A Lesson from Tulips

I absolutely love flowers, and when I was assigned to work at this location for Special Metropolitan Witnessing, I was excited. It made me so happy to be able to see them. As time went by, I chatted with my assigned partner about a little bit of everything from family, places to eat, and our spiritual activities/routines. The time flew by and all of a sudden it was time for us to take a break.

Our key man came to get us so we could pack up. I turned around and the tulips were open! I had no idea that they opened and closed like that. I thought they weren’t fully bloomed, so I wasn’t expecting to see anything different. My partner let me know this is something that tulips regularly do. What was intriguing is that she said that she expected them to have been opened earlier due to the time of day it was. And of course, this made me think about how this could relate to productivity. But more on that later.

The next time I was assigned to that same spot, I noticed something different. Although the tulips were in the same flowerbed, some were open, and some were closed even though hours have passed. Before they had all opened in sync. Then still others were taller while others were shorter; some new ones had begun to bud!

I decided I’m going to look up some information on tulips and their unique properties. It was amazing to learn that they open and close as a protective mechanism. They may close when the sun is too hot or when it rains. Why? Because it protects the pollen so that it can remain when a bug comes to carry it off. Without this the tulips can become scarce or even extinct. (Remember The Bee Movie?) It’s it amazing how things were created. Beauty and protection all-in-one.

So how does this relate to productivity?

When thinking about the time that the tulips opened later in the morning, not everyone is going to be productive at the same rate. There are many factors that can contribute to the level of productivity that one experiences such as:

1. Abilility to focus
2. Conditioning as a child and into adulthood
3. Neurodivergence
4. Lack of sleep
5. Depression
6. Family Situation
7. Not eating regularly
8. Sporadic Exercise and much more

And all of these tulips in the flowerbed were on the same schedule the first time I came, but the second time, it was different. What did this teach me?

That even in the same environment, people can respond differently to things, and it will impact their productivity. But it’s so easy to say to yourself, “I should be able to do this, I did before.” or “Look at her, her situation is like mine and she’s in full bloom although it’s hot.” The comparison game is real and STRONG.

Yet in this flowerbed, each flower was still absolutely beautiful, not being concerned about the one next to it, or even across the flowerbed. It was doing what it needed to at that time, to survive, and flourish when the time was right. It had to go into protective mode. Preservation was key.

At times, we need to do the same thing with our productivity. We need to preserve our mental energy by doing less, taking in less information, and resting. I know this is incredibly hard, as I have experienced the need to do this myself, especially during my depression. I wanted so bad to be the open wide to “shine” Keosha and it wasn’t possible until I was able to protect myself and take the necessary steps to heal.

What are some practical steps to protect your productivity?

1. Get comfortable with being able to say no. You don’t have to always be busy or come to everyone’s rescue. (And this includes yourself at times.)
2. Realize that rest is an integral part of allowing yourself to focus and move with intention. Over use leads to more mistakes, overwhelm, and much more.
3. Do things you LOVE. Everyday doesn’t have to be about checking off the things that make life go.
4. Be kind to yourself in those moments that you don’t do things exactly the way you want do. Perfection is unattainable.
5. Take breaks from healing and consuming so much information. It can truly be a mental overload slowing you down from meeting your goals.

I know this is something you may be like, “I don’t even know how to do this.” And trust me, I get that too. It’s been something I’ve had to learn for myself and have had coaching on. I now get to bring this to you in the Private Coaching space that allows you to learn to be your most productive self for the season you are in. Managing your time is key, and more importantly, what you do with your time. It will either help you or hurt you.

If you realize that you need assistance in making these changes for your productivity, I am only a click away. Apply for my three-month coaching program that is going to help you ditch the overwhelm, increase your mental focus, and get your life together. Click here.

Yet, if you are on the fence, I want you to ask yourself this question: “If I wait to do this, what will my life be like in three months, six months, one year.” Be honest with yourself.

My beautiful friend, you are amazing no matter if you are closed up protecting your productivity or in full bloom. I am here to support you as a coach in your productivity to help you get to the best you you can be.

Xoxo,

Keosha

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