When the roots outgrow the pot, it’s time for change!

Have you ever noticed when something — or someone — starts growing beyond the space they occupy?

Recently, my daughter shared a simple story* that moved her — and me, too. It was about a child, Lizzy, who received a balloon cloud as a gift and named it Milo. Along with it came six care instructions — among them:

water it every day, and

never keep a cloud trapped in a small space.

Over time, the cloud grew, and Lizzy — its attentive caretaker — realized it was time to let it go free. Behind such delicate illustrations lies a profound message: we must learn to recognize when it’s time to encourage higher flights. It doesn’t mean detaching; it means maintaining care and affection, even from afar.

The metaphor of roots outgrowing the pot captures this beautifully.We must nurture and stay attentive to the growth of those around us. When their skills and aspirations surpass the space they’re in, holding them back only stifles potential — and eventually, motivation.

Sometimes, we must encourage new paths, even if that means watching them follow other trails — or even other organizations.

“You are the bows from which your children, as living arrows, are sent forth…” — Khalil Gibran.

No matter how much love and effort we dedicate to people, it’s vital to remember that we are not the owners of their paths. We are instruments that help them develop their potential and find their own directions.

And just as we care for others’ roots, we must also look at our own — noticing when they no longer fit the current pot. Taking risks, seeking new challenges, and embracing new cycles are natural and beautiful parts of growth.

Because, in the end, to grow is to have the courage to change. 

#Leadership #GrowthMindset #EmpoweringOthers #ChangeAndTransformation #PurposeDriven #HumanLeadership #LifelongLearning

*Lizzy and the Cloud is: Fan, T., & Fan, E. (2022)