Hey Fam!
Imagine planting a seed with no idea of when—or if—it will sprout. You water it daily, tend to the soil, and protect it from the elements. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and still…nothing. Most of us would lose hope, but not the farmer who plants the Chinese bamboo tree.
This tree is special. For five years, it shows no visible growth above the ground. Not an inch. But beneath the surface, its roots are forming, growing strong enough to support the towering growth to come. Then, in its fifth year, it shoots up to 90 feet in just six weeks.
Here’s the question: Did the tree grow 90 feet in six weeks, or five years?
The answer is obvious—growth takes time, even when you can’t see it.
Your Growth Is Like the Bamboo Tree
In life, it’s easy to feel like you’re working hard without seeing results. Whether you’re studying for exams, learning a new skill, building a career, or working on yourself, progress can feel invisible.
But just like the Chinese bamboo tree, the work you’re doing now is laying the foundation for exponential growth. Those roots—the habits, discipline, and knowledge you’re cultivating—are essential for supporting your future success.
I see this in my life as a resident all the time. Day to day, it’s easy to feel like I’m just getting by—learning bits and pieces, handling cases, and trying to keep up with the demands of this intense training. But then I look back after completing a rotation, and I realize how much I’ve grown. My knowledge, confidence, and skills are all building steadily, even when it’s hard to appreciate in the moment. This has taught me to trust in the value of consistent effort, even when the results aren’t immediately visible.
This Week’s Reflection
Think about an area in your life where you feel like you’re not making progress. What’s one small action you can take daily to nurture it? Remember, every effort counts—even when it feels invisible. Your growth, just like the bamboo tree’s, is worth the wait. Keep tending to your dreams with patience and faith. When the time comes, your “six weeks” will astonish everyone—including yourself.
Did someone say free? đź‘€
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Thanks for investing in your growth. See you next week!
JR
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