#167 | YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW: HARD TRUTHS ABOUT SUCCESS

Carter Ferguson
Jun 29
8 min read

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Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. Robert Louis Stevenson

In last week’s episode, the first of season 14, I talked about networking and having thought about it networking is a bit like a garden, in that the seeds that you plant whilst building a network can grow into stronger contacts as time goes on. Today, I am going to focus down on the effort you must put in daily to achieve future success, rather than that dangerous modern-day mentality, the microwave mentality, which only seeks immediate results.

In productivity terms "You reap what you sow” means that the effort you put into your tasks or projects directly influences the results you achieve. Essentially, the more effort, focus, and hard work you invest in your endeavours, the better outcomes and rewards you'll experience. So, by that reckoning it also means the opposite - if you put in minimal effort or neglect your tasks, you're likely to experience sub-par results and failure.

Many of us grapple with challenges such as procrastination, lack of motivation, or the pursuit of shortcuts. These pitfalls often lead to undesired consequences, as they prevent us from investing the essential effort needed to attain our objectives. Overcoming these obstacles necessitates self-control, dedication, and a readiness to exert the hard work required to harvest the sought-after results.

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. Galatians 6:7

That bible verse serves as a warning that actions—whether good or bad—have inevitable consequences. In its biblical context, Paul is urging believers to live righteously, reminding them that their choices will lead to corresponding outcomes, whether blessings or hardships. The phrase has since been widely adopted beyond religious teachings, often used to highlight the importance of discipline, effort, and accountability in all aspects of life, including productivity and success.

Sow a thought, and you reap an act; sow an act, and you reap a habit; sow a habit, and you reap a character; sow a character, and you reap a destiny. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson (or whoever inspired the quote as I’m not convinced from my research that it was him) is addressing the progression of how small, internal thoughts influence outward behaviour and ultimately shape a person's identity and fate.

By carefully tending to our thoughts and actions, we have the power to shape who we are and where we’re headed in life. It’s a reminder that small, consistent efforts can lead to profound and lasting change.

In short what I am getting at here is a very simple and very common productivity outlook. That our small, daily choices shape our future.

Something I come across often and I try not to get dragged into if I can avoid it, is Negative Gossip. And Negative gossip leads to Damaged Reputations.

If you constantly talk negatively about others, word will spread, and people will begin to distrust you. Over time, you may find yourself isolated or struggling to build strong relationships because others assume you’ll do the same to them. I know a few people that like to gossip, but I am uncomfortable with it, as I have a strong sense of objectivity – I work hard to maintain the ability to make decisions, judgments, or evaluations based on facts, evidence, and rational thinking, rather than personal emotions, biases, or beliefs. If you can remain objective, you can see situations from different perspectives, weigh all relevant information fairly, and arrive at conclusions that are balanced and impartial. Gossip is dangerous as it spreads rumours and misinformation, tarnishes reputations, erodes trust, fuels negativity, and undermines relationships, ultimately creating a toxic environment that can have lasting impacts on individuals and communities.

Another thing worth talking about is Inconsistent Effort. Just as Negative gossip can lead to Damaged Reputations, Inconsistent Effort creates unstable Results

If you work hard only when you feel like it—whether at the gym, on a project, or in your career—you might see some progress, but it will be unpredictable and short-lived. By failing to sow consistent effort, you won’t reap the long-term benefits of steady growth.

Another example of reaping what we sew is in the case of helping others:

If you make a habit of supporting others—whether by mentoring, offering encouragement, or simply being kind—you build good will. Later, when you need help, people will be more inclined to support you, creating a network of trust and mutual benefit.

I’d add an addendum to that, that SOME people will be inclined to support you. Not all. You should also bear in mind that doing someone a favour, or helping someone out is never a contract for future return of support or of future favour. You should give without the expectancy of getting something back and always remember the quote from Aristotle, who said "Do not mistake my kindness for weakness" as some people will take and keep on taking, if you let them. I mention this as I have had some recent experiences where assholes have tried to take advantage of my kindness, and that has resulted in my being less than keen to offer support as I once did, in future.

Let me talk for a bit about The Productivity Trap AKA Avoiding Work

Many folk fall into the "Productivity Trap" where they focus more on planning, organizing, and preparing for work instead of actually getting it done. This tendency can stem from various reasons:

Distractions: Modern life is rife with distractions like social media, emails, and messaging apps that make it challenging to concentrate on deep work.
Fear of failure: Some people procrastinate because they worry that their work won't meet their expectations or those of others.
Perfectionism: Others get caught up in the pursuit of perfection, feeling like their work is never good enough and continually refining it.

