Mastery in Motion: Lessons from Chop Wood, Carry Water

Recently, a colleague handed me a copy of Chop Wood, Carry Water, a book he seemed to carry around like a daily guide. It was one he’d mentioned time and again, insisting I read it. I finally did—and now, I understand why he held it in such high regard. This simple parable about embracing the discipline of mastery hit home for me and, surprisingly, has quickly become one of my top recommendations for anyone aiming to do their best work.

As someone who naturally jumps into things headfirst, I don’t often struggle with getting started. In fact, while some may feel paralyzed by fear of that first step, I find energy in the beginning, diving in and figuring things out along the way. Where I do falter, though, is in the middle. That’s the point where the excitement fades, the novelty wears off, and the hard work of consistency begins.

Chop Wood, Carry Water frames this stage beautifully, showing that mastery isn’t about grand breakthroughs—it’s about persistence in the everyday tasks, even when they seem mundane. It’s a reminder that true progress comes when we commit to doing the unglamorous work, day in and day out.

For me, this book was a wake-up call to embrace the journey in all its stages. It’s easy to say, “I could have done more if only I’d stuck with it.” But to fully realize potential, we have to lean into the discipline of each step, from start to middle to end. I’ve achieved a lot, yet I’m aware there’s always another level, another layer to uncover if I can master the art of “chopping wood and carrying water.”

Chop Wood, Carry Water is now on my list of essential reads—one I’ll return to often. It’s a timeless reminder for anyone seeking to wrap themselves in the blanket of mastery, regardless of their craft or goals.

About the Author – Dane Czaplicki, CFA®

Dane Czaplicki is CEO of Members’ Wealth, a boutique wealth management firm that offers a comprehensive approach to serving individuals, families, business owners, and institutions. The firm’s goal is to preserve and grow its clients’ wealth to endure over time, while thoughtfully evolving its strategy to suit an ever-changing world. With over 20 years of wealth management experience, Dane and the Members' Wealth team thrive on bringing clarity and confidence to clients' unique situations. He believes everyone needs sound financial advice from someone whose interests are aligned with theirs, and is determined to put service before all else.

Dane received his MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University. Outside work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, hiking and camping, reading, running, and playing with his dog. To learn more about Dane, connect with him on LinkedIn.

To get in touch with the Members’ Wealth team today, I invite you to email info@memberswealthllc.com or call (267) 367-5453. 

You can learn more about how we serve our clients by tapping the button below.

Investment advisory services are offered through Members’ Wealth, LLC., a Registered Investment Advisory Firm.

Registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training. We are an independent advisory firm helping individuals achieve their financial needs and goals

Members’ Wealth does not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisors before taking any action that may have tax consequences.

This commentary reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the Members’ Wealth, LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Members’ Wealth, LLC or performance returns of any Members’ Wealth, LLC client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Nothing in this commentary constitutes investment advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Members’ Wealth, LLC manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results

Copyright © 2023 Members' Wealth LLC