This post is not going to reveal some mind-boggling answer to the question above. In fact, no one but you yourself can answer that question. I found a good story that reminds us about why we’re working so hard to earn the money we dream of having. I hope you enjoy the story and take home a little something from it.
A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.
“Not very long,” answered the Mexican.
“But then, why didn’t you stay out longer and catch more?” asked the American. The Mexican explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.
The American asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”
“I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, play the guitar, and sing a few songs… I have a full life.”
The American interrupted, “I have an MBA from Harvard, and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat.”
“And after that?” asked the Mexican.
“With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on
until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City , Los Angeles , or even New York City ! From there you can direct your huge new enterprise.”“How long would that take?” asked the Mexican?
“Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years,” replied the American.
“And after that?”
“Well, my friend, that’s when it gets really interesting, ” answered the American, laughing.
“When your business gets really big, you can cart Selling stocks and make millions!”
“Millions? Really? And after that?” said the Mexican.
“After that you’ll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife and spend your evenings doing what you like and enjoying time with your friends.”
“With all due respect sir, but that’s exactly what I am doing now. So what’s the point wasting twenty-five years?” asked the Mexican.
And the moral is: Know where you’re going in life…you may already be there.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
A very good story.
For me, I just love to see my money pile up (not seeing tat now though). Also because i don wan to rely too much on other people – eg, my bosses. I don’t want later they sack me and jobless and cannot pay for my debts. Hahaha.
Also, it’ll allow me to pursue my actual dreams and ambitions, if I really have that much money.
Great story. But it’s like encouraging people to be lazy.
Alvin, I wish you luck and I hope your pile builds up nice and quick! And then share your tips with me on how to do it too!
Horizon, I guess it can be seen that way too…the line is a bit too fine to differentiate!
Penny, I’d have to say it’s a good philosophy though. Be contented with what you have, work a bit (but not too hard) and enjoy what God has blessed you with
Ahh…I do wish to work a bit and be happy taking care of my kid!
Good story. Sometimes we need to take a break from all the work and start enjoying life with our good health. No point using all our health to make money and then use all the money to get back our health.
Very well said! I believe in having a balance in life in all that we do. Money is important up to a certain extent, but not worth all our energy and time that we have nothing left of ourselves and for the loved ones in our life.