THE HIDDEN ROOTS OF SUCCESS: WHAT PEOPLE SEE Vs. WHAT THEY DON’T SEE

 

Written by Joan Nakagwe 

🌳 The Tree Success: A Metaphor Explained

Introduction 

Most people admire the visible success of others—money, recognition, status— but they overlook the deep and often painful roots that nourish that success. 

We’ve all seen it: the person who seems to have it all. The seemingly “overnight success”  with a thriving career, a beautiful life, or an incredible achievement. We see the fruit on the tree—the success, the accolades, the recognition. But what we don’t often see is the part that lies hidden beneath the surface: the deep, intricate root system that provides the foundation for it all.

The image of the Success Tree is a powerful reminder that success is not a stroke of luck. It's the visible outcome of a complex and often challenging process that happens entirely out of public view. This blog would dive into each of the elements “underground” in the image and explain why they’re essential to real achievement.

Let’s dig into the part people don’t see. 

The Roots: The Foundation of Achievement 

The strength of any tree is determined by the depth and health of its roots. The same is true for success. The roots are the essential, non-negotiable elements you must cultivate to bear fruits.

1. Passion &Vision:  

Every journey begins with a spark. The roots of Passion and Vision are the fuel and the compass. Passion is the unwavering emotional drive that keeps you going when things get tough. Vision is the clear, compelling picture of the future you are fighting for. Together, they provide the purpose and direction for all your efforts.

2. Hard work & Time:

There's no substitute for effort and patience. The roots of Hard Work and Time remind us that success requires consistent, disciplined action. It’s about putting in the hours, doing the work when no one is watching, and understanding that greatness is a long-term investment, not a quick fix.

3. Sacrifice & Drive:

A successful tree doesn't grow by itself; it requires nourishment. The roots of Sacrifice and Drive represent the things you have to give up to get what you want—your comfort, your leisure, and your instant gratification. Drive is the internal engine that keeps you pushing forward when external motivation runs out.

4. Perseverance & Energy:

The soil of life can be rocky. The roots of Perseverance and Energy are what anchor you when storms hit. Perseverance is the resilience to get back up after being knocked down. Energy is the vitality you must maintain to sustain your efforts, both physically and mentally.

5. Failure & Disappointment: 

This might be the most counterintuitive root of all. Success is not the absence of failure and disappointment; it's the result of learning from them. These roots represent the valuable lessons, the recalibrations, and the character-building experiences that come from not getting it right the first time. They teach you resilience and make your final victory even more meaningful.

6. Growth: 

The root of Growth is a beautiful paradox. It is both a component of the foundation and a part of the fruit. This root signifies the commitment to lifelong learning, self-improvement, and developing your skills. Just as a tree's roots grow deeper and wider, your own capacity for success expands with every new lesson learned.

The Part People See: Success 

The part people see is the beautiful tree—the success. They see the promotion, the wealth, the recognition, the finished project. They celebrate the accomplishment, which is deserved, but they often forget the intricate, unseen work that made it all possible.

The “secret” to success is right there in the roots. It's in the hard work, the resilience, the passion, and the unwavering belief in a vision. The next time you witness someone else’s success, take a moment to honor the roots that you don't see. And as you work on your own goals, remember that the most important work you do will always be the part that happens out of sight.

And the next time you admire someone’s success, Remember: it’s the part you didn’t see that made it possible.

💡Lesson: Success isn’t luck, it’s rooted in discipline.

Vist my YouTube channel to watch the video: https://youtu.be/ZVg4lzJyl6A?si=yaQf5z46ZeV2pJs9

Written by Joan Nakagwe