The Chinese bamboo
L
eonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa. when he was 50 years old. Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross when she was 59. George Bernard Shaw wrote his famous drama, Saint Joan, when he was 67. Cervantes completed Don Quixote when he was almost 70. Will Durant sold a series of television programs when he was in his 90's. And who knows, maybe you'll complete your greatest achievement when you're 100!
Some people resemble desert grass in springtime; they flourish overnight. Mozart composed his first symphony when he was eight years old. But others and perhaps you or someone you know belongs to this group require many years of preparation before they tap their potential. These people resemble the moso-a Chinese bamboo plant.
When a farmer plants a moso, he can take care of it for an entire year watering, weeding and fertilizing, and not see any signs of growth. He can continue pampering his moso for another year and still not see any growth. It can go on like this for up to FIVE YEARS, after which time the moso will finally burst through the soil and within six weeks become a towering 90-foot Chinese bamboo plant! That's the height of a nine-story office building!
All those years when the farmer saw no growth above the ground, the moso was spreading its root system - miles of roots - getting ready! And that's the way many people are. They need lots of time to get ready!
Perhaps you've been frustrated with yourself for not improving as quickly as you'd like to for not getting that promotion, or breaking 90 on the golf course. Perhaps you've been annoyed or frustrated with your spouse, or your children, an employee or friend, for not accomplishing something as fast you thought they should. Have patience! Spreading roots and clearing one's thoughts of debilitating fears and doubts might take a while, but eventually there will be improvement. And when it occurs, it could be as sudden and dramatic as the growth of the Chinese bamboo!
Here's what you can do: Be expectant, but keep your expectations realistic - for yourself and others. Have faith. Know that every step you take will eventually have meaning, and will gradually move you towards your destiny. And when doubts creep in, remember the amazing Chinese bamboo plant
One of the most highly respected and sought-after keynote speakers and sales trainers in North America, as well as an Idea Consultant and Executive Speech Coach for some of the world's leading businesses. Joel is the only speaker to have earned all four of the highest honors in the speaking profession, the Golden Gavel, "for his profound impact on corporate America," the coveted Communication & Leadership Award, induction into the Speakers Hall of Fame, and in 2006 he was named Legend of the Speaking Profession.
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