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Chop Wood Carry Water: How to Fall In Love With the Process of Becoming Great
Guided by “Akira-sensei,” John comes to realize the greatest adversity on his journey will be the challenge of defeating the man in the mirror. This powerful story of one boy’s journey to achieve his life long goal of becoming a samurai warrior, brings the Train to be CLUTCH curriculum to life in a powerful and memorable way. Some things you will learn… —No matter how it feels, you are always building your own house. —How and why you must surrender to the outcome in order to be at your best. —Why you never want to have your identity wrapped up in what you do. —Why your strength lies in faithfulness to the little things. —How to develop a heart posture of gratitude. —How to use the biggest challenges as a training ground for greatness. —Why the process is more important than the goal. —Why comparison is the thief of all joy. —How to develop a growth mindset. —Why talent is more of a curse than a blessing. “So many valuable stories and lessons!” —Nick Ahmed, Arizona Diamondbacks
114 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 825 reviews
November 25, 2017
Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood to read 100 pages of axioms and trite motivational phrases?
December 31, 2018
I appreciate what this book is trying to do. But it doesn't work for me. Endless typos and grammatical errors in this edition. As someone who knows quite a bit about Buddhist teachings (you know, for a non-practicing American) I found this dull, disquieting, and in some cases, distasteful. This is a confusing book which allows a modern day American boy to attend a 10-year long Samurai archery school (why, who knows?) and uses sports, pop-culture, and Buddhist references to teach him discipline. While I appreciate that the author is trying to make these concepts accessible to Americans, it just doesn't work. It comes across as ignorant and offensive. I would have rather read the boring business book version of this same text instead of this fictionalized American-Learns-From-Japanese-Master story. I'm also confused by the combination of Christian and Buddhist mythologies.
Basically, this is a book about zanshin, the moment of complete awareness and focus you carry everywhere with you in life. The goal of Buddhism.
I think this would be a good book for high school students trying to understand how they can be successful in the world. But… Well, it's definitely not for me.
Basically, this is a book about zanshin, the moment of complete awareness and focus you carry everywhere with you in life. The goal of Buddhism.
I think this would be a good book for high school students trying to understand how they can be successful in the world. But… Well, it's definitely not for me.
May 5, 2022
In short chapters, readers meet a young man trying to be a Samurai Archer. Although a fictional story -- told almost like a parable -- Chop Wood Carry Water uses references to today's pop culture. The high school I work at uses this book in their leadership classes. The principles highlighted are what I've used to create my own life: dream big, start small, be ridiculously faithful, focus on what you can control. Throughout Chop Wood Carry Water are practical tips for how to implement these strategies and live mindfully, present in the life you want to live in. It is worth noting that this book is self published and as an English teacher, I noticed quite a few errors. But I can see what teenagers are attracted to this book: it's a fast, easy read. You can also find relevance to today's world within a fictional, and almost unbelievable story.
January 19, 2020
This book gets its stars from having great tips for self-betterment, with practical applications included. It could have been a 4 or even a 5-star book if it had done only that.
However, everything is completely overshadowed by the story of John going to Japan to train as a samurai archer. Each chapter agonizingly follows the same lame formula: John encounters a problem, gets told by the sensei that HE is the problem, says “I never thought of it that way!”, and vows to do better. John is an idiot. His story is clunky, clumsy, cheesy, preachy, trite, and ridiculous, and since we don’t care about the lessons he’s learning it’s hard to care about applying them to oneself.
Further, the author has the old Japanese samurai master saying out-of-character stuff such as, “Work your ever-loving butt off,” and, “Hard work isn’t sexy.” Then there’s trite stuff such as an arrow splitting the previous one in the bull’s-eye (which has long been disproved by Mythbusters). Lastly, the author was not a good narrator. He gave forced chuckles in an effort to insert humor into boring conversations that are supposed to be funny.
