A Pot Full of Worries

In a quiet village surrounded by rolling hills, there lived a farmer named Kenta, who was known for his lush fields of wheat. His crops were abundant, his barns were full, and his family was content. Yet, Kenta was plagued by fear.

“What if a storm comes and ruins my crops?” he would mutter to himself each morning. “What if the river floods, or the pests invade, or my hard work is for nothing?” These thoughts consumed him, gnawing at his peace of mind.

One day, Kenta’s anxiety became unbearable, so he sought the wisdom of Master Soto, the monk who lived atop a nearby hill. When Kenta arrived at the monastery, he poured out his worries. “Master,” he said, “I can’t sleep, I can’t eat, and I feel a storm in my chest every day. I am terrified of losing everything I’ve worked so hard for.”

Master Soto listened patiently, then handed Kenta a large clay pot. “Take this pot and fill it with water from the river,” the monk instructed.

Confused but obedient, Kenta did as he was told. When he returned with the full pot, the monk gave him another task. “Now carry the pot up the sacred hill, walk along the path they say is so beautiful, it is the gateway to heaven. Find the farthest tree, circle it and bring the pot back, but be careful not to spill a single drop.”

Kenta gritted his teeth and began the climb. With each step, his arms ached, and his heart pounded. His eyes stayed fixed on the water, his breath shallow with the fear of spilling it. By the time he returned, sweat dripped from his brow, and his back hunched with the weigt, his arms and hands sore and trembling from the effort.

“I did it, Master,” Kenta said, panting. “I didn’t spill a drop.”

Master Soto smiled. “Very good. But now, tell me, did you notice the magical deers that appeared along the way? Did you pick the eternal blossoms on the trees? Did you hear the birds singing? Did you feel the healing breeze on your face as you climbed? Did you soak in the beauty of the walk, they say is an experience of heaven?”

Kenta blinked. “No, Master. I was too focused on the pot.”

The monk nodded knowingly. “You see, Kenta, your pot of water is like your fears. You hold onto them so tightly, so consumed by the thought of what could go wrong, that you miss the life and the beauty around you. Worse, the more you focus on your fears, the heavier they grow, until your entire life becomes about carrying their weight.”

The storm you fear, the pests you dread—they dont strike to scare you. They have a purpose, they have a path. Your thoughts wont change their path or purpose, but in thinking of them, you will certainly derail from yours.

Kenta stared at the pot, its water still and heavy in his hands. For the first time, he realized he had been carrying his fears everywhere, spilling his energy into them instead of his life’s joys and possibilities. He ran up the hill, this time, splashing the water around as he did, emptying the pot, rejoicing in the wonder and beauty that surrounded him.

Over to you:

1. Focus Shapes Reality In business, focusing excessively on worst-case scenarios or potential failures can paralyze innovation and progress. Instead, channel your energy into solutions, opportunities, and positive outcomes.
2. Your Thoughts Are Seeds Negative thoughts, when dwelled upon, can grow into self-fulfilling prophecies. Cultivate a mindset of optimism and resilience to steer your work and team toward success.
3. Let Go of Unnecessary Burdens Worrying about every possible setback is like carrying a heavy pot up a hill. Acknowledge risks, but don’t let them consume your attention or energy.
4. Be Present, Not Preoccupied Fear often robs us of the ability to appreciate what’s going well. In your professional journey, stay present to the wins, progress, and growth happening around you.

“In life, the pests will come and go, the storms will rise and fall, but your path is yours alone—don’t abandon it in fear of what may never come.”

Rooting for your success,

Priya