The Ancient’s Advice: “Don’t Stray from the Fields, Don’t Leave the Shop Door”

Why Can’t Farmers Leave Their Fields?

The Vietnamese proverb, “Làm ruộng không rời ruộng, mở quán không rời cửa,” offers insightful advice, emphasizing the importance of dedication and focus to achieve success.

For farmers, cultivation is their primary occupation, and it demands unwavering attention throughout the process, from sowing and fertilizing to weeding and harvesting. Once they begin, farmers cannot afford to leave their fields as care and monitoring are of utmost importance.

Some may argue that taking a break for a day or two after completing a task is reasonable. However, farming, like any other occupation, necessitates close monitoring to identify and address issues promptly. Consistency and persistence pay off, and those who tend their fields diligently will reap far greater rewards than those who work intermittently.

Why Can’t Shop Owners Leave Their Stores?

This principle holds true not only for farming but also, and perhaps even more so, for running a store. Shopkeepers are advised that even if there are no customers, they must remain present. The reasoning is that if a customer visits once and finds the store unattended, they may not return. However, if the store is consistently open and welcoming, customers are more likely to remember and revisit.

On the other hand, if a customer arrives and finds no one to attend to them, even regular patrons may leave and never return. Gradually, the store will lose its customer base and its ability to stay in business.

Those who truly aspire to transform a small shop into a thriving enterprise adhere to the four-word principle: persistence and endurance. They keep their business running daily, regardless of the weather, 365 days a year. Even on days with no customers, they remain steadfast, respecting both their work and their customers.

Entrepreneurs understand that the first year may result in losses, the second year may break even, and profits may only start in the third year. However, some expect immediate financial gains when they first open their doors, which is unrealistic. Challenges and obstacles are inevitable, and only by facing them head-on can one identify and resolve issues promptly. This is true not just in agriculture and business but in any field.

Thus, this proverb holds a profound meaning for passionate and ambitious youth. While they are driven by their dreams, they may also be prone to giving up when faced with difficulties. Without persistence and focus, their endeavors may amount to nothing. Only with patience, dedication, and a serious approach can one attain genuine success.