This book, which is about doing little things well and continually refining yourself, doesn't follow its own advice. As a Christian, I'm embarrassed that it was written by a Christian.
However, everything is completely overshadowed by the story of John going to Japan to train as a samurai archer. Each chapter agonizingly follows the same lame formula: John encounters a problem, gets told by the sensei that HE is the problem, says “I never thought of it that way!”, and vows to do better. John is an idiot. His story is clunky, clumsy, cheesy, preachy, trite, and ridiculous, and since we don’t care about the lessons he’s learning it’s hard to care about applying them to oneself.
Further, the author has the old Japanese samurai master saying out-of-character stuff such as, “Work your ever-loving butt off,” and, “Hard work isn’t sexy.” Then there’s trite stuff such as an arrow splitting the previous one in the bull’s-eye (which has long been disproved by Mythbusters). Lastly, the author was not a good narrator. He gave forced chuckles in an effort to insert humor into boring conversations that are supposed to be funny.
This book, which is about doing little things well and continually refining yourself, doesn't follow its own advice. As a Christian, I'm embarrassed that it was written by a Christian.
December 17, 2023
Given to me by some super senior guy at a fund…. Bad look for him because this is written for 13 year olds. Useful if you don’t know anything about anything. gets two stars instead of one because it’s funnily bad
March 28, 2025
Edit: it's been three years since I was a victim of being made to read this for professional development and I'm still annoyed.
Had to read this for work. This is one of the worst books I've ever been made to finish. Fairly mediocre philosophy dressed up as eastern wisdom which is bonkers problematic, playing into a stereotype of old wise Japanese sensai with comedy intensity.
Also worth mentioning the 'inspirational' tale of the founder of IKEA selling match sticks. That dude was an actual card carrying neo fascist, who received a financial gift from his father. These two points are missing from the narrative funnily enough.
Only one female voice in the entire book. In one chapter he lists a dozen people who succeeded with only a single woman.
And lastly, CHAPTERS 4 AND 5 START WITH THE SAME SENTENCE FOR FRACKS SAKE.
Had to read this for work. This is one of the worst books I've ever been made to finish. Fairly mediocre philosophy dressed up as eastern wisdom which is bonkers problematic, playing into a stereotype of old wise Japanese sensai with comedy intensity.
Also worth mentioning the 'inspirational' tale of the founder of IKEA selling match sticks. That dude was an actual card carrying neo fascist, who received a financial gift from his father. These two points are missing from the narrative funnily enough.
Only one female voice in the entire book. In one chapter he lists a dozen people who succeeded with only a single woman.
And lastly, CHAPTERS 4 AND 5 START WITH THE SAME SENTENCE FOR FRACKS SAKE.
February 15, 2019
If you overlook the sloppy editing and occasional typographical errors, there's some good - but not necessarily groundbreaking - advice on the process of "becoming great" buried in these pages, wrapped in the trappings of the motivational story of a young man who journeys from America to Japan to become a Samurai Archer.
June 5, 2019
This is a book bosses give employees trying to trick them into working harder instead of mentoring them or paying them more. Completely fictional nonsense and regurgitated banal aphorisms. How am I supposed to sympathize with a story where a kid can just move to Japan and attend some samurai archery school? Why did I go to college when that was an option?
September 1, 2019
This book must get good reviews for the wise principles it shares. I agree: the principles are good, but they could have been delivered better.
I listened to this book because my husband had added it to our Audible account. The title had me thinking I was starting a non-fiction book, and I was excited by the promise of learning "How to Fall in Love With the Process of Becoming Great". I wish it had been delivered in a non-fiction format with only inspiring, true stories.
Instead, the reader is given a fictional story with scattered details about the characters. If I'm going to follow characters, show me their lives; I want to get pulled into their story. However, it quickly becomes obvious that the fictional story is only a vehicle for the author to share ideas about humility, creativity, hard work, etc. He refers to real-life role models, often in lists, as if to say, "Look at all these people who broke the mold, overcame obstacles, and changed the world." I would have much rather read those real-life stories--their setbacks, their personalities, and histories--than read the fictional story of a modern man who practiced archery for ten years. I didn't see that fictional protagonist join the ranks of world changers. I saw him hone his skills, gain self-mastery, and then go home to do who knows what.
