There’s a book with a very long title that I read several years ago called 9 Things You Simply Must Do (to Succeed in Love and Life) by Dr. Henry Cloud. These “things” are principles that he has proven to be effective in his work as a psychologist. I find the tips in this book timeless when it comes to seeking a worthwhile life and coaching is often the avenue people use to find it.
Number one on his list is “Dig It Up.” Unless you are a farmer or gardener you probably don’t do a lot of digging but the one thing these people know is that there is something in the ground that they can make grow into a useful plant with a little weeding, watering, and some added nutrients. The same can be said of a person’s life. God created all of us as a masterpiece. With the nutrients that God adds to our lives, the distinctive traits, gifts, and desires he endows us with will bring worth and significance like nothing else can.
Those traits manifest most often in childhood. If parents notice and promote the obvious interest and abilities their child exhibits, he or she is more likely to understand how to keep moving into a fulfilling life. Sadly, not all parents or caretakers think this way. Their disinterest or belittling can bury any joy a child experiences from accomplishment which spills over into their adulthood. As Cloud says, “What lies deep inside is where the real life is.” To find it, you must be convinced that it exists… and then do the digging to uncover it.
A little soul searching is the start of owning your dreams, talents, and desires, giving them a path to push through to the outside. A simple question like “What do I do really well that I really like to do?” can start the process. This is actually what God wants because a Christian who has followed the path to his dreams is an example to the world of how God loves and cares about all of us. The choice is yours to make. Do you long to find the treasure God has placed in your heart? Dig and take action on what you sense is in your heart, soul, and mind. Success in life is available to everyone.
“One of the worst things you can die with is potential. Die with failure before you die with potential.”
Dr. Henry Cloud
