I heard a simple but powerful idea recently: every tree has to grow in two directions at the same time.
Above ground, it reaches for the sky – stretching taller, spreading its branches, chasing sunlight and growth. But at the exact same time, it drives its roots deep into the earth, searching for stability, water, and strength. One cannot happen without the other. No height without depth. No expansion without a strong foundation.
This idea has been sitting with me.
In life, we often want the visible growth – the new projects, the bigger opportunities, the recognition, the success. We focus on building higher and faster. But real, sustainable growth always demands that we also grow downward: developing stronger character, deeper roots, better systems, and more patience.
When I started People Properties Limited in Halifax, I was mostly focused on the “above ground” part – doing renovations, adding value, pushing projects forward. Over time I realized the most important work was happening below the surface. Building trust in the community. Learning from mistakes. Creating solid processes. Strengthening relationships with contractors, partners, and the city. Developing the discipline to say no to the wrong opportunities so we could say yes to the right ones.
The taller we want to build – whether in business, career, or personal life — the deeper our roots need to go.
This is especially true in real estate development here in Nova Scotia. You can put up a beautiful building, but if the foundation isn’t solid, it will eventually show. The same applies to people. You can chase quick wins and flashy growth, but without strong values, emotional resilience, and real competence, that growth becomes fragile.
So the question I’ve been asking myself lately is this:
Where in my life am I growing upward right now? And where do I need to quietly grow my roots deeper?
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is pause the visible hustle and focus on strengthening what holds you up — your health, your knowledge, your team, your integrity, your family. Those roots are what allow you to weather storms and support bigger branches later.
The trees understand this balance instinctively. We have to learn it intentionally.
If you’re reading this and feeling the pressure to only grow upward — more revenue, more projects, more status – I encourage you to also ask: Are my roots deep enough for where I want to go?
Because the tallest trees in Halifax’s Point Pleasant Park or the strong old oaks in the Annapolis Valley didn’t get there by only reaching for the sky. They got there by growing in two directions at once.
And so should we.
– Neyaz Saberi.