Even more concerning, because the protagonist was fictional and his story told in little pieces over a decade, very few of the great principles in this book actually stick in my memory. I did not fall in love with the process of becoming great. I collected some useful ideas, and feel like I should skim through a paper copy of the book to write down a simple list of the life lessons. That list would be more useful to me than the story of Johnathon and Akira.
I give it three stars for its pieces of wisdom, but only three stars because I would have preferred it presented as non-fiction. For me, the fictional story detracted quite a bit from the overall message.
I listened to this book because my husband had added it to our Audible account. The title had me thinking I was starting a non-fiction book, and I was excited by the promise of learning "How to Fall in Love With the Process of Becoming Great". I wish it had been delivered in a non-fiction format with only inspiring, true stories.
Instead, the reader is given a fictional story with scattered details about the characters. If I'm going to follow characters, show me their lives; I want to get pulled into their story. However, it quickly becomes obvious that the fictional story is only a vehicle for the author to share ideas about humility, creativity, hard work, etc. He refers to real-life role models, often in lists, as if to say, "Look at all these people who broke the mold, overcame obstacles, and changed the world." I would have much rather read those real-life stories--their setbacks, their personalities, and histories--than read the fictional story of a modern man who practiced archery for ten years. I didn't see that fictional protagonist join the ranks of world changers. I saw him hone his skills, gain self-mastery, and then go home to do who knows what.
Even more concerning, because the protagonist was fictional and his story told in little pieces over a decade, very few of the great principles in this book actually stick in my memory. I did not fall in love with the process of becoming great. I collected some useful ideas, and feel like I should skim through a paper copy of the book to write down a simple list of the life lessons. That list would be more useful to me than the story of Johnathon and Akira.
I give it three stars for its pieces of wisdom, but only three stars because I would have preferred it presented as non-fiction. For me, the fictional story detracted quite a bit from the overall message.
November 20, 2021
This might be meaningful to you if it was the first self-help book you’ve ever read.
May 30, 2023
this is quite possibly the worst book I’ve ever read
January 7, 2020
This might be a deep pull, but when I was a kid we had these cheesy christian devotional story-a-day books and the formula was always some children accidentally winding up in trouble or something and then their parent or a kindly pastor would walk by and notice and say "that reminds me of a bible story..." and go on to tenuously link the small intro anecdote to the mostly unrelated scripture verse.
Chop Wood Carry Water is that but replace the bible verses with Mr. Miyagi quotes.
You don't need this book, you already know what it says.
Chop Wood Carry Water is that but replace the bible verses with Mr. Miyagi quotes.
You don't need this book, you already know what it says.
December 31, 2017
I suppose there were some good lessons to be learned here, but I was too distracted by the breathtakingly bad writing and gag-inducing cliches. The author desperately needs a copy editor.