The pervasiveness of social media can further contribute to The Productivity Trap. People often see the results of others' hard work but not the effort and struggles behind them, leading to unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy. This can perpetuate a cycle of planning, organizing, and avoiding work, as individuals try to find the perfect productivity system instead of focusing on the task at hand.

It's vital to recognize that productivity and efficiency are important, but ultimately, the key to success is:

Putting in the hard work
Learning from failures
Adjusting our expectations to allow for imperfections.

Success compounds over time—what you do consistently determines your outcome. James Allen

Achieving success is often attributed to extraordinary talent, genius ideas, or sudden bursts of motivation but the real magic lies in the consistent, daily habits that we cultivate over time. Success comes from creating a strong foundation of regular, disciplined action.

Small, daily actions, such as writing a few hundred words a day or engaging in short bouts of exercise, accumulate and compound over time to yield significant results.

Ultimately, by focusing on building sustainable habits and taking consistent action, we can create a reliable pathway to success rather than relying on fleeting moments of motivation or genius.

It is not the decision you make that is most important; it is the degree of commitment with which you make the decision. Bo Bennett

Success comes from consistent follow-through, not just making plans.

So how can we overcome resistance and make progress on our goals? For regular listeners this advice won’t come as much of a surprise but it's essential to adopt strategies that help us break through the mental barriers which we all face and build momentum. Here are some effective approaches:

Start Small: Break overwhelming tasks into small, manageable steps. This makes the work feel more achievable and reduces anxiety.
Commit to a Routine: Establish daily habits and routines that eliminate decision fatigue. By automating certain aspects of our day, we conserve mental energy for more critical tasks.
Measure Progress: Track and celebrate small wins to maintain motivation and encourage consistent effort. Recognizing our accomplishments helps build confidence and momentum.
Eliminate Excuses: Embrace the idea that taking action, even if the outcome isn't perfect, is better than not starting at all. Done is better than perfect—just start.

Life is an echo. What you send out, comes back. What you sow, you reap. What you give, you get. What you see in others, exists in you. Zig Ziglar

And let me hammer home that just as consistent action and cultivation lead to a thriving crop, neglecting our work and nurturing negative attitudes can transform our once-fertile potential into a barren wasteland. Here are some pitfalls to avoid on the path to success:

Neglecting Small Steps: Ignoring the value of small, consistent actions can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities.
Succumbing to Perfectionism: Waiting for the perfect moment or idea can paralyze progress and prevent us from taking action.
Harbouring Negative Thoughts and Spreading Gossip: Allowing negativity to fester in our minds can erode your confidence and undermine your resolve just as participating in gossip can create a toxic environment, eroding trust and fostering negativity. Gossip diverts energy and focus away from productive pursuits, hindering personal growth and teamwork.
Failing to Adapt: Refusing to learn from mistakes or adjust our approach when faced with challenges may prevent growth and innovation.

Remember, our actions and attitudes shape the landscape of our success. By tending to our goals with diligence, positivity, and adaptability, we can cultivate a flourishing future rather than a barren desert of unfulfilled potential.

As Mark Twain wisely said, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." And avoiding work only delays success, so sooner rather than later focus on taking action to unlock your potential and achieve your goals.

So, the BIG question as we complete here is what I used as the premise for one of last season’s shows “What’s the work you’ve been avoiding?” What one step can you make today that either kills off a negative trait, or starts you on the path to productivity and success by planting the seeds that will get you there? Remember folks, the age-old wisdom still holds true: You reap what you sow.

Investing your time, energy, and dedication into your goals will yield fruitful results. On the other hand, neglecting to put in the necessary work will leave you with nothing to harvest down the line.

Identify the crucial steps that will set you on the path to success and take decisive action today to move yourself forward.

For example, let’s say you’re an aspiring actor who wants to land meaningful roles in TV or film - let’s identify the Crucial Steps that may involve.

Build Your Skills: Enrol in acting classes or workshops to hone your craft (e.g., method acting, improvisation).
Create a Professional Portfolio: Get professional headshots and update your acting résumé.
Gain Experience: Audition for local theatre productions, student films, or online projects to build your credits and reel.
Network: Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with casting directors, agents, and other actors.
Research Opportunities: Regularly browse casting websites like Backstage, Actors Access, or Casting Networks to find auditions.
Stay Healthy and Resilient: Develop habits that support your mental and physical health to navigate the ups and downs of the industry.

Now do the same for your own situation. Identify the crucial steps that will set you on the path to success and take decisive action today to move yourself forward.

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Next week, I’ll be diving into the topic of overcoming jealousy—with a touch of grace and a sprinkle of gamification. But for now…

Let me end today with some words from Zig Zigler who said