[[Adlerian Psychology]], [[The Courage to be Disliked]], # Chop Wood Carry Water Author: [[Joshua Medcalf]] ## Summary A fictional story about a young man who trains to become a samurai archer. His trials and tribulations along with the teachings of his sensei are used to convey important life lessons. The lessons taught through his story remind me of those in [[The Courage to be Disliked]]. The core lessons are: - to focus on improving the process, day in and day out, rather than the outcome. The outcome will be the result of the process. - Greatness comes from the aggregation of many decisions to improve yourself and your process. - Don't compare yourself to others, or the outcome that others are experiencing. It can be influenced by many uncontrollable things. - Greatness seems to happen overnight, but it doesn't. It comes from years of honing your craft. - You can't force this kind of thinking about self-improvement and focusing on the process of self-improvement onto others. Its better to listen and be there for other people and only provide advice when asked for. One great quote was on humility. Its not about thinking less of yourself, but of thinking about yourself less. ## Review The book was poorly written, although the messages were important and worth being reminded of. One thing I was reminded of is that the little things add up to who you are, and if you want to be great you need to do those things well. It boosted my desire to be more disciplined, to "hone the craft".