Some of the most resilient trees in the world don’t grow in lush, perfect environments. They take root in wind-swept cliffs, dry deserts, and rocky terrain. Their strength doesn’t come in spite of hardship, it comes because of it. The deeper the challenge, the deeper the roots. The same is true in life and business: adversity isn’t just something to overcome, it’s an invitation to grow.

What Are You Growing Right Now?

Let me take you to my backyard for a minute. I’ve got these blackberry-like vines that are relentless. They grow through the azaleas, under the siding, even out of the drain spout. And when I put down barriers to stop them? They don’t quit—they pivot. They find another way to grow.

Sound familiar?

If you’ve been building your business or growing personally, you’ve likely chosen one area to intentionally develop. (If you haven’t already, take a look at our blog post Planting Healthy Roots for a great place to start.) Now is a great time to reflect:

• What healthy habits or mindsets have you been nurturing?

   

• Which old patterns have you chosen to let go of?

   

Even if you’re still in process, just taking time to evaluate your roots is progress in itself.

Reframing Adversity

Let’s go back to those vines. They don’t stop just because I try to pull them up. So why do we stop when life pulls at us?

We’re often conditioned to see adversity as a sign to slow down or back off. But what if resistance was actually a signal to press in?

Think of resistance bands in a workout. You might be able to do 50 pushups, but add some tension and now you’re building even more strength. The same principle applies in leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

Adversity isn’t the enemy. It’s resistance that promotes strength.

Deep Roots Weather the Storm

If you’ve ever seen a tree survive a storm while others around it fall, you can bet its roots played a major role. Strong roots:

• Anchor you when circumstances shake

   

• Absorb what you need for growth

   

• Store energy for tougher seasons

   

• Adapt to change

   

• Stabilize everything around you

   

So, ask yourself: How are your roots responding to adversity right now?

Check Your Soil

Of course, even healthy roots won’t thrive in toxic soil. Your “soil” is your environment: your routines, relationships, mindset, and emotional well-being.

Reflect on this:

• Is your current environment feeding you or draining you?

   

• Are you trying to grow in a place that’s toxic or unbalanced?

   

• What’s one way you could enrich your soil this week?

   

A simple shift in your daily routine, a boundary in a draining relationship, or a new habit that supports your focus could change everything.

Three Strategies to Grow Through Resistance

1. Stay Consistent
   Growth doesn’t require giant leaps. It requires showing up.
   Ask yourself:

• Where am I already consistent?

   

• How can I build momentum from here?

   

Maybe the problem isn’t your effort, it’s your expectations. Start where you are, not where you think you should be.

2. Push Your Limits
   This doesn’t mean hustle harder or burn out. It means stretch or pivot.
   Try this:

• What’s one step just outside your comfort zone?

   

• What’s your “medium weight” version of growth?

   

Don’t leap. Just move.

3. Measure What Matters
   If you can’t see your progress, you’ll likely undervalue it.
   Define your metrics:

• What’s your personal KPI (key performance indicator)?

   

• How will you track what matters most?

   

True success shows up in the small, intentional actions that align with your bigger vision.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Roots

Let’s take an honest inventory and wrap up this evaluation with the following:

Healthy Roots to Nurture:

• Daily routines that recharge your energy

   

• Life-giving relationships

   

• A grounded mindset rooted in purpose

   

Unhealthy Roots to Remove:

• Beliefs that limit you

   

• Habits that waste your energy

   

• Relationships that deplete rather than nourish

   

The formula is simple:
Healthy roots + strong soil = resilience in adversity.

Final Reflection: Where Is Resistance a Gift?

As you move through this month try viewing adversity as a gift, not a burden.

What’s stretching you right now? What resistance is actually refining your focus, expanding your capacity, or deepening your foundation?

Because here’s the truth:
If you’re committed to real growth, in life or in business, adversity doesn’t just reveal your roots.
It strengthens them.

Keywords for SEO (naturally embedded):

business growth strategy, personal development, healthy mindset, overcoming adversity, consistent habits, measuring success, root evaluation, resilience in business, growth mindset, professional development plan