December 27, 2023
While the principles and ideas are conveyed effectively, the method is puzzling. The author, instead of just making a non fiction book, decides to use a present day American traveling to Japan to become a samurai archer as the setup for a story that is essentially just lectures from a sensei (and Jackie Chan at one point.) It's one of those books that obviously isn't gonna be read just because you love a good book, this is one of those mindset books (a friend trying to get me into amway gave this to me). And don't get me wrong, these are great principles that really nobody could object to. But the Japanese Samurai sensei is obviously just a stand in for the author lol, and in one chapter so is Jackie Chan. The sensei is constantly making references to American culture (sometimes obscure high school sports coaches). But it's probably unfair to critique this as a fiction book, because 1. that's not the goal of the book and 2. you could absolutely roast this thing lol. I couldn't help but laugh at some of the things coming out of this old, wise samurai's mouth though. Like lecturing American workers for complaining about unfair treatment, or constantly talking about Kobe Bryant, or telling the protagonist that 75% of NFL players and 65% of NBA players end up "broke, homeless, and divorced" (what ??). There's even a part where they earnestly make a point that a Michael Jordan commercial is responsible for a change in Lebron's mindset and the only reason he won championships. Also some completely made up history, but I'm not sure if it's meant to be portrayed as real or not. This author seems to have big American Megachurch vibes (could be way off, I know nothing about him)
October 22, 2021
"Everyone wants to be great, until its time to do what greatness requires." I like how straight forward the book is, it doesn't prolong and it gets all the points in. I like the motivational aspect of the book, and how it portrays real life scenarios in the book. I don't like how repetitive the book. I like how the author represents the character and shows adversity throughout the book. I like the plot of the book, how John has to overcome conflict and learn along the way.
November 28, 2022
This book was okay. Would I recommend it to anyone outside of High school? No. It included lessons that motivate and get things into perspective but I felt that it could have been used outside of the “old wise samurai” trope
May 12, 2021
Great book on fulfilling the process. It really makes you think. This book needs numerous rereads.
February 27, 2024
Man oh man, the first chapter is an absolute mess of typos, grammatical errors, poor sentence structure, and just awful story-telling. I only reserve one-stars for books that are sloppy because I generally always want to respect the craft. But this is lazy, trite, and disingenuous.
August 14, 2024
A vapid and shallow collection of platitudes you’ve heard a million times before, all wrapped in what is absolutely the most childish writing i’ve seen from a career author with a considerable following.
Why were so many moved by such drivel? I truly fear.
Why were so many moved by such drivel? I truly fear.
October 15, 2023
back in my day we had to chop wood and carry water uphill both ways in knee-deep snow
March 28, 2025
Great to read a chapter or so every morning that served as small reminders. The main takeaway: “focus on doing the simple and small things with incredible consistency and discipline”.
April 7, 2023
Good story with alot of excellent lessons. I had things underlined in almost every chapter. Though the relationship between the main character and his sensai was a bit cheesy and I found myself rolling my eyes at some of what John did, I unexpectedly found myself taking note on how Akira mentored his student. Definitely worth the read, especially since it's a short one. Big fan of the short chapters format.
November 21, 2024
I liked the book. But the author is a dick. I won’t be reading, or recommending any of his others. I can’t recommend books from asshole narcissists.
DICK
He’s still a dick. (But his handicap is getting lower.)
Still a douche canoe
DICK
He’s still a dick. (But his handicap is getting lower.)
Still a douche canoe
January 14, 2020
This was a book the COO of my company gave to everyone for the holidays. It has some interesting points about working hard and not expecting anything great to come easily. The thing that resonated with me the most recognize that everything, good or bad, is an opportunity to learn. Quick read.
January 4, 2018
I learned a lot of lessons I am capable of inputing in my day-to-day life. I think that's really important because a lot of people focus on long term goals and what will happen. This book focuses a lot on what you can do now. What will change your life now. I like that, I'm very interested in changing not only my life but my everyday BAD habits. I thank this book for giving me the ideas and motivation to do that. Also this book helped me climb 6,800 ft!
February 7, 2019
Joshua conveys a compelling story of a man named John, who’s childhood dream is to become a samurai archer. Through the mundane work of “chopping wood and carrying water” as well as the many struggles of “beating on his craft” John preserves time and time again. A brilliant story of what falling in love with the process looks like and how to become a master of your craft.
April 30, 2024
I’ve probably read this book at least half a dozen times through out my life. It has its shortcomings, but I always found it incredibly inspiring and grounding.
October 3, 2019
Happy go lucky and light-hearted. Needed more quotes and depth in the story to push the reader to want to make the changes outlined. A simplified version of every self help book in existence; but too much so.
Q:
Chinese symbol for crisis is the combination of two words: danger and opportunity.
