This is a comprehensive summary of the book Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf. Covering the key ideas and proposing practical ways for achieving what’s mentioned in the text. Written by book fanatic and online librarian Ivaylo Durmonski. Members get full access and an interactive sheet for taking notes.
The Book In Three Or More Sentences:
A story about a boy in love with samurai culture and his relentless desire to become a samurai archer. Joshua Medcalf, the author, masks the mundane tasks the protagonist must do in order to achieve his goal with the phrase: chop wood, carry water. While ridiculously short, this book contains some truly awesome advice that can inspire you to fall in love with the process of becoming great.
The Core Idea:
The whole point of the book is to convince you that getting really good at something isn’t sexy. It’s not a single task you must do once. A box you can tick. Becoming world-famous is achieved by doing boring tasks, repeatedly, over a long period of time. Hence, chop wood, carry water.
Reason To Read:
To understand that creating something worthwhile requires time, developing discipline, and being in love with the process. Regardless of your background and where you want to end up, this read will give you the dose of optimism and mental stamina to keep going.
Highlights:
- Fall in love with the process. Learn to love chopping wood and carrying water.
- Comparing yourself to others will lead to disaster. Focus on your own mission.
- Don’t forget your values and your principles. These two will help you overcome hardship and uncertainty.
5 Key Lessons from Chop Wood Carry Water:
Lesson #1: Stay Focused on Chopping Wood and Carrying Water
Chop wood, carry water. That’s it. That’s everything you should do to become successful.
For some, chopping wood carrying water will mean writing 500 words per day. For others, it will mean making 50 cold calls. For third, it will mean getting at 5 AM and running 20 miles. It really depends what you’re trying to achieve. Who you want to become.
Is it sexy to chop wood, carry water every single day?
Nope.
Can you become great without doing it?
Hell no!
A lot of people dream about starting online businesses. A side hustle that will allow them to travel the world. To have a fancy Instagram profile with a lot of glamorous pictures. Few, however, are willing to chop wood, carry water.
People want the end result without having to do the work. But that’s not how the universe works, you know?
Or as the author writes, “Everyone wants to be great, until it’s time to do what greatness requires.”
If you really want to make a difference in your life, you must chop wood, carry water.
“Everyone wants to build the next Apple or Facebook, nobody wants to sell matches door to door. Everyone wants to become a samurai warrior, but few are willing to faithfully chop wood, carry water.” Joshua Medcalf
Hey there, sorry to interrupt…
Since you’ve come this far, it seems that you are passionate about pursuing depth over distraction. I am too! And while what I’m about to say next probably won’t quite excite you, I have to say it…
Look, this is members-only content.
(Already a member? You can sign in using this link, here.)
See, I digest acres of complex ideas from various resources and morph my findings into straight-to-the-point book summaries, thought-provoking articles, and practical courses. The main goal is not only to help you understand the underlying concepts from badass ideas. But, also, to help you stay curious, inspired, and well-educated. Above all, though, I want to help you transition from a passive online consumer to an active, mindful go-getter with a sense of purpose.
By becoming a Premium Member, you’ll unlock a well-curated online selection of book summaries, articles, and courses that aim to move you in the right direction. Learn more here.
