Once, a wealthy Businessman decided that he needs a brief getaway to take his mind off business for a few days. He chose a small quiet fishing village located in one of the Caribbean islands as his destination. He has always been an avid angler, an obsession inherited from his father since young.
He sat on the beach just before sunset, engrossed in the rhythmic percussion of the small waves gently drenching the sand. A returning fishing boat caught his attention. Inside the boat was a Fisherman and a bow full of snappers.
The Businessman asked the Fisherman, “How long did it take for you to catch those fish?”
“Only a couple of hours,” The Fisherman replied.
The Businessman asked, “Then why don’t you stay a bit longer and catch more? Surely there must be demand for more fish than those on the boat.”
The Fisherman smiled and responded, “I catch enough to support my family and I live a full and busy life. I rise with the sun, fish a little, play with my kids and have lunch with the family. And then I teach children how to fish before I stroll into the village each evening, where I sip wine and play guitar with my friends.”
The Businessman said, “Look. I have a MBA and I can help you to vastly expand your business. If you would simply spend more time fishing, you will soon earn enough to buy a bigger boat.”
The Fisherman questioned, “Really?”
The Businessman answered, “Absolutely. And with the bigger boat, you will soon catch enough fish to buy several more boats to form a whole fleet. At that point, you will be able to sell all your fish to a processor, cutting out the middleman and greatly increasing your profits.”
The Fisherman raised an eyebrow and asked, “Then what?”
The Businessman continued, “Eventually you can open your own cannery and control the product, processing, and distribution. Then you can relocate your operations to the capital and even announce an IPO and sell stocks to the public.”
The Fisherman asked, “How long would this take?”
The Businessman responded, “Probably 10 – 15 years. If all goes well you might find yourself owning an empire, and be very very rich, a millionaire many times over.”
The Fisherman paused, “Really? A millionaire? And then what?”
The Businessman was taken aback. “What do you mean?” he asked.
The Fisherman explained, “I mean, what would I do when I am a millionaire?”
The Businessman responded, “What kind of question is that? Whatever you like of course! I imagine you will retire and move to a small coastal village. There, you would rise with the sun, fish a little, play with your kids and have lunch with the family. And then you can teach children how to fish before strolling into the village each evening, where you sip wine and play guitar with your friends.”
The Fisherman gave a puzzled frown. “Isn’t that what I am doing now?”
Sometimes, what really matters in life could be already closer than you think.
