3 Springtime practices for nurturing a “new you”
Spring is a season that I particularly like. My garden is like a sanctuary for me, away from the stress of busy workdays and too much screen time. In Spring, I rediscover the pleasure of plunging my hands into the earth. Of reconnecting with nature through contact with the soil and with plants. Of watching April crocuses break through the barely thawed ground. Of waking up in the morning to the song of chickadees. Spring helps me slow down while creating new momentum. I transition into another rhythm that prepares me for the energy of summer.
As we follow the cycles of the seasons, Spring becomes the ultimate embodiment of renewal and hope, after the darker winter months which are more conducive to self-reflection and planning. As nature awakens, our own creative thoughts tend to abound, and we may start observing the seeds we sowed turn into new opportunities.
To honor this special time of the year, I wanted to share with you 3 springtime practices that are directly inspired by nature and will allow you to nurture a mindset of renewal in your own projects and in your career.
1. Cleaning
In Spring, cleaning your garden to get rid of dead leaves and pull up weeds is usually the first step so that bulbs have space to pop up. Think about this cleaning activity, like decluttering your house or your workspace, as a way of cleaning your brain to let new ideas emerge. During this first cleaning step, we let go of what no longer serves us and what may prevent new opportunities to grow.
To take inspiration from this springtime cleaning practice, block off some time to review your Q1 goals and consider what is no longer "right" or no longer feels aligned with your vision or project. Take this opportunity to sort out and organize your work folders as well. This decluttering process will allow you to reorganize your mind and identify more quickly what is completed (or no longer relevant), and what should be prioritized moving forward.
2. Feeding your soil
Before you can plant new seeds, it is often important to feed your soil. This springtime practice of "feeding the soil" teaches us the importance of cultivating what is already there. Without this step, the seeds you plant will not be able to develop the way you want them to, and you may not get the results you want.
Professionally speaking, before you embark on new projects or new ideas, after taking part in the process of "cleaning", I suggest that you identify successful action steps and build on them first. We tend to underestimate the importance of cultivating what works for us and we may be eager to move on to the next shiny new idea. Sometimes it's not about reinventing the wheel and starting anew, but consolidating, continuing and deepening what has already started to germinate. Do not let opportunities and actions die in an insufficiently nurtured soil due to a lack of consistency and focus. Be sure to feed and pursue with more intention and selection, action steps that will keep you aligned with your longer-term vision and your well-established goals.
3. Planting new seeds
Spring is the perfect time to plant new seeds and watch the first buds and shoots appear. If we apply this to your professional projects, if you've been waiting to take action, now is the time! We tend to think that we need to feel motivated in order to take action ... This is a mistake! Action precedes motivation. Motivation actually comes from creating momentum, from creating or seizing an opportunity or from growing a project with more purpose and intention.
Before turning into a lush plant or a hundred-year-old tree, remember that there was a seed that sprouted in the ground. Action also starts with taking a very small step, similar to this tiny seed. Nature reminds us that all things begin with something infinitely small. And nature teaches us to practice patience and self-compassion.
Thanks for reading! Do not hesitate to share in the comments what these three springtime practices inspire you to do for your current and future projects.
May this new season be full of hope and renewal!
Coach Virginie