What Good Thing Do You Need to Cut? The Pain of Pruning for Leaders. 🌳

The Crepe Myrtle and the Pain of Pruning 🌳

Happy Friday, Brew Nation! 

You know I often talk about the difference between the rubber balls (tasks that bounce back if dropped) and the glass balls (priorities that shatter if neglected). This week, I want to talk about the things we need to cut away entirely so that the glass balls have room to grow. 

This concept hit me hard recently while reading some wisdom from Tony Dungy, and it perfectly aligns with one of my favorite scriptures on intentional living. 

 
The Garden of Growth 

When my wife “dragged” me to the South a few years ago (I say that with love, of course!), I immediately developed an affinity for the Crepe Myrtle. I love the shape of this tree, the vibrant color of the flowers, and how fast they grow. 

But there was one crucial thing I had to learn: to help the Crepe Myrtle grow even faster and even fuller, it has to be pruned back each year. 

Every year, just prior to the first frost, you need to trim back the Crepe Myrtle severely. It looks harsh. It looks like you’re taking away its potential. But the opposite is true: that purposeful cut ensures the tree grows back the following season even more robust and beautiful. 

Leaders, this is the perfect analogy for our own growth. 

The Wisdom of the Gardener 

We must prune things in our lives so that we can grow faster and produce more meaningful fruit. Pruning is hard. It can be painful. Pruning means giving something up. 

It could be: 

• A habit that drains your energy. 
• A relationship that is toxic or fruitless. 
• A work commitment or low-value project you need to delegate. 

These prunings are for our ultimate good. Sometimes we need to cut off “branches” that don’t produce any fruit at all. But just as often, we need to prune the branches that do bear fruit so they can produce even more. 

The wisdom from the ultimate source is clear: 

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and **he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more**… You cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” (John 15:1-4) 

There are times in our leadership lives when we will feel the discomfort of being reshaped by God for our growth. The Gardener is intentional. He sees the future harvest, even when we only see the pain of the present cut. 

Pruning is necessary, and when done with intention, it is almost always beneficial. It may feel painful at the time it happens, but ultimately, it will create a stronger, healthier, and more focused life that produces greater fruit. 

The Cost of the Cut 

It is hard to prune a bad habit. Generally, this is because the perceived benefit is immediate (the comfort of scrolling, the rush of distraction), but when practicing a good habit, which is often uncomfortable, the true benefit isn’t until later. 

We must embrace the discomfort of the cut today for the peace of the harvest tomorrow. 

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful; later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11) 

What are the things in your life—those once-good habits, time-draining commitments, or unfruitful relationships—that need pruning right now so that you can step into your next season fuller, stronger, and prepared to produce more fruit? 

• Quote of the Week  

“If you’re not cutting away the good, you’re preventing the best.” 
– Coach John Gallagher 

Being effective as a leader means consistently choosing discipline over distraction. It’s about deeply reflecting on what’s working, humbly learning from what hasn’t, and courageously course-correcting in relentless pursuit of uncommon growth. Leaders don’t just drift into success—they evaluate, decide, and act. 

What is the one branch you are committing to cut today? 

Email me at coachjohngallagher@gmail.com with the subject line “PRUNING” and share the one habit, task, or relationship you are cutting this week to make room for your biggest harvest. 

What you need to do: 

Your Call to Action: Prune for the Harvest 

You’ve got the choice. You’ve got the scripture. Now it’s time to make the cut. 

Email me at coachjohngallagher@gmail.com with the subject line “PRUNING” and share one branch you are committing to cut this week (a habit, a low-value task, or a distraction). 

I am excited to read your story and the commitment you are making to growth. I will personally respond to it, so we can connect, chat, and discuss the growth you are making room for in your leadership journey. 

It’s an honor to be your trusted Friday Coffee Guy. Each week, I bring what I’m learning and living in the trenches of leadership. If this edition challenged or encouraged you, share it with someone who leads, stays faithful, or learns alongside you, then click subscribe. Let’s grow Brew Nation together! 

Until next time—stay focused, stay faithful, and keep growing, Champions!  💪