Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of leading companies, mentoring entrepreneurs, and working closely with leaders from all walks of life. I’ve also had the sacred responsibility of being a husband, father, and friend. And if there’s one truth I keep coming back to, it’s this:
Leadership isn’t defined by the big moments—it’s shaped by the small, consistent ones.
That’s why Joshua Medcalf’s Chop Wood, Carry Water resonated so deeply with me. It’s a simple story, but like most timeless truths, its power lies in its simplicity.
In the book, a young man named John dreams of becoming a samurai archer. But instead of being trained in technique right away, he’s told to do the same tasks day in and day out: chop wood, carry water. It seems mundane. Repetitive. Even pointless. But what he doesn’t realize is that the process itself is transforming him—shaping his character, deepening his patience, and grounding his identity.
The lesson is clear: the process matters more than the spotlight. And who we become in the process is what really determines our impact as leaders.
The Quiet Work Builds the Loudest Legacy
As leaders, we often focus on outcomes—goals achieved, teams built, businesses grown. But in my own journey, I’ve come to see that the real legacy we leave isn’t in the results. It’s in the way we lead when no one’s watching. In how we respond when no one applauds. In how we treat people when there’s nothing to gain.
Those quiet, behind-the-scenes decisions—the ones that never make the headlines—those are what shape who we are.
Fall in Love with the Process
One of the most powerful lines in the book is this: “You have to fall in love with the process of becoming great.”
That’s not always easy. Especially in a culture that celebrates instant results. But leadership that lasts—the kind that matters decades from now—is built through repetition, humility, and a willingness to do the work even when it feels ordinary.
Whether it’s showing up consistently for your team, investing in your marriage, or making time for your children amidst a packed schedule—chopping wood and carrying water looks a little different for all of us. But it’s the same at its core: a daily commitment to do what’s right, to grow, and to serve.
Leadership Across All Dimensions
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that leadership isn’t something we turn on at work and off at home. It’s who we are. If we’re not applying our values and discipline across all dimensions of life—family, friendships, faith, community—then we’re only leading halfway.
The man you are when no one is watching is the leader people will remember. Not because of what you achieved, but because of how you made them feel. Because of how you showed up. Day after day. Steady. Intentional. Faithful.
So wherever you are today—leading a company, guiding a family, mentoring a team, or just trying to be a better version of yourself—remember:
Keep chopping the wood. Keep carrying the water.
The results will come. But the person you become in the process?
That’s the real victory.