Makes me wonder why we are in such a rat race!
While vacationing in Mexico, an American investment banker strolling on the pier of a small coastal village. A small boat with just one fisherman idled up and docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna. Feeling conversational, the American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and inquired how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied, "Only a little while."
The American then asked why didn't he stay out longer and catch more fish?
The Mexican replied he had enough to support his family's immediate
needs.
The American then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my
children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and satisfying life."
The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and I think I can help you.
You should spend more time fishing -- and with the proceeds, buy a
bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy
several boats, and eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats.
Then, instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell
directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. That
way you can control the product, the processing and distribution.
You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village, of course,
and move to Mexico City, then L.A., and eventually New York City where
you will run your expanding enterprise."
The Mexican fisherman asked, "About how long will this all take?"
The business-savvy American replied, "Oh, I'd guess 15-20 years."
"But what then?"
The American laughed and said that's the best part. "When the time is
right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich. You would make millions."
"Millions! . . .
Then what?"
The American said, "Then?! Why, then you could retire! Maybe move to a small coastal fishing village where you would . . . you would.."
"Yes . . . ?"
With dawning realization, the American replied, "Sleep late, fish a
little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the
village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play guitar with
your amigos." |
