What If We Only Loved Palm Trees?
There was a time in my life when I believed that if only I had a palm tree, everything would be perfect. My vision for happiness, for success, for the life I longed for—it all included a palm tree. I imagined swaying fronds in the breeze, a symbol of arrival, of things finally being just right.
But in chasing that singular vision, I forgot to notice the beauty that surrounded me. The towering spruce, the sturdy pines, the wise oaks—I dismissed them, thinking they weren’t part of my picture. My mind was fixed on what was missing rather than appreciating what was already there.
Fast forward many years, and now, at last, I have a palm tree in my yard. And what do I see? That my beloved palm tree grows right next to a pine. Its roots intertwine with those of an old oak. It turns out, my palm tree doesn’t stand alone—it thrives because of the trees I once overlooked.
How often do we do this in life? We set our sights on one outcome, believing it holds the key to our happiness. We get so focused on one thing that we fail to see the possibilities, the beauty, and the support that already exist around us.
This is where mindset matters. In coaching, I help clients shift from a narrow focus to a broader perspective—one that fosters creativity, gratitude, and unexpected opportunities. When we open our minds, we see beyond the palm tree. We realize success, joy, and fulfillment are not found in a single outcome but in the interconnectedness of everything in our lives.
How This Works in Coaching
In coaching, I help clients:
Expand their vision – What if the success or happiness they’re seeking already exists in ways they haven’t noticed?
Shift their mindset – Instead of focusing on what’s missing, we explore what’s already present and working.
Embrace flexibility – Often, the best opportunities are the ones we weren’t expecting.
Cultivate gratitude – Recognizing the value of what’s around us helps build resilience and fulfillment.
So, what if we only loved palm trees? We’d miss the entire forest.