Everybody wants to be great until it's time to do what greatness requires.
Goals actually allow you to shirk responsibility. But a mission? Only the person in the mirror can stop you from living that out.
‘Humility is not thinking less of your self, but thinking of your self less.’
Live by principles rather than feelings.
“What is one thing I can do to make the situation better?” rather than, “why is this happening to me?”
Every day, people everywhere live their lives believing that everything will be different if they can just achieve more, win more, or make more money. But if achievement hasn’t filled that void to date, how is achieving more going to fill it in the future? Like thirsty people guzzling salt water, achievement only creates a greater desire for accomplishing more, dehydrating us of true satisfaction and fulfillment.
The only thing that is truly significant about today, or any other day, is who you become in the process. Each of us are building our own house. Sometimes you might think you are building for your school, your family, your company, or your team, but you are always building your own house… I hope you build wisely.
there is only one thing you have to do in life, and that is die. You are always doing what you want to do, because there is always a choice. You may not like the choices, or the consequences, but you always have a choice. When you tell yourself that you have to do something, it creates a negative internal energy, but when you realize you want to do something it creates a more beneficial internal energy.”
Q:
Chinese symbol for crisis is the combination of two words: danger and opportunity.
Everybody wants to be great until it's time to do what greatness requires.
Goals actually allow you to shirk responsibility. But a mission? Only the person in the mirror can stop you from living that out.
‘Humility is not thinking less of your self, but thinking of your self less.’
Live by principles rather than feelings.
“What is one thing I can do to make the situation better?” rather than, “why is this happening to me?”
Every day, people everywhere live their lives believing that everything will be different if they can just achieve more, win more, or make more money. But if achievement hasn’t filled that void to date, how is achieving more going to fill it in the future? Like thirsty people guzzling salt water, achievement only creates a greater desire for accomplishing more, dehydrating us of true satisfaction and fulfillment.
The only thing that is truly significant about today, or any other day, is who you become in the process. Each of us are building our own house. Sometimes you might think you are building for your school, your family, your company, or your team, but you are always building your own house… I hope you build wisely.
there is only one thing you have to do in life, and that is die. You are always doing what you want to do, because there is always a choice. You may not like the choices, or the consequences, but you always have a choice. When you tell yourself that you have to do something, it creates a negative internal energy, but when you realize you want to do something it creates a more beneficial internal energy.”
May 24, 2021
Absolutely incredible book.
Book Summary
A busy salaryman leaves his job to pursue his goal of becoming an expert archery marksman. Thinking his training will all just be shooting arrows, he quickly learns how little he actually knows.
My Thoughts
Amazing metaphorical book. Similar to How to Fight a Hydra: Face Your Fears, Pursue Your Ambitions, and Become the Hero You Are Destined to Be but way better.
Enjoyed the Christian elements to it.
Really needed to read this lately.
One of the best productivity books and life / self help books.
Excellent wisdom. Very well written.
Would reread this, as it's so packed with insights.
Learned so much.
How to construct your life.
Highly recommended.
4.8/5
Book Summary
A busy salaryman leaves his job to pursue his goal of becoming an expert archery marksman. Thinking his training will all just be shooting arrows, he quickly learns how little he actually knows.
My Thoughts
Amazing metaphorical book. Similar to How to Fight a Hydra: Face Your Fears, Pursue Your Ambitions, and Become the Hero You Are Destined to Be but way better.
Enjoyed the Christian elements to it.
Really needed to read this lately.
One of the best productivity books and life / self help books.
Excellent wisdom. Very well written.
Would reread this, as it's so packed with insights.
Learned so much.
How to construct your life.
Highly recommended.
4.8/5
March 3, 2023
Eh :/ Overall great messages & guides to live by, just redundant and could easily be boiled down to a few bullet points vs. the long stories behind each one. Appreciate the effort behind it, just personally found it redundant.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 825 reviews