The story of The Chinese Bamboo Tree – Pathway to Middle class Financial Independence

Like any plant, growth of the Chinese Bamboo Tree requires nurturing – water, fertile soil, sunshine. In its first year, we see no visible signs of activity. In the second year, again, just little growth above the soil. The third year, still little growth. Our patience is tested and we begin to wonder if our efforts (caring, water, etc.) will ever be rewarded.

And finally in the fifth year you continue to water and fertilize the soil and then---take note. Sometime during the fifth year, the Chinese bamboo tree sprouts and grows NINETY FEET IN SIX WEEKS!!!

The Chinese Bamboo Tree is a perfect analogy to our own Personal Middle-Class financial Independence journey. It is never easy. It is slow to show any progress. It is frustrating and unrewarding at times. But it is worth it….especially if we can be patient and persistent. Stay focused and continue to believe in what we are doing even when we don’t see immediate results? In a culture driven by instant gratification – this is our biggest challenge. Remember to “Keep trying! and NEVER give up!” The change may be slow – even invisible at times – but suddenly, as in the case of the bamboo, we will surprise ourselves.

My personal experience the first 2 to 3 years towards Financial independence was really slow because even though I decided to pursue Financial Independence I still had to change my Money Mindset, Habits, Renew and retrain my brain towards Financial Independence mentality. To do this I read hundreds of books on Personal Finance and listened to hundreds of Financial Podcasts on a daily basis. By doing this my confidence, determination, focus, resiliency and grit grew stronger and stronger and this enabled me to keep going.

The Journey towards Middle class Financial Independence is a 10 to 12 years journey but you can achieve a Position of Financial Strength at the 4 to 5th year mark. Half Financial independence can be achieved at the 5th year and this position of financial strength will accompany you throughout the rest of the journey and to me this is physiologically liberating and powerful!

Just Imagine at Half Financial Independence you can:

1) Do a very well-funded career change

2) Have this Huge FU Money (aka F-You Money ) giving you greater Financial Peace and security

3) Take a Mini sabbatical

4) License to take Risks at Work

5) Freedom to Pursue Entrepreneurial Ventures

6) Stop worrying about losing your job through Downsizing, lay-offs and corporate politics and start enjoying your job a lot more.

7) Have greater Happiness and Satisfaction knowing that you are progressively achieving this worthwhile goal of Financial Independence.

8) At this Half way point to Middle class Financial Independence you can have a sense of Certainty and Positive Knowing that your Financial Success is Inevitable.

Remember to always have a Long Time Perspective. Do not Over Estimate what you can do in 1 year. Do not Underestimate what you can do in 3 years. Just Imagine and be Amazed in what you can do in 5 Years!