In this powerful message, Purpose Coach Bailey Orenia explains why changing your environment isn’t the answer to personal growth. Instead, developing deep spiritual roots through consistent discipline is what truly transforms your life. Learn the three-part “Root System Check” that will help you thrive regardless of your circumstances. Discover how daily spiritual practice, emotional self-regulation, and consistent habits create the foundation for lasting change. Stop looking for new soil and start deepening your roots!

Have you ever looked at your life and thought, “If I could just change my job, start a new relationship, move to a new city… then I’d be good”?

I’ve been there, done that, got the T-shirt! I was always looking for the next new thing, convinced that a change of scenery would change me. But as the adage says, “Wherever you go, there you are.”
The truth is, it’s not always where you’re planted that matters—it’s how deep your roots go.

The Biblical Foundation for Disciplined Growth

In Proverbs 12:3, we’re reminded that “the righteous cannot be uprooted.” Think about that. When you’re rooted in godly discipline—consistent prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word—you’re developing your root system. No storm, no drought, and no hardship can uproot you. You stand firm.

Most people want to transplant themselves to greener pastures (just like that ex who thought the grass was greener on the other side). But they forget that transformative growth happens beneath the surface.

Jesus knew this, which is why He shared the parable of the sower in Matthew 13. In this parable, the same seeds fell on different soil—the path, rocky ground, thorny ground, and good soil—but only the seeds in good soil produced a harvest. The environment wasn’t the problem; the preparation of the soil was.

How Discipline Creates a Fulfilling Life

Here’s how it works: Discipline prepares you for spiritual growth, which leads to better life choices, leading to a more fulfilling life.

Psalm 1 says that a person is “like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.” Notice it doesn’t say the tree keeps moving from place to place looking for better conditions. It’s a tree with access to resources because its roots go so deep that it grows even in dry seasons.

God often uses our current circumstances as our training ground. Sometimes you just have to stay and do the work.

The Real-Life Application

Think about having a difficult job that you must stay in for years because you have bills to pay. Instead of quitting, you:
Stay prayed up before going to work, journal and write down all your lessons (including things you want to say to your boss but can’t), and find yourself a mentor.

When you eventually are blessed with a new opportunity, you’ll be stronger, more qualified, and an example for others. The discipline you learn in this season will be more valuable than any change in environment.

The Root System Check: Three Areas to Develop Discipline

To help you get practical, here’s what I call the Root System Check—three areas to develop discipline that will strengthen your foundation, no matter where you’re planted:

1. Commit to Daily Spiritual Growth
This isn’t complicated—just 15 minutes with your Bible and journal. But here’s the key: same time, same place, every day. Your consistency with God builds your roots.

2. Develop Emotional Self-Regulation
When feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or frustrated about your environment:
Name the emotion. Figure out where it’s coming from and why you feel that way Surrender it to God in prayer
Philippians 4:6-7 promises that “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Discipline isn’t just external actions; it’s also learning to tend to your inner self.

3. Identify One Consistent Habit
Implement one habit this week that will serve your growth. Maybe it’s 30 minutes walking in nature, drinking more water, or spending less time on social media. Start small, but be consistent.
Hebrews 12:11 reminds us that “no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.”

The 21-Day Challenge

My challenge to you: Commit to ONE discipline for 21 days—not 21 different things, but just one thing for 21 days. Write it down, share it with an accountability partner, and watch how your discipline begins to transform you.
Remember this, flowers don’t bloom just because the sun is out. They bloom because they’re rooted.
Your roots determine your fruits. The depth of your discipline today will determine the heights of your growth tomorrow. So stay planted, stay disciplined, and trust that God who began work in you will be faithful to complete it.

What one discipline will you commit to for the next 21 days? Share in the comments below!

About Bailey Orenia

With 20+ years as an entrepreneur and communications maverick, Bailey has empowered thousands through her unique blend of wisdom and relatability.

As an former XM Radio Host and BET.com pioneer, Bailey’s insights have been featured in The Washington Post, NBC, VISTAS Magazine, and more.

As author of “Life Been Lifing: Don’t Be Distracted from Your Purpose,” Bailey doesn’t just talk about purpose, she guides you through life’s chaos to find yours. Her no-nonsense approach cuts through the noise, offering clarity when you need it most.

Get Social With This Black Girl:

You May Also Like