Like thirsty people guzzling salt water, achievement only creates a greater desire for accomplishing more, dehydrating us of true satisfaction and fulfillment.” Some of our best lessons are learned from popular fiction. The epic line from the Dune saga, “Fear is the mind killer,” embodies a powerful life lesson—don’t let fear dominate you. He replied every day all I do is chop wood and carry water. I want to learn. I want to understand things. I want to be great one day, like you. In the book How to Get Rich, Felix Dennis shared his personal tale of how he became one of the wealthiest men in England. Near the end of the book, he shares:

Meditation, mindfulness, surrender, serving others… these are the daily tasks that keep us spiritually healthy. If you want your spiritual wellness to continue to thrive, you are required to do these things consistently.Each of us are building our own house. Sometimes you might think you are building for your school, your family, your company, or your team, but you are always building your own house… I hope you build wisely.” Joshua Medcalf Actionable Notes: Worth Statement: My value comes from who I am, NOT from what I do. Growth Mindset: Anything that happens to me today is in my best interest and it is an opportunity for me to learn and grow. What Went Well: (Write out 15 specific things you did well today. Feel free to use examples of areas you got better in even if they weren’t the very best you are capable of.) 1. I kept my stance solid for every shot 2. I caught myself wondering if I would be able to finish the practice. Started to talk to myself instead of listening to myself 3. I was intentional about treating the other apprentices very well even when I felt like they didn’t deserve it 4. I chose to take deep breaths before I approached the firing line 5. I held my core stable and kept clean lines in my shooting form 6. I cleared my mind before each release and remembered to focus on controllables 7. I saw Katsuo shoot three tight groupings, but I chose not to compare and focused on my own shots 8. I chose to see myself being very strong even when I felt my shoulder shake on my last set of draws 9. When I got frustrated and wanted to give up, I reminded myself that I am building my own house 10. I started and finished my practice today without anyone forcing me 11. I kept my breathing slow and focused on the firing line 12. I remembered to keep visualizing each arrow hitting where I aimed it, even when my shots were off 13. I remembered to pause and settle my mind and breathe before each release 14. I encouraged the other apprentices by reminding them of what they were doing well 15. I did a better job today of letting the negative thoughts fly on by and not give them power 16. I kept my releases easy and unconscious Areas For Growth: (Formerly called “Weaknesses” but we are looking at them as growth opportunities now) • Keeping my mind clear and focusing on my process even when I am distracted • Staying present after a mistake and focusing on what I need to do NOW What I Learned: (This can be something that you already know but learned the importance of again) • I shoot tighter groupings when I remember to release my goals and focus on my controllables instead • By focusing on what my fellow apprentices do well, it creates a much better energy and environment for growth and optimum performance.” A young boy became a monk. He dreamed of enlightenment and of learning great things. When he got to the monastery he was told that each morning he had to chop wood for the monks fires and then carry water up to the monastery for ablutions and the kitchen. He attended prayers and meditation, but the teaching he was given was rather sparse.

Your current job might seem insignificant but the connections you make there might lead to something important in the future. It was torture. But my lesson was to develop persistence. Once I finally managed to get onto the horse (who was thankfully a patient older mare), the instructor told me to get off and do it two more times.

Customer reviews

In an article titled I Built a 4-Hour Workweek…What Do I Do Now?Nat Eliason shared that he was able to build a mostly passive online business that enabled him to become financially independent:

Is the wood chopping you and the water carrying you? Or, are you chopping the wood and carrying the water? The responsibility is yours. When in actuality, spiritual enlightenment is something that happens inside, not outside. After enlightenment, we continue to chop wood, carry water for many reasons. If you can learn to own your fear, you will lead a life that’s under your control and not be controlled by anger, fear, and disappointment. If you view everything as chopping wood and carrying water, you realize you constantly have to maintain present awareness: It relates to the essential Mahayana teaching Diamond Sutra and Heart Sutra refer to. Teaching about the nature of signs and conceptual appearances coming from mind and eventually, transcending the dualistic nature of mind.

For example, if your goal is to become a lawyer, your daily tasks will feel like a drag because you’ll think only about the end result. However, if you come up with a compelling mission – say living to protect the innocent and fight for their freedom. Every day you’ll wake up inspired. Eager to do your work.