The Moso Bamboo plant is native of the Far East. It is grown commercially for use in the construction and furniture industries. However, for up to five years after the sapling bamboo has been planted, even in ideal conditions, there is almost no discernible development. The plant seemingly doesn’t grow. But then, after several years of preparation, the bamboo suddenly takes off, and grows at up to two and a half feet a day, every day, for up to six weeks until it eventually reaches its full height of ninety plus feet. Incredible growth! – But that picture doesn’t quite portray the real truth. You see, for the first five years the Moso bamboo was preparing itself in order to sustain its mighty rise to fame. For the first five years the Moso laid down its foundations with several miles of root system reaching far and wide into the earth. For the first five years the bamboo laid down a foundation that would, one day, support its mighty rise to fame. Our success in life is often comparable. If we are to rise and succeed, then we too must lay down a foundation and develop a root system of beliefs and experiences that will sustain us and prepare us so that we can handle future growth and success.

R. Ian Seymour

R. Ian Seymour, excerpt adapted from Maximize Your Potential