Back when I used to live in Shanghai I had a particular spot just outside the city that I would often go to just to get away and think.

Whenever I was feeling overwhelmed or needed sometime to myself, I would take my electric scooter and venture the 15 minutes over to what I later claimed as my “thinking rock.”

While I spent most of my time at my thinking rock pondering life‘s questions or simply meditating, my thinking rock also provided hours upon hours of conversation with some of my closest friends, with subjects such as religion, purpose, and love.

For just a rock, it really was a place in which I came find myself. Today I’d like to share with you a story of a moment that changed how I view the world.


One weekend my girlfriend and I were looking for something to do, so we ended heading over to my thinking rock to just sit outside and relax. Little did I know that moment would completely change how I looked at happiness.

Right by my thinking rock there was a small canal that many of the local Chinese villagers would use to fish. It wasn’t the cleanest canal to be sure, but many of the villagers used it as their source of food nonetheless. On this particular day while talking with my girlfriend we happened to notice a Chinese couple wading in the water trying to catch a fish.

It wasn’t long before my friend and I were both caught up watching the couple. While watching someone fish isn’t always the most entertaining, there was something about this couple that caught our eye.

“Look at how happy they look” I said.

To which my girlfriend replied, ” I know, they look so peaceful.”

After many failed attempts to catch a fish, their luck finally struck and a few small fish ended up in their net. Now it’s safe to say most people are happy when then they catch a fish but this couple was nothing short of ecstatic.

Upon catching the fish their faces lit up with an enormous smile and they gracefully embraced in a full body hug.

”Look at them smile” I said softy.

“They must really love one another.” My girlfriend answered.

Seeing the fisherman and his wife so happy literally made me cry . Here I was living on the other side of the world watching two extremely poor Chinese villagers fish for what was most likely their dinner, but yet they were perhaps the happiest people in the world.

Never before had I seen two people appreciate the present as much as they did.

They were so engrossed in the process of fishing that they enjoyed every moment.

They didn’t have time to worry about all their fears or insecurities or anything else that was going wrong in their life.

They were focused on making the most out of that moment with one another and that in turn produced utter happiness. To this day I still recall the story in such vivid detail because it changed the way in which I viewed the world.

So what can you take away from the happiest fisherman in the world? Here are 5 lessons you can apply to your life.

Open Your Eyes

So often we just move from one activity to the next never appreciating what’s in front of us. Start to notice the people and places you take for granted. Be mindful of your surroundings and begin to see the world for the beautiful place it is. Realize that much of what you think you need is already right before your eyes. Are you open to what you have been given?

Happiness Is Free

I realize this isn’t an original idea, but so many people continue to forget that the best things in life are free. It’s said that above 75k a year money won’t affect your happiness levels. Crazy right? Appreciate the small experiences that have made you who you are today. Go on a walk. Talk with a friend. Devour the experiences that make your soul sing.

Appreciate The People You Love

Seeing the couple embrace was a really powerful reminder that we must appreciate those that we love. Often we take our friends and family for granted thinking that we can just fall back on the excuse of tomorrow, but the reality is tomorrow doesn’t always come.

You don’t need to wait to say a simple “I love you.” You don’t need to wait to thank someone for all that they have done in your life. Living with your shield down does take courage but I’ve found it allows for deeply fulfilling relationships to occur.There’s nothing better than giving and receiving love.

Everyone is Lucky

It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from you are lucky. You’re lucky to have a roof over your head. You’re lucky that you’re not worried about where to find your next meal.

Even if you are struggling financially, realize that you are still luckier than HALF the entire world. Happiness in your situation lies in how creative you can be. Whether you consider yourself fortunate or not.. you are lucky, don’t waste that luck.

Be Present

Watching the couple reminded me how important it is to be present. The simple task of fishing was enough for them to really get the most out of life. Just observing them being present really had a profound affect on how I viewed the world. I remember how when watching them time literally slowed down.

Being present is often difficult to do but I assure you the reward is well worth the effort.

Here we are living in society of more-more-more, always trying to chase the next best thing. A bigger house, a faster car, all at the expense of forgetting whats important. Seeing the couple first hand made me ask for the first time in my life:

What if we have it all wrong? What if our pursuit of happiness is misery in disguise?

