MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, AUTHOR & SUCCESS COACH

April 2025 GOOD NEWS Plant the seed of success

 

 

Plant the Seed of Success

 

Success doesn’t happen overnight. It always starts with a single thought, an idea, a dream—just like a tree starts with a seed that is planted in the soil. Before the tree can grow strong and tall, the seed must sprout and take root. The same is true for success in any area of life. If you want to achieve something great, you must first plant the seed in your mind and then nurture it with action, patience, and belief.

 

We All Have to Start Somewhere

Every success story begins with a single step. Every champion was once a beginner. Every thriving business, every great invention, and every powerful leader started with nothing but an idea. The difference between those who succeed and those who fail is not luck—it’s their willingness to plant the seed and then commit to the process of growth.

 

I started my real estate career in 1983. That was when I planted the seed for my future success. The seed motivated me to create a discipline to do every actionable item possible so that I could be good in real estate. I did that, and I am still doing it 42 years later.

 

The Power of Planting the Seed in Your Mind

Your mind is the most fertile ground you’ll ever have. When you plant positive, ambitious thoughts in your mind, they will take root and influence your actions. If you constantly tell yourself, I will succeed… I will put in the work… I will not quit, you can create the habits and mindset necessary to make success a reality. Those of you who have been in my audience know that I believe in telling yourself on a daily basis out loud what you expect from yourself. I believe that when we do that, we manifest our intentions.

 

But just like a real seed, you can’t plant it one day and expect a full-grown tree the next. It will take watering (daily effort), sunlight (a positive attitude), and pruning (removing distractions and negativity).

 

You were designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness. You are the only person who can hold yourself accountable to make your dream become a reality. We entrepreneurs not only have to be our biggest cheerleaders, but also our biggest critics. During my long career, I have been constantly reevaluating my actions to make sure I’m doing the right things and to make adjustments if I’m not.

 

How to Nurture Your Seed of Success

  1. Clarify Your Vision – Know what you want. An idea without direction won’t grow into anything meaningful. Define your goals clearly.

 

  1. Take Action Daily – Growth happens through consistent effort. Small actions add up over time.

 

  1. Stay Patient and Persistent – The tallest trees in the forest didn’t grow overnight.

Success takes time, so stay committed even when progress is slow.

 

  1. Surround Yourself with Positivity – Just like a plant needs good soil, you need to make sure you’re in the right environment. Spend your time around people who uplift and support you. Remember what I always preach: We are the average of the five people that we spend the most time with.

 

  1. Keep Learning and Adapting – Just as a gardener learns to care for different plants, you must be willing to adjust and improve your actions throughout your journey.

 

Watch Your Seed Grow

The beauty of planting a seed is that when it is nurtured properly, it will grow into something bigger than you ever imagined. The effort you put into your career today will shape your future. Whether you want to build a business, develop a new skill, or transform your life, it all starts with planting that first seed and then committing to its growth.

 

The key word is commitment. My real estate career and my motivational speaking career would not be what they are today if I had not planted the seeds 42 years ago and committed myself to being the best I could possibly be.

 

Each of us will face challenges and obstacles. When you climb a mountain, you are going to encounter steep cliffs. However, with commitment, drive, desire, determination, and discipline, there’s nothing that you can’t accomplish. Plant that seed, make a commitment to yourself and your family, and enjoy the ride because you will be successful in whatever you do.

 

So, what seed will you plant today? Whatever it is, make sure to nurture it, believe in it, and watch it flourish into the success you were meant to achieve.

 

 

 

 

 

What People in the Audience are Saying…

With Van's passion, humor and experience you can be assured of one thing- your audience is going to get fired-up, built-up, and fully charged –up. As an entrepreneur at the top of his game Van is in the unique position of being able to "talk the talk" because he has "walked the walk". Over the years he has been a great inspiration to me and my staff. Van is a speaker with charisma, humility and impact and he's a difference maker in the lives of the people he touches…"

—George Akers // President, First Mortgage Corp.

I wanted to thank you for coming and speaking with our company today. I thought your presentation was awesome! I was really motivated and inspired by your thoughts and ideas. I will use this motivation to grow my business and my personal life.”

—Justin Pauls // Realtor, Tampa, Florida

We are delighted you will be accepting the award for Omaha’s Top 25 fastest growing companies. Congratulations on your outstanding growth and we wish you continued success.”

—Tracey Fortina // Omaha Chamber of Commerce

Thank you for running such a class act company. It is an honor and a pleasure to be associated with someone such as yourself. I know you are probably one of the most respected businessmen in the region.”

—Dustin Talacko // Realtor, Omaha, Nebraska

Congratulations on writing “Selling from the heart” and thank you for sharing a copy with me. Your class has been one of the most enjoyable classes I’ve ever taken. Your enthusiasm and passion for your work are awesome. But the most refreshing part of the class was your delightful sense of humor. Thank you again for being a fantastic teacher.”

—Linda Reismeiler // Student at Randall School of Real Estate, Omaha, Nebraska

Kudos to you, Van, for reaching a major goal. But more than that...For successfully building one of Omaha’s best companies from scratch and making it thrive even in less than ideal market conditions. You have realized the American Dream...And brought it home to many, many others. My best to you!”

—Todd Andrews, Anchor and Producer, KETV Omaha

Having you here again was such a blessing to so many! As I looked at the pictures, I could see just how interested each and every person was in what you had to say!

This has been such a gift to our agents when they need it the most. The fact that you come, you are so genuine and caring, you are so honest, you are not trying to sell anything and your passion to help each and every person believe in themselves and become the best they can be is HUGE! The timing is perfect for us all helping and caring about each other, so, thank YOU from the bottom of my heart for giving of yourself to help all of us!”

—Carolyn Summerton // First Mortgage Company of Idaho

I enjoyed your seminar and its focus. I was on the fence whether or not to attend and decided why not? I could have sat through an all day session if there was one, usually I end up at the seminars that start with a focus and quickly go astray. I found with yours time flew by too fast and it was already time to go but I wasn’t ready to go.”

—Scott Asbill, CDPE // Associate Broker, Realtor