What do Michael Jordan, Jackie Chan, and samurai culture have in common? Are you ready to chop wood and carry water on your own path to mastery? Guided by his wise mentor, Akira, John, the protagonist in this story, learned that true greatness is forged through relentless effort, embracing challenges, and living by principles.

Chop Wood Carry Water: How to Fall In Love With the Process of Becoming Great

John and his brother Jordan shared a fascination for samurai culture, dreaming of becoming archers. But a devastating car accident left Jordan severely injured. During Jordan's long hospital stay, John read samurai stories and watched Jackie Chan movies with him, growing closer than ever. Despite doctors' grim predictions, Jordan remained cheerful, inspiring John.

At eighteen, John pursued his dream in Japan, joining a samurai community led by sensei Akira. To his surprise, his training began with chopping wood and carrying water, essential for the community's survival. Akira shared a story about Kota, a master architect who unknowingly built his own house without care, teaching John that every action shapes one's life.

As John settled into the routine, he learned of an archery tournament for apprentices. Eager to win, he was reminded by Akira to focus on small tasks, sharing the story of Ingvar Kamprad, IKEA's founder, who started with humble matchstick sales. Akira stressed that greatness stems from dedication to the mundane.

Frustrated by the slow progress, John questioned the lengthy path to becoming a samurai archer. Akira explained that focusing solely on the goal blinds one to the journey, likening it to climbing a mountain one step at a time. John realized the importance of embracing the process.

Despite understanding, John's competitive nature resurfaced, leading to an accident with overfilled water buckets. Akira reminded him that life isn't a test to prove oneself but an opportunity to learn and grow.

Through these lessons, John began to appreciate the journey, understanding that each task, no matter how small, contributes to building his own house, shaping his future.

Can John Find Wisdom in Samurai Lessons?

In the pursuit of his dream to become a samurai archer, John pushed himself beyond his limits, ignoring Akira's warnings. His relentless practice led to a painful shoulder injury, sidelining him for weeks. As John grappled with the delay in his progress, Akira posed a profound question: "Who are you if everything you do is taken away?" This challenge led John to a journey of self-discovery, realizing that his identity was more than his achievements.

During a bonding session over a Lakers game, Akira shared insights about the trap of seeking fulfillment through endless achievement. He pointed out that like Kobe Bryant, many chase after accolades, believing it will bring satisfaction, only to find a deeper void. Akira inspired John to redefine success, not by societal scorecards, but by characteristics that truly mattered: boldness, love, resourcefulness, and persistence.

John also learned the story of "Evil’s Best Weapon," where discouragement was revealed as a subtle yet powerful tool. Akira emphasized the importance of fueling one's heart with positivity, encouraging John to be mindful of his influences and to focus on what truly matters.

Through tough training days, John struggled with self-doubt. Akira introduced him to the "What Went Well" journal, teaching him to rewire his brain to focus on positives, cultivating confidence and growth. John began documenting his progress, learning to celebrate small victories and use setbacks as opportunities for growth.

In a conversation sparked by a Karate Kid movie night, Akira shared wisdom from Will Smith about the power of relentless work ethic over natural talent. This reinforced the lesson that true potential is unlocked through dedication and perseverance, not by the superficial perfection often portrayed online.

John's journey was a testament to discovering one's true identity, not through accomplishments, but through character and resilience. He learned that the brightest lights only reveal the hard work done in the shadows, and real fulfillment comes from within.

From Kobe to Karate Kid: Embracing Inner Strength Over Superficial Success

John was feeling the weight of his struggles as an apprentice archer. Despite his hard work, his friend Katsuo seemed to excel effortlessly, leaving John envious and doubting his path. One day, his mentor Akira noticed his heavy heart and shared a story of his own struggles, emphasizing that comparison is the thief of joy and that true growth happens when you focus on your own journey.

During a stormy day, Akira taught the apprentices about the difference between talent and skill. He reminded John of Michael Jordan’s journey, underscoring that success is built through relentless effort and not just innate talent. This resonated with John, who started to understand that setbacks could forge greatness.