I’m not suggesting material things can’t make a person happy, but rather our reliance on them is what makes us miserable. It’s ironic  to think that watching a couple fish for 30 minutes changed my life forever.

Yet one thing is inherently clear, it doesn’t take  loads of money or fame to make you happy. The truth of the matter is you’re richer than you think. Just ask the happiest fisherman in the world.

What make you happy? How are you blessed? Please share in the comments below.

Post from: A Boundless World

The Happiest Fisherman In The World

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Have you ever considered if what you’re doing matters? Have you questioned the impact you have on the people around you? Do you lay awake wondering if you’re making humanity better as a whole?

I know I have. In fact, I’ve spent a sickening amount of time contemplating the questions above. 

Think about the people you know, the people you love and respect. Chances are, you know of someone who is making a huge difference in what they do. I can name a few people I know who are currently “crushing it”, and changing the world in ways I can’t even begin to comprehend. Joel Runyon is one of those people. 

At first glance, it may seem these amazing stories of people changing the world is far beyond what you’re capable of. But what if I were to tell you honestly, that you can have just as big of an impact simply by starting small?

Here’s the reality: Your presence here on earth is far more than you’ll ever know. I’m not saying that to make you feel good about yourself, or give you a false sense of power. It’s the truth.

Really, whether you accept it or not, you’re changing the course of humanity. The degree to which you do so rests entirely in your hands.

Big change, small movement, it doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is that you move.

Challenge people to question the rules. Stretch people to live. Encourage people to find meaning in their life. Express your passion and love to breathe. Don’t wait to hit a homerun when a single will bring home the winning run.

Small movements aren’t about being perfect. Perfect isn’t real.

You Matter

Far too often we think we need a ton of money , an extensive portfolio, or fancy title before we can start making a difference.

Don’t waste a second thinking that’s the case. To make a difference all you need is a flame, and the good news is that flame begins burning from within.

People often ask me why at just 20 years old I’m “qualified” to write about my experiences. What do I know?

The truth is, I’m not different than many of my readers. I have dreams, and I make my fair share of mistakes. I often come up short, and am far from perfect. The only difference between me and many of my wonderful readers is I took a chance. I share both my successes and failures and more often then not people can relate.

It’s simple to forget how easily we can change the world. Small movements start with small deeds.

* Run a bath for your loved one who just had a rough day at work.

* Write a personal note to someone you love, with a pen not an email.

* Send a birthday card with stamps.
* Hold the door for someone.

* Listen to someone.
* Ask someone how there day was and really listen.

* Live your passion, nothing is more inspiring than seeing the light in someone.

* Share personal stories and the lessons you learned.

* When having a conversation with someone see them for who they really are.

* Give secretly.

* Stop a rumor.

* Forgive someone.

While this list is small and not complete, don’t underestimate the power of one small action, you never know how far your kind deed will go.

Recently while writing at Starbucks, I overheard a girl working talk about how poorly her week had been going. As the store was closing, I left a note on the table wishing that her week would get better. I didn’t expect anything in return, yet needless to say I’m confident the note brought a smile to her face.

Kindness doesn’t cost a dime.

Accept Your Influence

Knowing that you can make a difference in the world is sometimes scary to accept. To realize you can literally alter the path of the world is nerve racking. Yet it’s important to accept the influence you own.

You don’t have to have the audience of Oprah to make people wake up to who they really are. You don’t have to be a best selling author to impact people with your words. You don’t have to have a nobel peace prize to radiate peace with every step you take.

Your painting can bring a smile to someone’s face. Your poetry can lift someone out of a deep slump. Your passion for design can lead to the construction of a magnificent building. Your love for numbers can help accelerate an important mathematical discovery. 

Ignore the universal voice that says you don’t matter.  Instead tune into the station that says you do. Don’t let the noise of the world drown the voice of  your dreams.

The biggest realization I’ve had over the past few years is this: You can create change. You can create amazing relationships. You can make the world a better place.

Action is the worlds greatest currency.

