Sowing and reaping for a harvest 

Let’s face it: it’s frustrating when you feel like the effort you’re putting into advancing in life is getting you nowhere. Just like a farmer who plants seeds in the ground expects a harvest, we expect to see results from the time and energy we invest in life. But for that farmer (and you) to reap a good harvest, here are five steps that need to be followed:

1. Know What Season You’re In

   There is a season for sowing and a season for reaping. Knowing and respecting the season you’re in is essential, or else you may be disappointed. Once your seeds are sown, it takes time for your crop to develop. You wouldn’t plant watermelon seeds today and expect to eat it for breakfast tomorrow. Just the same; launching your website or finishing your degree won’t necessarily mean a six-figure payday next month. A number of things must take place before a crop is ready. The seed's hard outer shell must be broken, roots must develop, and the fragile new growth must be continuously nourished. Be grateful for the process that may force you to be broken, the time it takes to grow deep roots and the effort necessary to cultivate continuous development.

2. Plant According to the Harvest You Want to Reap

   Before we start planting, we need to ask ourselves exactly what type of harvest we want to reap. What does your definition of success really look like? Earning one pound above expenses (that’s profitable) or a thousand gross profit? Once you know what you want, ensure you’re planting the right seed or engaged in the right activity to get there. Just like cucumber seeds won’t yield an apple tree, you won’t achieve the goal of building your professional network if you never associate with anyone outside of your circle.

3. Sow Multiple Crops

   Recently, as the cost of living has skyrocketed and wages are not keeping up, people have been wondering about how they would support their families if they lost their jobs. Have you ever truly stopped to realize that worrying can’t add a day to your life or a pound to your bank account? Instead of working myself into a tizzy, pray and see where the Father leads you.
   
   In Ecclesiastes 11:6, Biblical wisdom tells us that of the seeds we sow, we don’t know which will succeed. So, wouldn’t it be prudent to sow multiple crops? Many businesses have multiple income streams. If one is floundering, they have more to depend on. Remember, crops need continuous cultivating to prosper, so don’t take on more than you can manage.

4. Protect Your Seed 

   Pestilence is one of the biggest enemies of farmers and their growing crops. This can come in the form of insects, animals or diseases. If we want to reap a bountiful harvest, we must protect our crops from pestilence. Some of the biggest threats to our harvest are negativity, fear and doubt. Watch the company you keep, your thoughts, and your words. Create good ground for your crops by replacing fear, doubt and negativity with positive truth.

5. Don’t Sleep Through the Harvest

   If you’ve been planting the right seed, cultivating, nourishing and protecting it, harvest season will arrive after time. Don’t be mistaken – harvesting can take more effort than sowing! I’ll have to admit I’ve been guilty of putting in great effort to attract potential clients and then failing to follow up even after people tell me they’re interested in working with me. Proverbs – the book of wisdom – calls one who sleeps during harvest disgraceful.  You may have business deals or career opportunities ripe for the picking, but it still requires some work on your part. Do your part to reap the full benefits of your time, effort and patience. Don’t get caught sleeping during harvest.

Could you use some help figuring out the right seeds to plant for your future harvest?