The Strength in the Struggle

Back in the late 1980’s, scientists constructed a closed ecological facility in Arizona called Biosphere 2. Various representative “biomes” were created in a controlled, optimum environment – including a rainforest, a wetland, a savannah, a sea and a desert. In effect, a miniature version of our planet.

The biomes flourished. Trees grew much more quickly than they did in the wild. But then a strange thing happened. The trees started collapsing under their own weight, before they were of reproductive age. Scientists were puzzled. Why were the Biosphere 2 trees such pushovers?

he answer was eventually discovered: no wind.

It turns out that wind stresses and strengthens the root systems and load- bearing structure of trees. Trees grow something called “reaction wood” or “stress wood” when subjected to high winds, which is critical to their ability to survive wear and tear, and manoeuvre towards the best light.

So it is with our careers. Could it be that the challenges you are facing today are precisely what you need to flourish and succeed tomorrow?

Trials and tribulations must come. You are wise if you can meet them at the door, smiling, and welcome them in.