• Chop Wood Carry Water

  • How to Fall in Love with the Process of Becoming Great
  • By: Joshua Medcalf
  • Narrated by: Joshua Medcalf
  • Length: 2 hrs and 27 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (5,235 ratings)

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Chop Wood Carry Water  By  cover art

Chop Wood Carry Water

By: Joshua Medcalf
Narrated by: Joshua Medcalf
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Publisher's summary

Chop Wood Carry Water is the story of one boy's journey to achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a samurai warrior. 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 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 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.

©2015 Joshua Medcalf (P)2016 Joshua Medcalf

What listeners say about Chop Wood Carry Water

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Same old advice

So a quick caveat, I have been reading business and motivational books for over 20 years. What I’m finding is that a lot of the principles are the same in every book. But I also recognize that certain people will connect with certain speakers. So if you’re new to business books or want to get motivated on how to be great and you’ve never read any books on the subject, but then this book will be amazing for you. I thought that the story started out great but I felt like the false parable of this guy going to work with a samurai and then watching the NBA finals with him was a little cheesy so I’m glad I didn’t spend a lot of money on this audiobook and I’m going to wait for the paperback to be on special because for over $20 that’s just way too much for something you could read on a blog post.

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57 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Was hoping to see how to apply this in the real world

The whole time John was pursuing his goal of becoming a samurai archer. Talked about hard work and over coming adversity and the problems and issues that everyone has. My problem was everything he did was in a controlled environment. With teachers and other students working for the same thing. It barely touches on what could happen after he leaves. Talks about the outside influences and what to watch out for. Nothing on how to apply anything. Overall it was an ok listen. But I didn’t really get anything out of it. Probably wouldn’t recommend.

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53 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Overly simplistic... perhaps meant for teens?

All of the content seems okay, but it is nothing original. It is every basic self help concept boiled down and told in a cheesy anecdotal story line with modern details. The Japanese sensei is a bit cliche and doesn't come across as a believable story at all.

Gave it three stars only bc the intent is good and it may be a good starting point for some young people.

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38 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Has moments but wears thin quick

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

The book is certainly not a waste of time but I started to find it very annoying as each chapter passed. It came across as way too simplistic and not very realistic considering the context. The underlying messages and stories told in each chapter certainly can help bring balance to someone in a crazy world. I just wish it didn't make me feel like I was dealing with a spoiled adolescent in John.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Similar to my reaction to previous chapters, simplistic.

Have you listened to any of Joshua Medcalf’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No and not sure that I would based on this one. Great potential with some moments but message gets lost.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Maybe depending on the liberties taken by the producer. Potential is there but this was a lost opportunity.

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30 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Commit to the Process

Wonderful fable of a young man’s journey of falling in love with the process. Easy and powerful read for students and adults.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Become a better version of yourself

This helped me to understand that too many people are focused on results , But when we focus on the process, the results will come. This book is perfect for any entrepreneurial person. You get great results by controlling your process.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • DJ
  • 07-13-19

So much good info

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's always more interesting when information is explained through a story. Easy to understand and put to use.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Lasting and impactful change

The book was easy to follow and the stories made it crystal clear on getting valuable takeaways.

I recommend this book for those who looking to be there best and not afraid of the grind to get there.

Clear path to not just making it but enjoying the journey on the way.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A Lifetime of Wisdom

A simple story filled with a lifetime of wise words and valuable lessons. Perfect for teens and adults alike.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very inspiring!

This is a book about principles of good character. You won’t regret spending your time listening!

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5 people found this helpful