05/27/24
How long does it take for a Chinese bamboo tree to grow to be 80 feet tall?
Let’s start from the beginning.
You plant the seed.
You water the seed and do your best to keep it at the right temperature.
You do this for a full year.
Nothing happens.
No tree, just dirt.
The second year you continue to nurture the seed with water and care.
After 2 years…
Nothing happens.
No tree, just dirt.
It’s now been 3 years and you are diligent, caring for the seed with tenacity.
After 3 years…
Nothing happens.
No tree, just dirt.
You’re now in the 4th year, and your friends and family are questioning what you’re doing.
Some laugh at you.
A few of them tell you to quit.
Others think you’re crazy.
You continue caring for the seed.
After 4 years…
Nothing happens.
No tree, just dirt.
It’s the 5th year, and you’re growing tired.
You’re about to give up.
You’ve worked so hard to nurture this seed, watering it constantly, and…
Wait…
You see something.
A sprout!
You can’t believe it.
Strangers come by and see the sprout, and they get curious as to how long it will take to grow.
What happens next takes your breath away.
Within 6 weeks…
The tree grows 80 feet tall!
So…
How long does it take for a Chinese bamboo tree to grow to be 80 feet tall?
The strangers who saw the sprout say to you…
“It only took 6 weeks! Wow, you’re really lucky.”
But in your heart…
You know the truth.
It was 5 years of being consistent…
Overcoming adversity…
Staying resilient…
That led to this tree growing to be 80 feet tall.
My friend…
Whatever journey you’re embarking on…
Realize that seeking immediate gratification is a surefire way to give up too soon.
You need to show grit…
Determination…
And have TRUST in yourself and what you’re doing.
It WILL take time.
It HAS to take time.
Doubters will question you…
They will laugh at you…
They will only see the dirt on the ground.
But you know the roots below the surface are growing.
And sooner or later…
You’ll all be looking up at a wondrous, magnificent, 80-foot tree.
Rooting for you,
Jay (encouraging you to never, ever quit)