by Elikani
Every single day, my garden teaches me lessons I didn’t realise I needed.
When I plant a seed, I know I won't see results instantly. I water it, and I check on it - "Set it and forget it".
Some days, there’s visible growth. Most days, there isn’t. Yet still, I trust the process.
Oddly, when it comes to writing, I often forget this. I sit down with big plans, expecting perfect flow, instant output, and consistent motivation. When that doesn’t happen, my frustration grows. I tell myself maybe “I’m not disciplined enough” or “Maybe I’m just not a writer.”
But just like in the garden, consistency in writing isn't about daily perfection. It’s about small, repeated steps.
The Myth of Instant Growth
We live in a world addicted to speed. We see viral articles, bestselling books, and prolific creators and we assume they produce effortlessly. What we don’t see are the years of slow growth behind their success.
My garden reminds me that growth follows its own rhythm. There are seasons of planting, waiting, growing, and harvesting. Writing, or any creative pursuit, often follows similar seasons.
Showing Up Matters More Than Output
When I tend to my plants, I don't expect a harvest every day. Instead, I show up and care for what’s growing. Writing is the same. Some days I’ll write 1,000 words. Other days, 100 words will feel like a victory. By showing up consistently, I create space for progress to happen.
Imperfection Is Part of the Process
In gardening, not every plant thrives. Some seeds never germinate. Some plants wilt despite my best efforts. This doesn’t mean I’m a bad gardener. It Is simply part of the process, life personified.
In writing, drafts won’t always feel good. Some articles may resonate deeply, others may not. But every word written is part of my learning and growth.
Building My New Consistency Practice
Instead of forcing myself into rigid schedules, I’m adopting a gentler approach inspired by the garden:
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Small sessions: Writing 2-3 times a week for 30–60 minutes.
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Batching ideas: Keeping a running list of article topics to reduce decision fatigue.
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Allowing imperfection: Focusing on progress, not perfection.
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Reviewing seasons: Accepting that creative energy will ebb and flow.
Closing Thoughts
When I look at my thriving plants, I’m reminded that they grew not because I demanded perfection, but because I kept showing up. Fertilising, watering, pruning, tilling, until the process ends with a harvest.
So too, I will approach my writing — like tending a garden, one day at a time.
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| A phenomenal view to wake up to daily. |
