The Bamboo Tree Theory

Sheil Gandhi

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Published: June 30, 2025 at 08:04 PM

"The ability to do what you want, when you want, for as long as you want, has an infinite ROI." — Morgan Housel

What I want to do is be the best. When do I want it? Immediately. That’s not how success works. This was my attitude as an 18-year-old. Unfortunately, I was nowhere near right. I’m 24 years old now, and I am still not close. At 19, I decided to give everything to self-improvement. I developed several meaningful habits, like journaling and reading. I tried meditation and a whole heap of things. Habit chaining led to my physical transformation. My actions have made me who I am. These are the sorts of things I want to do indefinitely. But what does all this look like below the surface?

The Bamboo Tree Theory is an old Chinese metaphor. Bamboo grows underground for four years, without visible progress. In the fifth year, it looks like overnight success. I am now into my fifth year of personal development, and it’s only now that I am seeing the success. I scored my first century in 7 years. I am living in a new country after a nightmare first attempt. Finally, most importantly, I feel like my true self again. Those who saw the work probably thought I was insane until they saw the results.

What seems and feels like catharsis is, in fact, years of unseen growth and determination. There was no digging up the roots to see the progress. It is the trust in the process. To love that process and do it repeatedly has an infinite ROI. That’s the beauty of the Bamboo Tree Theory.

The question remains: how can I plant my seed to test the theory? My suggestion is to start a new habit. Whether it be going to the gym, training, reading, journaling, or whatever your heart desires, start the habit today. Once the seed is planted and the root starts to grow, once you have developed your first new habit, habit chaining can start to form. Agency, Freedom, and Determination are all you need to plant, grow, and nurture your Bamboo Tree.