A Simple Life Well Lived

Can a person have too much success? Here is story about a Mexican fisherman that shows success in a simple life well lived.

A Little Story

The businessman at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village saw a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the boat were several large Yellowfin Tuna.

The businessman complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied only a little while.

The businessman then asked why he didn't stay out longer and catch more fish? The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs.

The businessman then asked, “but what do you do with the rest of your time?”

The Mexican said, "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 businessman pondered a moment and then said

“maybe I could help you. If you spend more time fishing and with the proceeds buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats; eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats.

Instead of selling your catch to a middleman, you would sell directly to the processor and eventually open your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually New York City where you would run your expanding enterprise."

The fisherman asked, "But señor, how long will this all take?"

To which the businessman replied, "15-20 years."

"But what then, Señor?"

The businessman 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,

OK señor sounds fine ? But then what?"

The businessman said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take a siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings”

The fisherman, smiling, looked up and said that sounds great. But maybe I can help you to save a whole lot of time by showing you how to skip the middle bit.

Then a broad Mexican grin of expectation lit up on his face as he asked, “Señor, I have an idea, Do you wanna  join me for a sip wine and play guitar with me and my amigos tonight?”

“000”