Evidence of Lack, or Lack of Evidence?

I have a neighbour who is building a garden which is a monument to bad taste on the public nature strip. Every time I see it, I cringe. However, as I reflected on my own strong and harsh judgments of this man's project (and obvious heart-felt passion and hobby), I thought about how we judge others in their creative process. At a recent conference In Los Angeles I heard many a tale of how these enthusiastic entrepreneurs launched their business to the derision, scorn, and mocking of their peers, friends, and families. The slow starts, the absence of tangible results, especially in the beginning, were just like the scorn I held for my neighbour: I didn't understand it, I couldn't see his plan or his intended results - it just looked like crap. And this is what others might see when they peer in to YOUR garden - your business, your project, or your life - to an outsider it may appear like a random scrap of weeds, disjointed, disorganised, and certainly not beautiful. It may even appear that way to YOU! As you look at your own business in the making, it is easy to get caught up with what is currently there - things in motion, but not necessarily blooming. And this can be discouraging. Hence the timely reminder - lack of evidence is not evidence of lack! So back to the garden metaphor - when you start a new garden there is nothing there but a tangle of weeds and dirt. When when you put effort in to clearing, shaping, and planting, it may be some time before the bare earth and harsh landscape resemble anything beautiful, healthy and engaging. Gardening is a real exercise in faith - by planting seeds, watering them, and leaving them to their own devices, you need to accept what is, and anticipate what is coming. Going out in to the garden and yelling 'hurry up' doesn't help; nor does giving up and neglecting the weeding and watering. Manifesting a lush garden - or a productive business - takes persistence, dedication, and a willingness to accept what is (even if it may appear ugly and disjointed), while all the time maintaining your vision for glorious summer blooms. They say half the magic in gardens and business is the process - be patient and savour it.