The Bonsai Tree and the Blank Page: A Writer's Exercise in Consistency
How planting bonsai trees is teaching me patience and persistence
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." — Aristotle
Three weeks ago, on a rainy morning, I did two seemingly unrelated things: I joined Substack, leaving Medium and LinkedIn behind, and planted four bonsai trees. Both acts symbolized my renewed commitment to patience, persistence, and faith. Historically, my approach to writing has mirrored a sprinter’s rhythm—writing passionately when inspiration struck and halting abruptly when it faded. I now realize this mindset must change. Without cultivating patience and steady persistence, I risk carrying my unwritten words to the graveyard for their final resting place.
I was told:
Expect three months before you see your bonsai saplings.
Expect three months before earning your first dollar on Substack.
The symbolism between the bonsai trees and my writing wasn’t lost on me. Both activities demanded discipline, steady commitment, and consistent nurturing. So far (three weeks), both have developed into a more mindful practice than a project to complete. Imbuing my daily routine with discipline and serenity. I can feel the detachment from the results taking root as my attention is on the process, not the outcome.
On paper, three months seems reasonable. In practice, that is daunting for me. My second book, “Dear Hunter” was written and published in 45 days. I tend to work manically on projects, and then once complete, my car comes to a screeching halt until my tank is filled with motivation some number of weeks, months, or years later.
I named these bonsai trees to embody my core values: Kindness, Bravery, Curiosity, and Persistence—the virtues I emphasize to my son each morning as I drop him off at school. Like my bonsai trees, each principle requires daily attention and intentional actions for meaningful growth.
These virtues don’t spontaneously materialize—they grow incrementally through practice and consistent effort. Kindness, for instance, is nurtured through daily interactions and empathy. Bravery is developed through regularly confronting fears. Curiosity grows from asking questions daily, and Persistence is strengthened by maintaining effort even when success seems distant.
Consider the incredible persistence of J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series. Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a manuscript, only to face rejection repeatedly - dozens of time with her first manuscript. Each rejection letter must have been like a small wound, yet Rowling continued submitting—again and again. Each rejection letter could have been the end, yet she persisted. Her commitment yielded a global phenomenon twelve rejections later—a testament to the power of persistence.
Another powerful example is Thomas Edison, whose invention of the electric lightbulb came after thousands of unsuccessful attempts. Edison famously remarked, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Each "failure" was another step forward—incremental progress toward monumental success.
Reflecting on my Navy career, I recall similar lessons in incremental growth. The daily study, repetitive drills, and rigorous attention to detail transformed ordinary activities into habits essential for high performance. Sudden breakthroughs didn’t define my career progression from novice to expert; rather, each incremental improvement built toward lasting capability. Yet, despite these Navy lessons, my natural inclination outside the military has been that of a sprinter—favoring quick results over sustained effort. This has limited my long-term progress toward becoming a full-time professional writer.
Recognizing this limitation, 2025 is the year I fully commit to the marathon mentality.
My first dollar earned on Substack, or the first bonsai sapling emerging, won't represent ultimate "success." Rather, they will serve as initial evidence of disciplined effort paying off—milestones, not destinations. True success requires continued effort beyond initial victories. It means persisting through the inevitable periods of slow growth, invisible progress, and delayed rewards. In our culture of instant gratification, embracing patient discipline is difficult but necessary.
Today, as I water my bonsai trees and dedicate time to my writing, I understand more deeply that realizing my dreams demands quiet persistence. Each small step, taken with mindful care and deliberate consistency, is another stride on the marathon toward meaningful, sustainable success.
"It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer." — Albert Einstein
Matt DiGeronimo is a writer, thinker, and leadership strategist who simplifies the complex and challenges conventional wisdom. Please message me for public speaking or collaboration opportunities.
really inspirational.