Pruning is the selective removal of certain parts of a plant. Reasons to prune can be for deadwood removal, for shaping, or for increasing the yield and quality of fruits or flowers. Pruning is a necessary part of gardening, and I believe that often it is also a necessary action in life. Today I want to look at the benefits of pruning in our lives. Pruning, or cutting away, some areas can be life-changing.

Do you have a green thumb? Are you able to grow lovely flowers, or do you have a garden where you plant your own fruits and vegetables? If you do, my hat is off to you! You have a special talent, and I know it takes a lot of work! I must confess, growing any kind of plant has never been one of my strengths, but I am interested in how it is done. Some people are able to grow incredible flowers and plants. Have you ever wondered how they get those large, award-winning vegetables and the grand, beautiful blooms? Why are some so fruits so much bigger than other ones of the same variety? I understand that the secret to getting outstanding results is pruning the vines and the trees.

This past weekend marked the beginning of college football season! And I watched many teams play on Saturday, it made me think of one of the many reasons I like the game of football—it is intriguing to see eleven guys working in perfect synch and playing as one unit. I like many sports, but the ones that are particularly appealing to me are the sports that involve group effort and teamwork. Football is never about one individual player. Sure, one guy runs across the goal line, but the ten others snapped, blocked, threw, decoyed, and cleared the path for the score. There is something about a group of guys working together to accomplish a common goal that makes me want to cheer!

If you are feeling incomplete or unfulfilled in life, today’s blog and podcast guest, Leon Fontaine, recommends a check-up in four critical areas. Leon is a leader of leaders. He is also an author, spiritual authority, and a great friend. Recently, I sat down with Leon to discuss the quadrants of life and what these areas can teach us about our personal satisfaction or struggles in relationships.

Are you overwhelmed with concerns about money? Today’s blog and podcast guest, David Crank, can help you. David is a speaker, author, pastor, world-changer, and a great friend with a special gift for helping people in financial distress. Recently, we had a conversation about David’s latest book, Solving Your Money Problems, and discussed a few practical ways to save money and to get out of debt.

This week, while at the LEAD Conference, I had the opportunity to talk with Leadership Expert, Dr. Sam Chand. Dr. Chand is a long-time friend, and lends his valued and experienced voice to the discussion of leadership and success. Join us on this week’s podcast, DAVE MARTIN’S SUCCESS MADE SIMPLE to hear the entire conversation.