Plant the seed

Most people remember Robert Louis Stevenson by “Treasure Island” and “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” but we rather enjoy his quotes.

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap,” he said at one point, “but by the seeds that you plant.” Think on that one for a few minutes, especially when you’re in the business we are here at the Utah Association of Special Districts. We’re understandably proud of the successes we’ve had in past legislative sessions, helping lawmakers see the total picture as they vote on legislation affecting the operation of our state’s local and special service districts.

But more than that, we’ve planted the seeds, helping our member districts step out of the shadows and our fellow Utahns to see what we do for our communities. It’s a year-round effort, educating the public as well as the state government and developing as we grow into our roles. Building trust as we forge new relationships is something we don’t take lightly.

And just as we sow the seeds of change, so can you:

• Clearly assess where you are at in the moment and where you want to go. What things are keeping you from moving forward? Put them in perspective, discard what isn’t needed, and focus instead on what you need to achieve your goals.

• Nurture your seeds of change, learning new skills, exploring new territory, feeding your passion. What’s motivating you? Own it, embrace it, believe in it.

• Give it time to grow. Just as it takes time for a plant to emerge from the ground, so it is with change. Be patient but persistent as well, always reaching higher.

• Branch out! Watch for opportunities to continue growing, and building on the foundation you established while weeding away the waste. Even as you harvest the fruits of your labor, there’s always room to till the soil and plant a few more. Making a difference is empowering, and it leads us to raise the bar a little higher.

Our seeds of change will in coming weeks take us to the 2018 Utah State Legislature general session, where we hope to see our efforts take root. And again, coming full cycle, we’ll ask, “Where do we want to go from here?”