“The seed of a bamboo tree is planted, fertilized and watered. Nothing happens for the first year. There´s no sign of growth. Not even a hint. The tree is carefully watered and fertilized each year, but nothing shows. No growth. No anything. For eight years it can continue. Eight years! Then – after the eighth year, it suddenly shoots up to a height of ninety feet in only six weeks. Imagine! Eight years of nourishment and care, and seemingly no result. But then in six weeks, it grows ninety feet. The wonder of this kind of growth and the secret to the tree´s success, of course, lies in its unseen, underground foundation and its massive root structure. Success that shows up visibly to the outside world is always the result of much unseen growth and preparation and labor beneath the surface.”
Zig Ziglar was an American author, salesman, and motivational speaker known for his inspirational messages on achieving success in life and business. He authored numerous self-help books, with “See You at the Top” being one of his most popular works.