I find that as I grow older, I constantly remind myself of the lessons and life principles that I have adopted. I draw reference to this link which resonate with what I believe but my narration are entirely my interpretation based on my life experience.

Wood Cutter Story My Reference

The Wood Chopper

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Sireh is a village boy. He is able bodied and a strong boy and he is in search of a job. One thing that he isn't. He is not lazy. He saw an advertisement for the job of a wood cutter and he thought why not.

The interview was a brisk because all the man needed was a strong man. He was given a new axe and some instructions on how to carry out his job. He took the axe and off he went.

The first day, he managed to chop down 15 trees. It was hard work but because the axe was new, he was able to hit a good number. He thought to himself, if the first day I can do 15 the next day I will do 20 and it will keep increasing because he will be more experienced.

He got his first wage and he was pretty happy. Although the body was aching but he was optimistic. There is no success without hard work, he reminded himself.

'Tomorrow, I will do 20!' he shouted optimistically as he waved goodbye to his new boss.

He took the same axe and he went to work. This time its seem harder. He was only able to fall 10 trees. The following day he only managed 5.

Sireh was confused and demotivated. He didn't know where he went wrong. He plucked some courage and he asked his boss.

His boss said, 'Well, hard work is not always defining. Sometimes you got to equip yourself with the right tool and take a step back.'

Then he added, 'Sharpen your axe boy. That is your tool'

Sireh was surprised. He was obsessed with carrying out his job without realising that he has been using a blunt tool. It worked initially because the axe was still sharp. No wonder he has to work harder without getting the result that he wanted.

Gleefully, he did as he was told. He sharpen his axe. He only need half a day to fall 15 trees. That day he went back, less stress on the back and without much ache on the body. He was doing much lesser but has better results.

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My Story

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The above is my story. Sometimes we tend to think that working hard is all that it takes, but hard work comes together with having the right 'tools' and most of the time this 'tool' is the tricks-of-trade. I have been in this position many times and that was why I think it is best to name the character after myself.

In my life I have many mentors. The people who reminded me to sharpen my 'axe'. I learnt that spending time to acquire the knowledge and know-how is as important as carrying out the task.

I am very proud to proclaim that I am not short of people with bigger and sharper axes that taught me how to cut my tree. I had the guidance of my belated father, Datuk Lat, my best buddy @perennial, @abangmie, @travellingartist, Mr.MOY, Mr.Ujang and others that we instrumental in my career and in my life. I will never forget their contribution and I am ever grateful.

I teach my students the same lessons that I had learnt. Always get the right tool and make sure your axe is sharp before carrying out the task.

credit to @zomagic