The Mexican Fisherman

Gentlemen,

In a recent conversation with my friend Paul Keating, Paul mentioned a framework he’s used to design his life(he lives in Costa Rica, is engaged to marry the love of his life, surfs everyday, and works with several incredible companies).

The framework is a simple and profound question: “How would I live if I were a billionaire?”

It reminded me of an impactful story I once heard. A story that made me think about what games I’m playing in life. I believe the story will impact you as well.

This is the story of the Mexican fisherman…

“An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked.  Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna.  The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

The Mexican replied, “only a little while. The American then asked why didn’t he stay out longer and catch more fish? The Mexican said he had enough to support his family’s immediate needs. The American then asked, “but what do you do with the rest of your time?”

The Mexican fisherman said, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siestas with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine, and play guitar with my amigos.  I have a full and busy life.” 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?”

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.””

This is copied from:

Thought provoking, right?

Perhaps neither the American banker or the Mexican fisherman is correct. Perhaps they are playing - and winning - very different games and are happy to be doing so.

The lesson in this story is to play YOUR game. Play the game(s) you want to play AND win, not the game(s) others want you to play.

Winning a game you don’t even want to play is a net loss.

Becoming clear on what game you ultimately want to win and working backward from there seems to be the best way to live the live you want to live.

Are you playing the money game? Are you playing the coastal town game? Are you playing the family game? Only you and I can answer these questions for ourselves, but answering them, is, I believe, of the utmost importance.

What game does 85 year old you want to be able to confidently answer that you played and won?

What game(s) would that version of you be playing right now to win the ultimate game?

I discuss this story with Paul Keating on episode 77 of The Tyro Experience podcast releasing next Monday, July 8th.

Thank you for reading. I pray for your clarity and conviction in the games you play. Send me an email @ [email protected] or connect on Instagram or Twitter if you have any questions - would love to hear from you.

I speak about this with my good friend Coast Brah on this weeks episode of The Tyro Experience podcast. He has travelled the world in his 20s while building a business through social meida that helps men live more vital lives. Watch HERE or listen on Spotify HERE and Apple HERE

Onward & Upward,

Nolan