(Part 2 in a 3-Part Series on Financial Prosperity)

As I write this, there is widespread panic and fear in the world as a result of the upheaval in the global financial markets and the global supply chain. There is no crystal ball available to me to predict the end result from the world-wide panic that is in play regarding the corona virus. I am confident though that this too shall pass, and over time, life will return to normal.

In light of this, there is no better time to be focusing on planting seeds that will produce a beautiful garden and a bountiful harvest.

In Part 1 of this 3-Part Series on financial prosperity, we focused on pruning, pruning limiting beliefs as well as unhelpful debts that could prevent financial growth.

In Part 2, we are going to focus on planting.

I am the child of two parents who always planted a garden, every year, no matter what part of the country they happened to live.

They knew stuff about growing good plants.

For example, they knew which plants would grow at different times of the year. They knew how the seasons affected seeds in the ground. They knew about fertilizing, cultivating, weeding and spacing. They knew which plants needed to be planted beside which plants. They produced a good harvest year after year after year. And so it remains, even now, with my mom.

We can translate their actions in the garden of plants to our financial goals and our garden of prosperity.

The very first thing we need to do before planting our prosperity garden is to know what type of fruit we want to harvest. Translation: we need financial goals.

What are your financial goals for 2020? For the next 5 years? For your lifetime?

You must be able to visualize, to almost taste what it will feel like to accomplish your financial goals, in the same way, I’m sure my dad visualized a great crop of tomatoes, corn on the cob, okra and green beans each year.

So, take time right now to write out a few financial goals for yourself for 2020.

I know, I know, it’s hard to focus on the rest of the week, much less the entire rest of 2020.

If necessary, refer back to last week’s work on limiting beliefs and prosperity beliefs to change your state into one of abundance, rather than scarcity.

Do whatever it takes to create an environment that enables you to focus on what you want for yourself financially this year.

Once my parents had selected what they wanted to plant, they prepared the ground to receive the seeds. This involved tilling, hoeing, watering and sometimes, adding nutrients to the soil to increase its production capabilities.

Translation: they worked. As my mom would say, they applied some elbow grease to the garden. And so it is--for us and our financial goals.

Here are some questions to ask and answer regarding your financial prosperity goals.

1. What work needs to be done now to accomplish your financial goals?

2. Are your salary and wages enough to accomplish them?

3. Are your investments producing passive income to help you reach your goals?

4. Do you have enough savings set aside to enable peace of mind in the event of an emergency?

5. Do you have more than two or three streams of income?

6. If you added one additional stream of income, would it be enough to help you produce satisfying progress towards your financial goals?

Answering the preceding questions will give you clarity and direction in your next step – planting the seeds for the eventual harvest.

Getting the seeds in the dirt was always very satisfying to my dad. He always had a sense of peace and wellbeing about him once the planting was done. Planting didn’t end though with getting the seeds in the ground.

What came next always determined the quality of his harvest. Daily watering, de-weeding as needed and the blessing from God of just the right amount of rain and sunshine at just the right time—these were what made or ruined the harvest each season.

Translation: once you have selected the streams of income that will get you to your financial goals, it is important to give them daily attention, care and nurturing.

This will look different for every person. If you rely on the stock market for a stream of income, then it will be necessary for you to create a disciplined approach to buying, selling and holding stocks.

If you decide that your career is your main source of financial prosperity, then obviously, showing up enthusiastically, competently and with increasing value will be important.

If your financial harvest relies upon saving a certain amount each month, then disciplined focus here is a must.

In today’s world, it is increasingly within reach to establish a side-hustle. Platforms like Freelancer and Fiverr allow for contract work in just about any field that utilizes brainpower. The internet makes it possible to provide online services to others. Uber and Lyft enable drivers to earn during off-hours. Much of this type of opportunity remains even though we are living through unprecedented times as a result of the corona virus.

My former employer often said, “great opportunities are rare so when you see one, take full advantage of it…” And Napoleon Hill wrote, “Within every adversity is the seed of opportunity.” So true!

With each of the seeds you find and plant, remember to keep an abundance mindset. Remember that all good things, all blessings, all prosperity-- these are gifts from Almighty God. He will always provide sufficiency for every need. Philippians 4:19 assures us of this.

So plant! Plant the garden and then, delight at the first appearance of the seedlings bursting through the ground.

In Part 3, we will cover picking – harvesting – and enjoying the fruits of our labor. Until then, take a moment to share one of your financial goals in the comment section below.

Be blessed, my friends!