instead.