Time To Plant Seeds

It was about three years ago when I first started the blog.

I did it because I was in a dark place and writing was one of the only productive outlets that lessened the heaviness I was feeling. Putting the first blog into existence was an act of selfish selflessness. I needed to write about what I was going through in order to feel better and at the same time, I wanted use my experience to help anyone who could benefit (and was willing to put up with my writing). Little did I know, but writing would quickly transition from something that I did from a place of predicament to something that I did from a place of passion. The more that I wrote, the better that I felt and unintentionally, the more traction the blog gained. I went from writing thoughts in a journal stowed away in a desk drawer to typing things on the internet for everyone to see. Three years and 52 blogs later brings us here.

If you want to grow a tree, you need to plant seeds.

Being vulnerable with the world doesn’t seem to get easier, but it also never gets less rewarding. It seems that from almost every blog, multiple people reach out to me and explain how my writing has resonated with and/or helped them. That’s an amazing feeling and it’s one of the biggest reasons that I continue to pour effort into this craft. In addition to adding external value, writing adds tremendous internal value; it helps me organize thoughts, gain clarity and clear my mind, among other things. For me, writing is therapeutic and it’s helped me learn about who I am, how I operate and where I want to go. I want to use this blog to talk about one of the biggest lessons that I’ve learned from writing this blog while also working on one of the biggest areas for improvement with my writing; being concise.

“Well done is better than well said.”

Benjamin Franklin

On that note, let’s get right to the point.

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From the very first blog and it’s 500 views, I’ve watched in awe as this site has accumulated just under 100,000 views with visitors from over 120 different countries (if you’re my reader from Estonia, let me know how you found the blog). The point is that I needed to plant a seed (take a chance with that first blog) to even have the potential to grow this tree (the site) and it’s branches (all of the people this site has reached). It started small and with each blog, I continued (and still continue) to plant seeds with the hopes of growing the tree, to reach more people and add more value. The more that I wrote, the more that I wanted to write. I found that taking action with writing created momentum which in turn provided inspiration for further action. It sounds counterintuitive, but I’ve come to learn that action often precedes inspiration.

“An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied.“

Arnold Glasow

The past three years have been an incredible process for many reasons. Through writing I went from feeling stuck and frustrated to feeling driven and helpful. I do a lot of writing that never makes it to the internet and it’s all helpful for me. From whatever starting point you are, I want to be able to help you do the same and so here is what I want to tell you:

• the hardest part is getting started
• the best time to take action is right now
• if you want to grow trees, you have to plant the seeds
• taking action, no matter how small, is a great way to get out of a rut
• taking sustainable and consistent action over time is an amazing avenue for growth
• being vulnerable is not a weakness, rather, it’s a superpower
• connect with other people on a human level through your medium
• do something that lifts up other people (encouraged people, encourage people)
• in whatever you pursue, aim to add value first and foremost, the rest will come
• be genuine and authentic in with your creativity, people are drawn to and respect that
• when you’re feeling stuck, frustrated or lost, put your thoughts on paper, it helps
• don’t ever be afraid to ask for help/guidance, especially from someone that you trust
• trusting the process combined with persistence is a powerful combination
• no matter how you’re feeling, you’re never alone
• I’m here (908-301-6581)

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To wrap things up, I want to make an announcement of a new seed that I’m planting… a podcast.

Thanks to my good friend Sam, I’m not planting this seed alone. We have no idea what’s to come of this project, but we’re both determined and dedicated to make the most of it. Our goal is to add value to listeners through through conversations centered around the relentless pursuit of becoming the best version of ourselves. The best part of this endeavor is the chance to bring on amazing guests and connect with incredible people who perform at the highest levels with the hopes of helping you do the same. We’re excited to get this thing going and we’d love for you to tune in.

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I need to stay true to myself and end with a quote. This is one that resonates with me on a deep and profound level, and I hope that it does the same for you. It’s on the longer side, but every word is worth reading. Here we go.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Theodore Roosevelt

Take some action and step out into your arena.

Joe Rinaldi

IG: @joearinaldi

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