Feel Like a Tree, Think Like a Farmer: 13 Lessons for Personal Growth and Sustainable Leadership

When I look through the window of my remote work office, I see a lot of trees. Trees have always been a source of fascination and inspiration for me. There's something deeply soothing about their presence, something that calms my mind and provides a refreshing clarity to my thoughts. As I watch the marang, rambutan, and guyabano trees swaying gently in the tropical breeze, I feel a profound sense of connection and gratitude. Their existence, their silent strength, and their quiet generosity offer lessons that resonate deeply with me.

The more I grow, the more I realize the lessons the trees are silently teaching us:

1. The Purpose of Being: Trees, in their simple existence, provide immense benefits to others. They produce oxygen, reduce carbon dioxide, lower temperatures, offer shade, bear fruit, and provide habitats for countless creatures. They don't strive for recognition or accolades. They simply are what they are. This teaches us the value of presence and the silent, often unnoticed impact we can have on the world around us.
2. Self-Sufficiency and Generosity: Trees accumulate only what they need for self-preservation and the sustenance of future generations. They don't hoard resources beyond their requirements. This reminds us to seek balance in our lives, to gather what we need without excess, and to share our abundance generously.
3. Adaptability: Trees grow continuously but adapt to resource scarcity. In times of drought, they shed leaves to conserve water, focusing on survival with available resources. This teaches us resilience and the importance of letting go of excess when necessary, adapting to life's challenges without losing our core strength.
4. Letting Go: Trees produce fruit, and when the time comes, they let them fall. They don’t cling to their produce, understanding the natural cycle of growth and release. This encourages us to let go of our creations, our achievements, and our possessions when the time is right, allowing for renewal and new growth.
5. Natural Growth: Trees grow towards the sky and root deeply into the ground, unaffected by external expectations. They stand tall and grounded, symbolizing the balance of ambition and stability. This inspires us to pursue our goals while staying rooted in our values and principles.
6. Humility: Trees bend to the wind and bow under the weight of their fruit, displaying humility. They don't break under pressure; instead, they adapt and show grace. This humility teaches us to remain flexible and humble, acknowledging our strengths and limitations.

So, what are the lessons here for you to be your best authentic self? And if you are a leader helping people grow like trees, what would you do? While we can try to be deep rooted and grounded like a tree and silently touch millions of lives around us with our benevolent existence, for supporting ourselves and others further we can think like a farmer. Here are the lessons from a farmer that strike me:

1. Patience and Nurturing: Just as farmers don’t shout at crops to grow faster, we shouldn't rush our own growth or that of others. Growth takes time, and nurturing requires patience and care.
2. Understanding and Support: Instead of blaming crops for slow growth, farmers assess the environment and provide what’s needed. Similarly, we should support ourselves and others, understanding that growth happens at different rates and under different conditions for different people.
3. Respecting Natural Processes: Farmers don’t uproot crops prematurely. We must respect the natural timing of our development and that of those we lead, allowing roots to grow deep before expecting significant progress.
4. Creating a Nurturing Environment: Just as farmers choose the seeds according to the soil and prepare the soil for the best results, we should seek and create environments conducive to growth—places where we and those around us can thrive.
5. Consistent Care: Farmers irrigate and fertilize crops regularly. We too must consistently invest in our growth and the growth of others through education, encouragement, and support.
6. Weeding Out Negativity: Farmers remove weeds to protect crops. Similarly, we need to identify and eliminate negative influences and habits that hinder our progress.
7. Acceptance and Preparation: Farmers know that there will be good and bad seasons, factors beyond their control. We must accept life’s unpredictability, preparing for challenges while making the most of opportunities.

By feeling like a tree and thinking like a farmer, we can cultivate a balanced, resilient, and nurturing approach to life and leadership. Trees teach us to be grounded, generous, and adaptive, while farming reminds us of the importance of patience, care, and understanding. Together, these lessons guide us to grow authentically and help others flourish alongside us.

Hasibul Haque, MA, MPS, PhD is a leading social entrepreneur and a Facilitator for Global Access to Medicines, Sustainable Leadership Development, and Greener Economy