If I had to single out one message that the world keeps hammering into us these days, it would be this: You must stand out. You must not be ordinary.
Behind these presumptions lies the belief that, in order to be successful, you must be extraordinary.
But what if I told you that being ordinary is the highest achievement a human can attain? And that chasing the extraordinary might actually lead us away from enlightenment?
In a world obsessed with extraordinary achievements, we often overlook the profound power of the ordinary.
We chase success, recognition, and status, believing that greatness is reserved for those who do something groundbreaking.
However, Zen philosophy offers a different perspective—one that teaches us that true fulfillment and even mastery lie in embracing the simplest tasks with full presence and dedication.
Chop Wood, Carry Water: A Lesson in Presence
One of the most well-known Zen sayings comes from the great Chinese Zen master Zhaozhou (also known as Joshu in Japanese):
“Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.”
At first glance, this phrase seems paradoxical. If enlightenment is supposed to be a life-altering transformation, why does life remain the same? The answer lies in a deep understanding of mindfulness and presence.
Before enlightenment, we see tasks as burdens—chores we must complete before moving on to something more meaningful. But after enlightenment, we realize that meaning is found within the tasks themselves. The difference isn’t in what we do, but in how we do it.
The Zen Master Who Found Enlightenment in the Mundane
Another famous Zen figure, Layman Pang, perfectly embodied this principle. Unlike most spiritual seekers, he wasn’t a monk living in a monastery. He was an ordinary man who worked, raised a family, and engaged in everyday activities. Yet, he discovered profound wisdom in the simplest acts.
He once said:
“My daily activities are no different from others. I just remain mindful, whether carrying water or gathering firewood.”
This simple yet profound statement reveals that true wisdom and fulfillment are not found in escaping daily responsibilities, but in fully engaging with them. Layman Pang didn’t need a grand temple or complex rituals—he found enlightenment in the flow of daily life.
Why We Struggle to See the Value in the Ordinary
In modern society, we are conditioned to seek the extraordinary. We believe success comes from doing something remarkable, something that sets us apart. Social media amplifies this belief, as we constantly see people achieving incredible things—launching startups, breaking records, traveling the world. In comparison, our daily routines can feel insignificant.
But this mindset creates a dangerous illusion: that ordinary work is meaningless and only “big” achievements matter. The truth is, every great accomplishment is built on a foundation of small, consistent actions.
Mastery Comes from the Ordinary
The best athletes, artists, and professionals don’t become great by chasing fame or success. They become great because they dedicate themselves to the process—the daily discipline of practicing, refining, and improving.
- A champion swimmer doesn’t focus on winning medals. They focus on perfecting each stroke in the water, day after day.
- A world-class musician doesn’t wait for inspiration to strike. They commit to hours of practice, playing the same scales over and over.
- A great writer doesn’t only write when they feel motivated. They show up every day and put words on the page, even when it feels tedious.
The extraordinary is simply the result of doing the ordinary with excellence and consistency.
Bringing Zen into Daily Life
So how can we apply this Zen wisdom to our own lives? How do we shift our mindset from chasing success to embracing the process in our workplace or our most mundane daily chores?
- Be Fully Present in What You Do
Whether you’re washing dishes, working on a project, or exercising, give it your full attention. When you bring presence into each task, it transforms from a chore into a meaningful experience. - Detach from the Outcome
Instead of obsessing over success or failure, focus on the effort you put in. Let go of external validation and immerse yourself in the work itself. - Find Joy in the Process
The journey is what shapes you. The discipline, the learning, and the small victories along the way are what truly matter. Enjoy the path, not just the destination. - Recognize That Small Actions Lead to Big Results
Every great achievement is the sum of small, consistent efforts. Instead of waiting for a “big break,” focus on mastering the basics every single day.
Conclusion: Success Without Struggle
We don’t need to seek extraordinary things to be successful or highly regarded. True success is a byproduct of dedication, mindfulness, and presence in everyday life. When we stop viewing ordinary tasks as obstacles and start seeing them as opportunities for growth, everything changes.
Zen reminds us that we don’t have to escape the mundane to find fulfillment. Instead, we must embrace it.
Success isn’t found in chasing something far away—it’s found in how we live each moment, in how we chop wood and carry water.
Stay tuned for our upcoming articles, where we’ll dive deeper into simple wellness habits that can transform your daily routine. We’ll also explore more actionable tips to help you thrive in all areas of your life.
The Balanced Path 