For my birthday recently, Alissa gave me an amazing first publication of Henry David Thoreau’s last manuscript, Faith in a Seed, with insightful wisdom and observations clarifying the mystery of the origin of trees. Mother Nature plants a minuscule seed that from its inception contains all its goals, survival intentions and instincts, identity, and future structure. From the simple nourishment of soil, water, sunshine, and air and the addition of time, will spring a fast-growing aromatic Bay tree, a loyal oak, a gentle willow or bold cypress. And like us, trees have personalities, they have resilience, they communicate amongst themselves, and actually communicate to any who will listen. And each has its own growth goals, a predetermined speed of attainment and solutions for challenges, like fire, floods, drought and wind. We would have no forests without these attributes.
In today’s business community, ‘growth’ has become an interesting and omnipresent challenge and to some their end-game. An idea is formed and planted and depending on its unique goals and environment, it will sprout and grow or pass back into the thought chain.
But the business originator, like a seed of a tree, can be affected by those who have their own goals for the growth, from advisors to investors and even team members. Some want accelerated growth that may endanger the structure and viability. Some may recommend expensive and extensive marketing before the supply lines are established. Like an over-watered tree, there will be the destruction of the roots and core causing it to tumble and become mulch. Some founders, investors and advisors help support companies to be able to grow strong, deep roots that then enable them to grow and flourish.
In truth, I have learned from both business owners, investors and advisors who maintain their personal integrity and also from ancient redwood trees, that every living entity has their own goal for growth. Of course, there needs to be nourishment, encouragement, some pruning, wisdom and exchange, but like trees, not all businesses need to grow huge, fast. It is essential to decide what growth means to you, what you want to accomplish when you plant your idea and how you want it to grow. And when you do accomplish that goal, be joyful. And if you need support in reaching your growth goal, call us. And find a tree you admire and listen to its wisdom.
Gillian Christie