Every tree has a central trunk. This trunk eventually splits into branches. 

Some trees, like the pine tree, will maintain a strong central trunk throughout and very weak side branches, with a goal of growing as tall as possible to get more sunlight. It focuses all of its nutrients towards strengthening this central trunk. This strategy is known as an excurrent growth pattern.

Other trees, like the maple tree, also start off with a strong central trunk, though it splits off into multiple trunks relatively early. The goal is to grow as widely as possible to get more sunlight. It needs to split its nutrients toward nurturing each of these strong, split, branches. This is known as the decurrent growth pattern.

The excurrent growth pattern is useful in dense forests, whereas the decurrent growth pattern is best in open spaces. Similar to r-selection and K-selection reproductive strategies, many trees fall in between the apical and decurrent growth patterns. Some trees even change from an excurrent growth pattern to a decurrent one as it matures—including oak, maple, and elm trees.

In both patterns, the central trunk is the foundation of all growth and survival. Protecting and strengthening it is never a waste of energy. We often notice trees’ leaves and flowers,  (which is how a tree gets its nutrients) and eventually its branches—but we don’t often pay attention to the trunk. 

This is the case in business as well; while a business’s publicity and advertising efforts may be more visible, and may generate more luck and opportunity (and feel more gratifying), they’re much more helpful with a strong foundation. Getting more customers is only helpful when the business can handle it. If it can’t, the business won’t be able to deliver—which means missing the hard-earned opportunity to build trust. Working on this foundation includes the nitty gritty, less visible, work including accounting, sovereignty, and infrastructure.

When you need to prioritize your resources, split it up judiciously. Don’t forget to nurture the foundation of your business. (This metaphor can apply to your creative work and life as well.)