If you choose to remain passive in how you live, you still have an impact. If you choose to remain quiet on issues that drive you that to influences humanity.

I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know, but we often forget that everything, I do mean everything, starts small. And everything you do or don’t do has an impact.

Accept that influence that you have. 

Making A Difference

I receive many emails, from people telling me how much they want to make a difference. And it bothers me that many of them won’t. Not because they can’t or don’t have what it takes, but because they forget that that moving matters. They let their fears defeat them before they even take off.

Dreaming big is important but dreams only become reality when you move. You can’t hit a home run if you don’t swing. Yet so many people sit waiting for the perfect pitch and in the process strike out looking.

Far too often we think that because we are a “nobody” we can’t better humanity. Yet with the world as connected as it is, helping just one person can potentially affect the lives of thousands.

Don’t buy the notion that because you don’t have thousands of followers on twitter or a popular blog you can’t better the world. Every step you take is a stepping stone for a better planet.

Making a difference, big or small, matters now more than ever. Believe it.

Just Move

Create a small movement. Show your excitement. Share your fears. Drop your excuses on why you can’t change the world. If you hold back, fear wins.

You don’t have to perfect. You don’t have to have things figured out. Just share your journey both the ups and the downs.

By the end of your life you’ll have personally affected thousands of people. Don’t let your current situation prevent you making that difference today.

As with most things in life: it’s not can you make a difference but instead: Will you?

Your legacy begins today. You matter far more than you think. 

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Making A Difference: Why You Matter More Than You Think

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You’re a liar.

You tell yourself you’re busy, that you’re actually making a dent in the goals you’re attempting to achieve.

But really you’re pretending. The fake hustle prevails.

You’re scared. So you do the obvious.

You tweet about how successful you’ll be.

You boast about how little room remains in your schedule.

You justify why you’re not capable.

You spend the majority of your day stuck in a dream state.

You chase opportunities that keep you safe.

Busy trumps substance yet again.

Even the best sport the fake hustle mask from time to time.

What separates the people who succeed in owning their dreams however, is that the truly successful can spot the fake hustle as soon as it knocks on the door.

Take notice of when the fake hustle prevails. Then tell it go away. 

Show up for real. Do the work.

Hustle with heart not with excuse.

I wrote this for me. But perhaps the words may resonate with you.

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How To Spot Fake Hustle

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Last semester I tried my hand at leading the promotions committee – a subgroup of Marketing Forum at Mizzou. 

After having no intention of taking on a leadership role, the unexpected departure of the VP of promotions thrust myself and another committee member into the spot light of co-VP. 

I was given the baton and dropped it. 

Elections for next semester were held yesterday, and despite my passionate call for another chance,I fell short in my reelection bid. Though I’m confident the new VP of promotions will do an excellent job, I left feeling defeated. 

Despite stumbling as a leader, I know I’m in a much better positon now then if I hadn’t ever attempted the leadership role in the first place. 

I’ve learned a plethora of lessons in the process.

• Shit happens. Stay optimistic. 
• Care for your team
•  Do what you say you’re gonna do.
•  Communicate. Communicate. Communicate.
• Excuses are worthless
• The blame game isn’t sexy.
• The unexpected always knocks at the door.
• In the presence of chaos, sometimes a new face is what people need.
• Serve yourself last 
• Go all in

While I fell short of my own expectations as a leader, I’m confident that when the next leadership opportunity presents itself I’ll be more than capable of handling anything that comes my way.  

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There’s a common perception in the internet world that in order to be truly happy you have to quit your job, and that if you’re not working on your own terms you aren’t living up to your own potential.

A few years ago, I drank that kool aid regularly. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve developed a greater appreciation for not only entrepreneurs but for those who hold jobs as well.

I’m not sure when all jobs became soul sucking endeavors, but obviously not everyone hates their job.

To be perfectly honest I’m tired of the quit your job bandwagon. It’s thrown too many people under a blanket that doesn’t necessarily  fit. Jobs aren’t bad.

Yes, some people hate their jobs with every fiber of their being, but on the other side, there are millions of people who genuinely enjoy what they do.

