You Thrive When You Go With The Flow

Written by Michelle Ong | October 13, 2024 | Growth

Here is a story about a young fisherman, Liang, who faced the challenge of dwindling fish yields that threatened his livelihood, and how he found a way to overcome it.

Many of us often stick to old habits and resist change, even when we face obstacles and challenges. We get frustrated, trying the same approach over and over, hoping it will work. But this mindset can actually sabotage our progress and make things harder than they need to be. In this blog post, we’ll explore how adopting a more flexible mindset can help us thrive through a story. If you feel stuck or frustrated, these insights might be just what you need to break free and move forward.

Go With The Flow

Liang was a young fisherman who had recently taken over the family trade after his father passed away. Adjusting to the responsibility, he carried on the fishing tradition, learning the ropes as he honored his father’s legacy. Now, as the family’s breadwinner, he felt the weight of responsibility. His father had always taught him that hard work and traditional methods were the key to success, and Liang believed that if he gave his all, things would work out. For a while, everything followed a steady routine—he used the same techniques, caught enough fish, and made a decent living. Life felt stable, and Liang was content.

But one day, the fish in the river suddenly became scarce. Liang’s nets came up empty day after day, and his anxiety grew. He worked longer hours and tried harder, but the fish still eluded him. Frustrated and despondent, he wasn’t sure what to do next. His mother suggested he visit Xian, a wise sage from a nearby village. Desperate for a solution, Liang decided to seek out the sage.

When he met Xian, Liang shared his troubles and asked for advice. The old sage asked if he had heard of wu wei, a philosophy of aligning with the natural flow. Liang shook his head. The sage explained, “The river flows as it will, and the fish swim where they choose. Fighting against the current only wears you out. Instead, become one with the water, let it guide you, and harmony will follow.”

Liang reflected on Xian’s advice and came up with a plan. The next day, he returned to the river, watching the currents and following the fish. Letting go of his usual methods, he focused on being fully present. That’s when he noticed something new: logging work upstream had caused a partial blockage, disrupting the flow in his usual fishing spots. Upon realizing the blockage, Liang set out to clear it as best he could. The next day, he returned to his usual fishing spots and cast his nets. His efforts paid off—he caught more fish than he had in weeks. It was all because he learned to go with the flow.

What Is Wu Wei

When we face problems in life, instead of repeating the same thought patterns or actions, it’s wise to pause, step back, and consider different perspectives. Taking time to analyze what caused the shift can increase the chances of getting things back on track. This is where applying the Taoist philosophy of wu wei—going with the natural flow rather than resisting—can be incredibly helpful. It’s about aligning with life’s natural rhythms rather than forcing things to happen. By embracing wu wei, we become more open to new viewpoints and better at adapting to life’s constant changes. This approach allows us to be more receptive to opportunities that emerge from life’s unexpected twists.

What Do You Think

What do you think of this story? It’s a simple tale about an everyday problem, but the solution lies in knowing when to pause, step back, and embrace wu wei. Shifting our perspective and going with the flow makes it easier to find solutions instead of getting stuck in old patterns.

Often, we misdiagnose problems because we cling to old methods and assumptions, even when the situation has changed. The harder we try to control everything, the more frustration builds—like trying to hold water, the tighter you grip, the more it slips away.

Instead of fighting life’s unpredictability, try loosening your grip and finding peace in the present. Releasing expectations isn’t about giving up; it’s about trusting that every plot twist holds meaning, even if we can’t see it right away.

“Don’t demand that things happen as you wish, but wish that they happen as they do happen, and you will go on well.” – Epictetus

When life throws unexpected challenges your way, embrace wu wei. Let go of rigid expectations, adapt, and go with the flow. By staying flexible and motivated, you’ll open yourself up to new opportunities and paths as life unfolds.

I hope you found value from this story. Pin and share it with your family and friends so they can benefit from it too.

If you’re going through a tough time and struggling to stay motivated, check out this post—a collection of Stoic short stories that can inspire mental strength.