Redwood trees are the tallest of all trees, growing to almost 400' tall. Instead of the incredibly deep root system you might expect, redwoods have an extremely shallow root system, which is at times only 12' deep. How can a 400' tree with a 12' root system stand up to the wind? Although they are shallow, the roots of the redwood grow extremely wide. And yet, as wide as the roots are, they still should not be able to support a 400' tree. So how do they reach such incredible heights?

If you have ever been to or seen a redwood forest, you know that the trees grow very close to each other. Growing close together means that each tree's wide root system intertwines with the root systems of the other trees. By growing close together they become part of a huge root system that is able to support every tree's amazing height. Redwoods reach their incredible height because they grow in a redwood forest. Only redwoods have the strength to support other redwoods.

Humans grow the same way. Only when you are surrounded by people who have and understand your potential will you achieve your greatest success. To use more of your potential, you need a "forest of people" growing with you. The more "redwoods" you surround yourself with, the greater your success will be. You may have reached 100' last year, however by adding new people around you this year you may reach 200'. The stronger the people in your forest, the stronger you will be. You have reached your current height partly because of the "trees" around you. As you add more "redwoods" to your personal forest, you will grow even taller.

To be a "redwood" is not to say that someone is exactly like you, or that they have the exact same skills and abilities as you. To be a redwood is to have a certain awareness, attitude, or mindset. Other people who are redwoods are those people who think like you do -- they share your mentality and approach to life.

During your lifetime, the "trees" in your personal forest will certainly change. Some of those who grew with you in the past may not have the potential to grow to your new heights. Just as it's important for them to respect your greatness, it's important for you to respect theirs as well. As you grow ever taller, you may need to make some adjustments with regard to those growing with you. Asking an apple tree to support a redwood is unfair to the apple tree. Make sure those you ask to grow with you have your capabilities as well.

Remember, redwoods that grow in an apple orchard may be "branches and limbs" above the apple trees, however their growth will be much less dramatic than if they were with other redwoods.

If you sometimes feel like dead wood is the only thing that will grow is in your personal forest, remember you can make the choice to be in a different forest!

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