{Nuggets of Wisdom} How To Have The Growth Mindset Of A Tree.

The growth mindset of a tree intrigues me.

I don’t normally personify things found in nature, but today is a bit different. Today’s nugget of wisdom comes straight from the character of a tree. It’s sweet gesture that God leaves us clues of His nature within nature. As a matter of fact the Bible speaks about this very fact:

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Romans 1:20 NIV

One of the biggest perks of my time as a homeschool mama was getting the opportunity to relearn ALOT of things I missed growing up.

Science was one of my girls favorite subjects. They always had tons of questions. Those questions usually led to more questions and honestly that could go on for days. Sometimes I think I have the most inquisitive kids on the planet. But I digress…

One day, during science class we watched a video that answered the question: “Why do tress change colors and lose their leaves?”

We found out that most trees need one ingredient to help their leaves stay green, Chlorophyll which comes from sunlight. In fact, leaves are like little food factories, gathering and storing all the food (energy) that the tree needs to survive.

So, in the fall and winter months, as the temperature drops and we get less and less sunlight, the tree begins to transform. To our eyes the simple change from green to bright yellow, red and orange leaves is merely tradition, but for the tree it’s survival.

In order for the tree to survive the often frigid temperatures and minimal sunlight of the season, it has to conserve its energy. Rather that continue to provide key nutrients to its leaves and risk dying, the tree sheds them instead to protect itself.

This is a growth mindset.

Sometimes its necessary to let go of some things in order to protect your most valuable parts. The tree doesn’t worry that it’s beautiful leaves won’t grow back next season. The tree knows how critical it is to let them go so that it may thrive through the winter.

How to have the growth mindset of a tree:

1. Refuse to die! A little dramatic I know, but how often are we discouraged to give up on one thing or another every. single. day. If we can change our outlook to see the bigger picture, there’s always a reason to keep going. God is faithful to meet us where we are and give us what we need. Philippians 4:19
2. Let it go. Remember those seasons we talked about before? If you’re in a rebuilding season, you may not be able to do some things you used to. They simply take up too much energy. You need to let them go to conserve the key nutrients you need to survive & continue to grow. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
3. Be committed to your growth & healing. It’s one thing to seek out emotional healing, and its another thing to commit to it. Commitment changes everything! Once you realize your growth depends on your ability to stick with it at all costs…even when you have to lose a friend or an old coping mechanism, your life WILL change! Proverbs 16:3

Having a thriving growth mindset is no small feat. In fact, its quite difficult especially as you navigate personal issues. Let’s take our cue from nature today and let things go that no longer serve us. Do you have any growth mindset tips you want to share with us? let me know in the comments.