Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf, Summary

Introduction

Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf is about success and fulfillment. Enjoy the journey and the process and focus on a solid step at a time. Don’t compare yourself to others because comparison is the thief of joy.

Summary

Introduction to John’s Journey

This book is about John who has admired the Samurai culture since childhood. When he was young, he traveled across Asia with his parents. When he turned  18, John bought a one-way ticket to an ancient city in Japan. He wanted to enroll as an apprentice in a small community of Samurai outside the city walls.

Settling In with Sensei Akira

Sensei Akira helped John get settled. The morning after John's arrival, Akira gathered the apprentices. The first task for the morning was to chop wood and carry water. When I read this, I was reminded of the Karate Kid movie where Mr. Miyagi, wise karate master, advises Daniel LaRusso to focus on the process to wax on, wax off.

The Struggles of Training

John was frustrated, but he obeyed. It was tough work chopping wood and his hands had blisters. His shoulders ached from carrying bucket after bucket of water. He kept working because he remembered Akira telling him ‘shooting will come soon enough'.

The Story of Building Wisely

At the end of the day, Akira gave John a cup of cool water and told him a story. The important thing about any day is who we become in the process. We're building our own home. What you do for someone else, you're doing for yourself. So, build your house wisely.

Reflecting on the Journey

Hearing this, John wondered if he was building his house wisely. John grew comfortable with life in the community. One day, there was an announcement posted in the dining hall that informed them of a tournament where the incoming apprentices could take part. They were excited.

Focus on Small Things

John intended to win the tournament. Akira pulled him aside and counseled him to focus on the small things like chopping wood and carrying water and not on the big things like winning the tournament. John hasn’t learned yet that by chopping wood and carrying water, he’s building the foundation to becoming a successful archer. He hasn’t seen the big picture.

The Importance of the Daily Grind

Many want to have major accomplishments, but few want to bother with the daily grind. Everyone wants to become a great Samurai warrior, but few want to chop wood and carry water.

Lessons from Failure

Most people learn the hard way through many failed experiments. However, the lessons and skills learned are priceless. Small isn't sexy. Dream big, start small, and be ridiculously faithful. Focus on what you can control. Focus on the process and surrender to the outcome.

Mounting Frustration and Sage Advice

Life continued, and John’s frustration mounted because he was still chopping wood and carrying water. He spent a few hours each day on archery. After a year, he could finally speak to his family. Feeling embarrassed, he told them how little he’d accomplished. His father offered sage advice.

“No matter whether you are winning or losing, the point was to focus on the process and neither get too high or too low, but instead to control the controllables.”

The call to his family raised his spirit.

John kept on making mistakes and Akira was always there to support him. There are many lessons in Chop Wood, Carry Water and you’ll find them in the section on lessons.

Worth Statement:

My value comes from who I am, NOT from what I do.

Growth Mindset:

Anything that happens to me today is in my best interest and it is an opportunity for me to learn and grow.

6 Things to Fuel Your Heart

1. What you watch.
2. What you read.
3. What you listen to.
4. Who you surround yourself with.
5. How you talk to yourself.
6. What you visualize.

Lessons in Chop Wood, Carry Water

1. When you’re ready to give up, remember you’re building your own house.
2. Most people never realize their potential, because when things get hard, or they experience failure, they just quit.
3. Obstacles and challenges are for you to learn and develop the skills necessary for creating or sustaining success.
4. You don’t need goals. You need a compelling mission. A mission is deeper than goals and it inspires you to overcome the daily challenges and obstacles.
5. Everything is an opportunity to learn and grow.
6. Greatness is many small things done well.
7. Your value comes from who you are and not what you do.
8. You make better decisions when your identity isn’t wrapped up in what you do.
9. Don’t fall into the trap thinking things will be different if you win more, achieve more, make more and so on.
10. Talk to yourself instead of listening to yourself.
11. Focus on the process and not on the goal.
12. Play in the present, not in the past or in the future. To play present, you must live present.
13. One of the most powerful forces you’ll ever face is discouragement. And it comes in many forms, so be aware. Keep your guard up and power up yourself with encouragement.

Conclusion

Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf teaches that success and fulfillment come from embracing the journey and focusing on the process. By concentrating on small, daily tasks like chopping wood and carrying water, you build a sound foundation for achieving your goals. The book emphasizes the importance of perseverance, learning from failure, and maintaining a growth mindset. Ultimately, it's not about the big accomplishments, but about who you become. Remember, your value comes from who you are, not what you do. Stay dedicated, keep working on the basics, and you'll find success and fulfillment.

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