Sure, if you’re unhappy with your job by all means do what you have to do to find your inner peace. But if you’re enjoying your job and sincerely believe you are making a difference, don’t feel like you have to quit just because everyone else is doing it.

The truth of the matter is, entrepreneurship is hard. It’s not easy, and it’s certainly not for everyone. Can we stop pretending there is only one way?

It doesn’t matter whether you consider yourself an entrepreneur or you have to report to your boss everyday. What matters is that you live in a career environment that brings out the best in you, one that leaves you knowing that you’re making a difference.

If you enjoy the every day turbulence of the entrepreneurship than by all means be an entrepreneur.

If you’d rather give your services and talents to a company that you believe in by all means bust your ass at that job.

Or perhaps your current situation is a hybrid of entrepreneurship and the corporate world.

It doesn’t matter.

You don’t have to quit your job to change the world.

The only requirement to changing the world is waking up passionate about what you do.

If you can do that, everybody wins.

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Yesterday it was announced that Facebook had acquired  the popular photo sharing application Instagram for a whopping 1 billion dollars.

Yes, billion with a B.

But it isn’t the price that fascinates me. 

Within hours of the deal going public, many users and tech pundits lashed out at the founders for accepting such a deal. How could they sell out? How could they so easily be bought by the devil sporting the letters FB?  

The death of Instagram.

By many accounts, Instagram had no intentions of being bought. For one, Instagram appeared to be attempting to conquer the social world solo as demonstrated by their recent round of substantial funding. 

Furthermore, in an interview with Kevin Systrom in October 2011, Systrom mentions how their focus is to build  a thriving company and not concern themselves with the intentions of Facebook. 

But then Facebook got scared, and the checkbooks came out.

And Instagram, a two year old baby, was given a price. A price none of the 13 employees could ignore.

One billion dollars, and a chance to work with the Facebook team. 

Who could pass that up? Apparently not the folks at Instagram.

It’s easy to declare that Instagram  sold out. But don’t forget that everyone has a price.

Everyone including you. 

For some that price holds a dollar sign, for others, that price refers to their desire to make a difference or live comfortable lives. Some even chase respect. 

Perhaps Instagram never intended to sell, but the reality is their price was met, and they took the deal.

You can’t fault them for that.

For when the price is met your mirror would do the same. 

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People speak a lot of the importance of failure, and how all successful people fail.

Unfortunately, I think many people miss the essence of the often misunderstood advice.

Successful people don’t chase failure. Losers do.

The difference between those who win and those who lose is that the latter mistakenly worships coming up an inch short, whereas the winners know coming up short is the final lap before they win.

Failure is inevitable. Winning is optional.

Aim to win.

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There are two kinds of people. Dreamers… and doers..

What does your mirror show? 

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I recently read an article claiming that some companies are now asking applicants for their Facebook password.  I literally laughed out loud. 

How silly has  all this become? What’s next? Turn in your house keys with your resume? 

I stand strongly on the side of transparency (ie don’t ever hide your faults), but asking for someones password is beyond ridiculous.

I don’t run a company, but I do know that asking your employees for their Facebook passwords is one of the quickest ways to lose their trust.

And it doesn’t take a management degree to know that organizations that lack trust are doomed to fail.

The whole idea is absurd. 

Just to be clear future potnetial employers: You ask me for my Facebook password and I’m out the door.

Not because I have anything to hide, but because I’d rather wait tables then work for a company who so clearly lacks trust. 

Stop the madness. Trust your employees. 

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I’ve been fascinated by magic ever since my father showed me my first card trick. 

There’s something special about immersing yourself in a world where there’s seemingly no boundaries. 

I will always remember how I felt when my card magically rose to the top. 

In our everyday lives we hold the the role of magician. 24/7 we perform.

Sometimes  we’re unprepared and fuck up. Other times we mesmerize the entire crowd. 

The secret to magic is knowing what it takes to be a real magician. 

Decent magicians deceive you. Real magicians on the other hand, the ones that perform in front of sold out crowds, tell stories that make you come alive. 

Stop working on your sleight of hand, and focus telling stories that move the crowd to bliss. That’s the secret of magic after all. 

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