Root-Bound People

Root-bound people are similar to root-bound plants.

Andrea J. Lee prefaced her book, Multiple Streams of Coaching Income by talking about root-bound plants.

She talked about replanting a root-bound plant, because "it's been growing for too long in its pot".  She continued by saying "with no room for additional growth, its roots have become tangled, matted and grow in circles".  She concluded "the coaching profession is choking in its own pot".

Certainly, there are many other organizations as well as individuals who are "choking in their own pot".

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Root-bound people have been too long in their pots. Although pots provide support and structure for  plants, pots can become too restrictive and prevent growth.

A few weeks ago my wife and I unearthed three, root-bound trees.  After struggling with trying to untangle their roots, we had to throw the trees away.  Unfortunately, we were unable to save the trees and transplant the trees.

Even beautiful pots on the outside can inhibit growth on the inside of the pot.

What are some of our pots that restrict human growth and development?

One pot is living with childhood perceptions, values and expectations.  Some people have not had their lives transplanted from childhood pots into adult pots.

Another major pot is continuing to live under past influences rather than in the present.  Too often, we consciously or unconsciously reject thoughts, feelings, possibilities, and opportunities, because they are not consistent with our past.  Living in the past will stifle new growth and possibilities in your life.

A third major pot is making other people more important than you are.  So many people limit their self-development and quality of their life, because they:

• Are motivated to please others;
• Are wanting the approval of others;
• Are wanting to take care of others; or
• Are wanting to be taken care of by others.

Centering your life around others, will prevent the growth of your own individuality and uniqueness.

There probably are more pots than the ones I have mentioned.  All of these pots, however, will result in tangled and matted roots.  Your roots will grow in circles and choke off your growth.

If you are stifled because of living in one of these pots, isn't time for you to transplant yourself by making new choices?  When plants are transplanted and their roots are untangled, their possibilities for beauty and growth are unlimited.

Remember, You Live within the Environment Created by Your Choices.

Dr. Hal

Life and Mental Fitness Coach