A Focus on Life’s Priorities

Picture of sunset, with waves on a cliff side beach — A Focus on Life’s Priorities

A boat docked in a tiny coastal village. A tourist disembarked and complimented the local fisherman on the quality of his fish, and asked how long it took to catch them.

Not very long, said the local fisherman.
But then, why don’t you stay out longer and catch more? asked the tourist.
The local fisherman explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.
The tourist 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 to the village to see my friends, play the guitar, and sing a few songs… I have a full life.

The tourist interrupted. I have an MBA 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 local fisherman.
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 middleman 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 a big city! From there, you can direct your huge new enterprise.
How long would that take? asked the local fisherman.
20 perhaps 25 years, replied, the tourist.
And after that?
Afterwards? Well, my friend, that’s when it gets really interesting, answered the tourist, When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!
Millions? Really? And after that? said the local fisherman.
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 your friends.