The Tribune

By Michelle Miller

There is an enormous difference between knowing your roots and being rooted in what you know. This especially true when it comes to knowing who you are and why you are here.
Unfortunately, in an environment where so many are long on talk and short on taking effective action, many fall prey to the habit of instant gratification.

They settle for the path of least resistance in an attempt to avoid the work of growing roots before branches. 
When it comes to digging up a clearer understanding of who you really are, you must be willing to do the work. You will only get out of life, what you willingly put in. A better you, is the result of consistent time and effort.
While the path to self-discovery can be a painstaking process, it is the most fulfilling experience you will endure. You must decide what you believe your life is worth.

By tuning in to my many life lessons (disguised as challenges) I know for sure that my life is worth the effort.

Therefore, I submit and commit myself to the process. 
Just as a diamond sparkles only after the digging and cleaning is done, working on uncovering the true you, reveals a highly polished, more confident you. 
The main question is, ‘What is your life worth to you?’ Is it worth the work of growing roots before branches?

In many respects, the attitude of wanting results without effort has become the norm. Sort of like the idea of leadership, everybody believe they should ‘lead’ others, but unable to lead their own habits and behaviours.

Well-rooted leaders first learn to lead themselves.
By taking the approach of growing inside out, you give birth to a more authentic you constructed on you own foundation of confidence.

Building ‘roots before branches’ is a clarion call to stop settling for the so-called ‘easy way out’ and get into the real game of life. 
When you wake up to the need to get inside your life, you no longer focus on trading now for later. Instead, you maximise your present moments, knowing that now is the point of power.

A sobering perspective, which is often, ignored. 
Real roots of your identity are bigger that your surname, place of birth or ethnicity. This cord travels beyond your life circumstances. Your unique, powerful identity comes from the riches, most potent ingredients of life. This is no small thing; lots more to you than what meets the eye. Get busy working on you.
Trees stand strong not because of its many branches but because it is rooted in the unbreakable soil of life. As you learn to dig deeper, understand that in this new paradigm, tribal identity alone is no longer enough. Today, life demands that you dive deeper. 
I know it may be difficult to accept yourself just as you are with all of your so-called imperfections.

Be encouraged. Know that you are not your so-called imperfections. You are made in the image of the creator. There are no limits, no walls, and no fences.
Just as a ship drifts aimlessly without an anchor, your life becomes aimless without being rooted in something meaningful. A disconnected self has far-reaching implications.

Start now to answer the question, ‘What is your life worth to you?’.
Bear in mind that you cannot build a better life without first building a better you. To do so is like a tree growing branches before growing roots. 
Leader to leader, remember you are the attractor factor in your life. Growing roots before branches means knowing who you are before seeking to know who you want to be.

Make today the day that you find the courage to live the life that you love.

• What do you think? Call 429-6770 or e-mail coaching242@yahoo.com.