Chop Wood Carry Water
by Joshua Medcalf
A short parable about a young man training to become a samurai archer, with a chapter per lesson: fall in love with the process, surrender the outcome, build your inner castle. It is simple, earnest and quick, and it is handed out by coaches for the same reason Training Camp is.
Read it if…
you want a short, story-based reminder to love the work rather than the result.
Skip it if…
you dislike parables; this is a very simple one.
Three things you will actually use
- Process over outcome, daily.
- Expect the plateau; it is where character is built.
- Measure yourself by effort and attitude.
Do this first
Write what 'chopping wood' means in your craft, and do that today without checking for results.
Our verdict
Simple and sincere; a good gift for a young athlete or apprentice.
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