This story has popped up on the radar numerous times over the years, and each and every time it serves to reminds us (as do many things!) to take stock of whats really important in our day to day lives.
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An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The American then asked why didn’t he stay out longer and catch more fish? The American then asked, “but what do you do with the rest of your time?” The American scoffed, “I am a Harvard MBA and could 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, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman 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 small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually New York City, where you will run your expanding enterprise.” The Mexican fisherman asked, “But, how long will this all take?” To which the American replied, “15 – 20 years.” “But what then?” Asked the Mexican. 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?” asked the Mexican. The American 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 siestas with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos.” |
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