Once upon a time, a businessman found himself lounging on the sandy shores of a quaint fishing village nestled along the picturesque Black Sea coast. His eyes were drawn to a lone fisherman skillfully rowing his small boat back to the harbor, a few sizable fish resting in the vessel.
Intrigued by the scene unfolding before him, the businessman decided to strike up a conversation with the fisherman.
Curiosity piqued, the businessman inquired about the time it took for the fisherman to amass such a bountiful catch.
The fisherman, with a serene disposition, casually mentioned that it did not take him long.
Perplexed by the fisherman's seemingly contented demeanor, the businessman probed further, questioning why the fisherman did not spend more time at sea to catch even more fish.
“More? This is enough to feed my entire family and even offer some to my neighbours,” the fisherman said.
“So what do you do for the rest of your day?” Enquired the businessman.
The fisherman responded, "Typically, I manage to reel in my catch by late morning, after which I head back home to greet my wife with a kiss and spend quality time with my children. During the afternoon, I indulge in a refreshing nap and immerse myself in a good book. As the evening approaches, I make my way to the village to socialize with my buddies, strum on my guitar, belt out some tunes, and dance the night away!"
The fisherman's routine seemed to be a perfect balance of work, family, relaxation, and socializing. By sharing his daily activities, he painted a picture of a fulfilling and joyful life that revolved around his loved ones, hobbies, and friendships. It was evident that he cherished every moment and made the most out of each day, finding happiness in the simple pleasures of life.
The businessman, with his entrepreneurial spirit ignited, proposed an intriguing idea. With a confident tone, he exclaimed, "As someone who holds a PhD in business, I possess the knowledge to guide you towards unparalleled success. Allow me to share my wisdom with you."
The fisherman, with the freedom of his carefree schedule was in no rush to depart, and decided to humor the businessman. With an amused grin he nodded and conceded to listen to the man's grand scheme.
"It is imperative that you dedicate more time to the vast expanse of the sea, casting your nets far and wide to capture as many fish as possible." Said the businessman. "By doing so, you will amass a substantial amount of wealth, enabling you to acquire a larger vessel. With this upgraded boat, your fishing endeavors will reach new heights, allowing you to reel in an even greater abundance of fish. As your profits soar, you will be able to expand your fleet, establishing your very own company."
"Picture this: a thriving enterprise with multiple branches, all under your control. But we won't stop there. We will take it a step further by constructing a state-of-the-art production plant, where the fish will be expertly canned and prepared for distribution. And when the time is right, we will relocate to the bustling city, where you will oversee the operations of your various branches, ensuring their success and dominance in the market."
The businessman's suggestion was not merely a fleeting idea but a well-thought-out plan for prosperity. With his extensive knowledge and experience in the business world, he envisioned a future filled with growth and triumph. By capitalizing on the vast resources of the sea, the businessman believed that the fisherman could transform his humble occupation into a thriving empire.
To this, the fisherman asked, “OK, and after that...?”
The businessman laughed, “After that, you’ll be able to live like a king, take your company public, float your shares and be rich!”
“OK and after that...?” Asked the fisherman once more.
“After that, you can retire, move to a house by the sea, wake up early in the morning to go fishing, then return home to play with your kids, kiss your wife, take a nap in the afternoon and join your friends in the village to drink, play guitar and dance into the night!”
Puzzled, the fisherman replied; “But isn’t that what I’m doing now?”