Business Quest 
By Dilip Pal;
Picture a tall coconut tree, its trunk rising high and crowned with a bunch of coconuts, admired by all who see it. Yet, beneath the surface lies a maze of roots, spreading far and wide, digging deep into the earth, anchoring the tree to its very core.
This complex network, unseen and often forgotten, is the foundation on which the tree thrives. Consider what comes to mind when we see an uprooted tree after a storm or heavy rain.
The tree’s roots could not withstand the force of the wind. In other words, the roots were not strong enough to keep the tree grounded. On the other hand, when we see a tree standing tall after a storm, we recognize the strength and resilience of its roots. Despite the harsh winds and heavy rain, the roots held firm, anchoring the tree and allowing it to endure the storm’s fury.
This scenario reminds us of the unseen strength and stability that a robust root system provides, enabling the tree to thrive even in the face of adversity. Similarly, in life too we have two different systems – the root system and the fruit system. The root system is the hard work, the effort and the dedication that we need to succeed. It is the time we spend to improve our skills, the things we give up to follow our goals and the strength to face life’s challenges.
Like the roots of a tree, this base is very important, but often ignored, because people only see the fruit that it produces.
The fruit system is the results, the things that we can show for our work – the awards, the achievements and the praise that we get for our journey.
It is the fruits of our work, shining in the sun, making others impressed by what we have done. While the fruit system may garner applause and admiration, it is but a fleeting glimpse of the true essence of success.
In drawing parallels between the tree’s journey and our own, we uncover profound insights into the nature of achievement. Just as a tree must first establish its roots before it can bear fruit, so too must we invest in the foundational elements of our endeavors – the discipline, the persistence and the unwavering commitment to our goals.
It is through the nurturing of our root system that we lay the groundwork for sustainable success, ensuring that our endeavors stand the test of time.
Moreover, embracing the interdependent relationship between the root and fruit systems allows us to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the journey itself. Success is not merely the destination but rather the culmination of a lifetime of dedication and growth.
Just as the tree finds fulfillment in the nourishment of its roots, so too do we find fulfillment in the pursuit of our passions, regardless of the outcomes they yield. It is the work that you do in the dark, amidst difficulties and dampness, that makes the work you do in the light possible.
Everyone proclaims to be part of the fruit system, but if you are unwilling to grow down, you cannot grow up.The narrative of the root and fruit systems serves as an important reminder of the intrinsic value of perseverance and diligence in the pursuit of our dreams. It urges us to embrace the process, to nurture our roots and to trust in the transformative power of growth.
For it is in the depths of our pursuits that we discover the true essence of success – the beauty of a life well-lived, anchored firmly in the soil of our aspirations and graced with the fruits of our labor.
The Author is the Chief Financial Officer at Safaricom Plc
