With business booming, startups popping up all over the place and entrepreneur millionaires abounding, many of us have wondered if we should take a shot at making it big. Do the potential rewards outweigh the risks? How much do I give up? What will happen to my personal life if I take the plunge and work around-the-clock to help build a business?
Obviously, your own specific personal situation is a prime determinant in this decision; how much time you're willing to devote to work, how important your family and/or friends may be to you, how much time you like to devote to hobbies or charity, and how you define success. However, the following ancient story of the wise philosopher Chuang Tzu may provide some insight for all of us.
The Duke of Ch'u sent envoys to find Chuang Tzu and ask him to become the Duke's chief minister. They found him out by a river, fishing, with a contented look on his face. They interrupted his reverie by asking him to come to the capital to work for the Duke.
Chuang Tzu, upon hearing their request, related a tale. "I have heard of a sacred turtle in Ch'u that died three thousand years ago. The Duke keeps it wrapped in a special cloth and guarded in a special temple. May I ask if the turtle prefers to be dead and worshipped or if the turtle wanted to be alive and crawling around in the mud, dragging its tail?"
The envoys replied, "Of course, the turtle would want to be alive and crawl around in the mud!"
"Then go home," said Chuang Tzu. "I also want to be alive and crawl around the mud, dragging my tail."
Think about it.
