Coach's Corner: The Law of the Harvest

Mary Duwe, CFP

My coaching clients frequently ask me, “What is the best path for personal and business development? What do I need to do, change or grow to have the level success I desire?”

My answer is to follow the simple Law of the Harvest: Plant what you want to harvest. Whatever you fertilize will grow.

This is one of life's simplest and greatest blessings.

The challenge for advisors is to raise personal awareness for what is being planted. Whatever receives your attention will benefit. Be deliberate about your growth and development by having clear and pure intentions.

There are many laws that govern personal and business development; but, this is the most important one to understand: whatever you plant and nurture will reap returns to you tenfold. The unique aspect of this law suggests that we'll reap what we've sown and much more.

Here are a few seeds you can think about planting:

Define Priorities: Without priorities, you’ll lack direction in both life and business. The harvest of this seed is clarity.

Be Purpose Driven: Commit to operate your business with clear purpose and direction, igniting your life. The harvest of this seed is true meaning and value in life.

Embrace New Ideas. Instead of living life through a rear view mirror, appreciate the present. Allow yourself to have a forward approach to life and business and to create a vision of all that is possible. The harvest of this seed is unlimited possibilities.  

Respect All Life. Respect yourself, your work, your co-workers and everything life has to offer. This is the wisdom of proper timing. As you plant this seed you will be directed to the most efficient use of your time and talents. This seed gives you the strength to be free from worry. The harvest of this seed is peace, patience and composure.  

Honesty: Honesty is a key driver of solutions to the problems you face every day. To make a good decision the situation must be evaluated honestly by you and/or your clients. Honesty is a critical ingredient in formulating business plans, client recommendations, workable budgets, and production and investment expectations. Honesty extends to relationships, talents, careers, plans, habits and priorities. The harvest of this seed is an open heart for all the opportunities in life.  

Keep your balance. When balance is maintained between your personal and professional priorities, your health will be the beneficiary. The harvest of this seed is good health.  

Kindness. Kindness is the seed that germinates into abundance: your giving is returned to you tenfold. Kindness gives your life purpose. Ask yourself, “What is the kindest thing I can do for my clients? Myself? My family?” Kindness is the glue that keeps us together and makes life and business work. The harvest of this seed is strength.

Plant these seeds today for a harvest of appreciation and focus on living and growing in your business.

Mary L. Duwe, a veteran advisor, Certified Financial Planner®, and Master Coach, brings a depth of experience and desire to help advisors improve their lives and practices. She has practiced as a successful financial planner since 1984 and is licensed in securities, life insurance, and real estate. Mary has a BS in Psychology and received her coach training from CoachU. She continued her training with the Graduate School of Coaching, Legacy Learning (Franklin Covey Coaching) and has completed the Emotional Competence Inventory Accreditation (EIC). As an experienced Emotional Intelligence Development Coach, Mary works with advisors to reorient their lives and their businesses for greater success, meaning, and fulfillment. Mary is the master coach for Mitch Anthony’s Institute of Financial Life Planning. She prepares financial advisors to deepen their client relationships and coaches the process of Financial Life Planning. According to Mary, “The right conversation will make all the difference.” Contact Mary at mary@maryduwe.com or mary@mitchanthony.com. Phone: 715-693-8002.

© 2007 Mary Duwe