As they warmed by the fire, Akira shared a story about golf balls, explaining how their imperfections allow them to travel further. John realized that his own challenges were shaping him into someone stronger and more resilient.

Akira also explained the power of words, comparing them to the wind—capable of destruction or creation. He taught John the importance of positive self-talk and visualization, urging him to harness words to build rather than destroy.

One evening, Akira criticized a commercial promising rapid weight loss, likening it to a Diet Coke with a high-calorie meal. He stressed the importance of consistent, hard work in mental training, just as in physical fitness.

Despite years of effort, John struggled to master the full target, feeling defeated. Akira drew the path to mastery in the dirt, illustrating that progress comes in steps. Although initially skeptical, John began to understand that these plateaus were part of his journey to greatness. As they prepared for a late-night test, John was reminded once again of the wisdom in persistence and self-belief.

Can the Wisdom of Michael Jordan Transform John’s Archery Struggles?

John was anxious as he approached the shooting range where his sensei, Akira, awaited. Despite the pitch darkness, Akira expertly hit the target twice, even splitting his first arrow with the second. Akira explained that mastery required aiming with everything—eyes, muscles, lungs, and mind—built through years of "chopping wood and carrying water."

The next morning, Akira shared the story of bamboo, emphasizing the years of unseen growth before its rapid rise, akin to building a solid foundation for lasting success. This metaphor resonated with John, highlighting the importance of persistent effort over quick wins.

Akira also spoke about the road signs on the path to mastery, which include challenges and distractions. To navigate, one must live by principles and maintain a grateful heart, turning challenges into growth opportunities. John learned the significance of being present and making conscious choices, realizing he wanted to "chop wood, carry water," not just had to.

Before the apprentice tournament, Akira distinguished between goals and missions. Goals could be thwarted by others, but a mission was personal and unyielding, urging John to find his. However, during the tournament, John's focus on winning led to failure, teaching him to trust the process and surrender outcomes.

A visit from Jackie Chan, who shared stories of famous failures, inspired John. Chan emphasized a growth mindset, where setbacks are opportunities. John realized that perseverance and a heart posture of gratitude could lead to overcoming any challenge, just like the icons he admired. As he lay in bed, John felt ready to face his own journey, committed to chopping wood, carrying water, and living fully present.

Jackie Chan's Wisdom: Embracing Failure

As the sun set, Akira found John at the shooting range, fiercely trying to beat a record set by another apprentice, Katsuo. When Akira asked why, John admitted it was to surpass Katsuo's record of four consecutive bullseyes. 

Akira shared a story of a past obsession with a goal: a journey to a breathtaking Croatian waterfall that turned into a frantic chase against time, ignoring the beauty around and the company of his beloved Kimiko. They never made it to the waterfall, and he realized that focusing on partially controllable goals can ruin the journey and relationships. John nodded, realizing he needed to focus on the process and not just the end goal.

Later, a skirmish with Katsuo left John with a broken arm. Akira visited him, sharing wisdom about crises being both danger and opportunity. He told a story of Benaiah, a warrior who chased a lion into a pit and emerged victorious, suggesting that great opportunities often come disguised as formidable challenges. Akira encouraged John to see his injury as a chance to grow, creating a "can do" list of activities to improve while healing.

As John healed, Akira taught him the importance of living by principles rather than feelings, quoting Eric Thomas: "At the end of your feelings is nothing. But at the end of every principle is a promise." John learned to live by principles he'd acquired during training, using them as his guide.

When John was ready to train again, Akira introduced him to the concept of the "warrior dial," suggesting he needed to balance his excitement with calmness for optimal performance. John practiced deep-breathing exercises, finding his focus and hitting the bullseye with newfound ease.

As John neared graduation, Akira warned him about the challenge of "they"—the societal pressures to conform and not pursue one's true potential. Akira advised John to be cautious in sharing his newfound wisdom without invitation, ensuring he remained a guest, not a pest.

