Weathering Life's Storms: Growing Your Inner Tree-Like Resilience

This little tree is weathering storms, winters, and draughts – a masterpiece in resilience created by nature. While it enjoys a room with a view on that rock, I'd say that its growth prospects are somewhat limited by the lack of deep roots. We will get to that in a moment.

When it comes to resilience, few things in nature embody this trait as much as trees. With their ability to withstand high winds, extreme temperatures, and even forest fires, trees are the ultimate symbol of steadfastness and durability. But what exactly makes trees so resilient, and what can we learn from them to apply to our work environment?

First, let's take a look at the flexibility of certain tree types. Willows, for example, are known for their ability to bend and sway in strong winds. This flexibility allows them to withstand heavy gusts without snapping or breaking.

• At your work, which battles are worth picking and when is it better to accept and adapt?
• How can you become more mentally flexible to adapt to unexpected challenges?

Another tree type known for its resilience in adverse conditions is the oak tree. Oaks are incredibly strong and sturdy, able to hold up under the weight of heavy snow and ice.

• In which situations should you remain assertive and strong?
• How do you know when staying strong and resilient pays off?
• What are your deep roots that allow you to be strong and grounded, even if

But what about trees that embody both, flexibility and strength? My favorite is the bamboo. Bamboo is hardwood and incredibly strong, which is why we have used it when building our bookshelf in our living room. Even when loaded for many years, the shelf will not bend to the weight of books.

At the same time, bamboo is highly flexible, so it is used for over 1'500 years as scaffolding for buildings, even for buildings that are 25 stories high.

Being both flexible and strong like bamboo is a supreme discipline for every leader:

• How do you notice whether it is time to be strong or flexible?
• How can you develop both strength and flexibility in your leadership? Think in terms of mental, physical, relationships.

Personally, I have established a daily Yoga routine to build my physical strength and flexibility. Paragliding is a great teacher to stay strongly committed to your goals but flexible in your approach to reaching them. Winds, thermals, clouds, and thunderstorms may make your initial plan unflyable. But often, there is a workaround. Sounds like life at the office? It is!

How would it feel to be surrounded by a team of strong and flexible leaders? Or, grow more assertive and strong, yet flexible yourself? Drop me a line and I or anyone from the ONEDAY team is happy to hop on a call to find an individual outdoor solution that's just right for you.

If you know anyone who would benefit from this article, why not share it?

Climb your peaks,

Oliver

Sources:

https://www.labc.co.uk/news/hong-kongs-heritage-bamboo-scaffolding