Have you ever looked at a tree and said, “That one is perfect”? Probably not. What we notice instead is that it is rooted, growing, and alive. Some branches twist. Some leaves fall early. Some bark peels. But still, it stands tall. It reaches for the light. It shows up, season after season. That is how nature works. It flourishes without being flawless. And here is the truth: You do not have to be perfect to matter. You just have to grow. Remember this:
- Perfection Delays Purpose
Many people wait to act because they feel they are not ready. They say:
- I will start when everything is in place.
- I will speak when I know exactly what to say.
- I will lead when I feel more confident.
But here is what farmers know: If you wait for perfect weather, you will never plant. Life is like a field. The conditions are never perfect. There is always wind, or too much rain, or not enough sun.
And yet, things grow. Keep in mind that “The seed that stays in the bag will never feed anyone.” So plant your ideas. Speak your truth. Take that step. Not because everything is perfect, but because you are ready to grow.
- Nature Is Beautiful Because It Is Real
Look at a wild garden. No plant is exactly the same. Some are tall. Some are bent. Some bloom early. Others take time. But together, they bring life, color, and beauty. What if you stopped trying to look like the perfect version of someone else, and just grew like you? Ponder this: The sky never tells the tree how to grow. It just gives it light. Let go of comparison. You were not made to copy. You were made to contribute.
- People Follow the Real, Not the Perfect
We often think we need to be impressive to be accepted. But people do not trust what looks perfect. They trust what feels real. Think about it: Would you rather follow someone who pretends to know everything or someone who admits their mistakes and keeps learning?
Keep in mind that: You do not connect through perfection. You connect through honesty. When you share your real journey, your struggles, your growth, your lessons, you become relatable. And that builds trust. That builds teams. That builds community.
- Growth Happens in All Seasons
Sometimes growth is fast. Sometimes it is slow. Sometimes you feel stuck, but deep inside, your roots are getting stronger. Just like the seed that grows underground before it ever breaks the surface, your progress is still real, even when it is not visible.
Do not forget: The fruit takes time, but the seed matters from day one.
- So keep going.
- Even when it is quiet.
- Even when it is messy.
- Even when no one sees.
Because growth is not about showing off. Growth is about showing up.
Remember: Be Like the Tree
You do not need to be perfect.
You just need to keep growing.
Be like the tree that:
- Bends, but does not break.
- Loses leaves but finds strength.
- Stands tall, even with a few cracks in the bark.
It is not the straight tree that gives the best shade, it is the one that has stood through many seasons. So today, give yourself permission to show up fully as you are. Imperfect. Honest. Growing. And that will always be enough.
Salamane Yameogo,
Empowering Human Potential.