Upon graduation, John embraced his new name, Jonathan, symbolizing his transformation and maturity. Akira reminded him that greatness is a result of consistent, deliberate actions. Jonathan left with a heart full of gratitude, ready to impact the world with his hard-earned wisdom and skill, forever committed to chopping wood and carrying water.

Can Akira's Wisdom Transform John?

John and his brother Jordan were captivated by the samurai culture, dreaming of archery until a tragic car accident left Jordan in the hospital. Despite bleak forecasts, Jordan's optimism inspired John. During their time together, they bonded over samurai stories and Jackie Chan films, strengthening their brotherly bond.

At eighteen, John pursued his dream in Japan, joining a samurai community led by sensei Akira. Surprisingly, his training began with manual labor, teaching him the importance of every small task. Akira shared valuable lessons through stories, like Kota, who unknowingly built his own house without care, and Ingvar Kamprad, IKEA's founder, emphasizing dedication to mundane tasks.

John faced frustration and setbacks during training, but Akira stressed the journey over the goal, comparing it to climbing a mountain step by step. John's competitive spirit led to mistakes, yet he learned that life is about growth, not proving oneself. A shoulder injury sidelined him, prompting self-discovery beyond achievements.

Akira shared insights about true fulfillment, likening it to Kobe Bryant's endless chase for accolades. John learned to redefine success by character traits rather than societal measures. He discovered the power of positivity, keeping a "What Went Well" journal to focus on growth.

Through tough training, John learned from stories about Michael Jordan and golf balls, understanding that setbacks forge greatness. Akira taught the importance of positive self-talk and visualization. Despite years of effort, John struggled with archery, but Akira reminded him of the path to mastery and the significance of persistence.

Akira shared a story of bamboo's unseen growth and the importance of foundational effort. John learned to embrace challenges with gratitude, living by principles. Before the apprentice tournament, Akira urged John to find his mission beyond goals. Despite failing, John learned to surrender outcomes and trust the process.

A visit from Jackie Chan inspired John with stories of famous failures, emphasizing a growth mindset. John realized perseverance and gratitude could overcome any challenge. As he lay in bed, he embraced his journey, committed to living fully present.

As sunset approached, John fiercely tried to beat Katsuo's record. Akira shared a story about a journey to a Croatian waterfall, teaching John to focus on the process and relationships. A skirmish with Katsuo left John injured, but Akira saw it as an opportunity for growth, creating a "can do" list for healing.

As John healed, Akira taught him to live by principles over feelings, quoting Eric Thomas. John learned to balance excitement with calmness, finding focus in deep-breathing exercises. Near graduation, Akira warned him about societal pressures, advising caution in sharing wisdom.

Upon graduation, John embraced his new identity as Jonathan, symbolizing transformation. Akira reminded him that greatness results from consistent actions. Jonathan left with gratitude, ready to impact the world with his hard-earned wisdom and skill, committed to chopping wood and carrying water.

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Chop Wood Carry Water: How to Fall In Love With the Process of Becoming Great

Joshua Medcalf

6 Key ideas

14 MINS

4.7 (755)

What do Michael Jordan, Jackie Chan, and samurai culture have in common?

Are you ready to chop wood and carry water on your own path to mastery?

Guided by his wise mentor, Akira, John, the protagonist in this story, learned that true greatness is forged through relentless effort, embracing challenges, and living by principles.

What do Michael Jordan, Jackie Chan, and samurai culture have in common?

Are you ready to chop wood and carry water on your own path to mastery?

Guided by his wise mentor, Akira, John, the protagonist in this story, learned that true greatness is forged through relentless effort, embracing challenges, and living by principles.

Improve your Career, Health & Life with 15min insights from 9000+ non-fiction books

Key Ideas

#1

Can John Find Wisdom in Samurai Lessons?

#2

From Kobe to Karate Kid: Embracing Inner Strength Over Superficial Success

#3

Can the Wisdom of Michael Jordan Transform John’s Archery Struggles?

#4

Jackie Chan's Wisdom: Embracing Failure

#5

Can Akira's Wisdom Transform John?

#6

Final Recap

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