As business owners, we can become distracted by the day to day operations of our business and even our ambitious goals.
It’s important to keep perspective of the most important things in life. Here’s a story… author unknown.
A great story
A New York city investment banker named ‘Shiny Shoes’ was down at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village. He was on a hard earned vacation. A small boat with one fisherman docked. Inside the boat were several large yellow fin tuna. Shiny Shoes complimented on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican, who’s name was Rico replied, “only a little while”.
Shiny Shoes asked why he didn’t stay out longer and catch more fish? Rico said he had enough to support his family’s immediate needs.
Shiny Shoes then asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”
Rico replied, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take a 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 busy life señor.”
The America scoffed, “I am a Harvard MBA and I could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds buy a bigger boat. With the extra proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats and eventually have a fleet of boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middle man you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution.
You would need to leave this village and move to Mexico City, then L.A. and eventually New York City when you will run your expanded enterprise.”
Rico asked, “But how long will this all take?”
Shiny Shoes replied, “15 – 20 years max.”
“But then what?” asked Rico.
Shiny Shoes laughed and said this is the best part. When the time is right, I will help you sell your company to the public for millions and become very rich!”
“Then what?” Rico wondered out loud.
Shiny Shoes declared triumphantly, “Then you would retire, move to small coastal village where you could sleep late, fish a little, play with your children, take a siesta with your wife and stroll to the village in the evenings where you sip wine and play guitar with your amigos!
The story reminds us to enjoy every moment. The most important moment being the current moment! Some would say that is the only moment.
