By Daniel Day
What if we approached every day like a fishing day? I think it could both increase joy and help us become more successful.
One of my favorite authors wrote a New York Times Bestselling book* describing the seven principles of success. He calls them The Seven Decisions, and suggests that anyone who acts on these decisions can succeed at just about anything. Interestingly, most fisherman I know apply these decisions to fishing trips, but it’s rare to find that they apply them to anything else. Here are a few examples:
1. Fisherman anticipate and get excited. Have you ever thought to yourself, “Crap! Tomorrow’s Saturday and I have to go fishing! It’s such a drag (get it, drag?!).” Me neither. My bro-in-law and I are going fishing in two days, and we are already building it up in our heads, and out loud. We are anticipating the joy of getting on the boat and spending the whole day on the water. He’s supposed to go on a date with his wife that night, but chances are we will get back late. I shouldn’t admit this, but I’m already chuckling at the trouble he will get in when he gets back.
What if we approached every day with anticipation and excitement? The author I mentioned earlier describes one of the seven decisions of success, “Today, I choose to be happy.” Maybe you and I could wake up and say, “Today, I choose to approach my life as if I’m going fishing.” It’s amazing how practicing happiness and joy—even when we don’t feel like it—can lead to experiencing happiness and joy. I know it’s hard to compare a day at the office with a day on the lake, or in a river, or in the ocean, but there’s a principle buried in the anticipation of a fishing trip. I think it’s this—if you build something up in your head it tends to come true. Even when you don’t catch anything, you still have a great time fishing because you’ve told yourself for a few days or weeks, “I’m going to have a great time fishing.” Try the same build up for other parts of your life. It may feel fake at first, but I think you’ll be surprised at how anticipation and excitement can change your perspective and become real.
2. Fisherman plan every detail and work hard to get ready. I love to read and listen to biographical stories of entrepreneurs and inventors that have created massively successful companies. Do you know one of the major themes I’ve heard in nearly every success story? These entrepreneurs plan ahead and work really hard. They think through every detail, and are relentless in their pursuit of building their businesses. They sacrifice their time and energy to make it happen. Look at those qualities again. Doesn’t it sound like someone going on a fishing trip?
Interestingly, most fisherman I know think through every detail and are relentless in their pursuit of fishing. Most fisherman never stop learning (like reading this magazine each month). There’s always a new knot to learn or a new chart to study. They also plan ahead and are prepared. When my bro-in-law and I go fishing, we plan out where we will get bait, and we gather all the tackle we will need for the day. We have emergency supplies in case of a problem (or in case we get pulled over by a ranger). We bring extra water, food and supplies (although if we are catching fish, we usually forget to eat or drink). Most of the time, we have the boat completely ready the day before we go fishing.
What if we approached our lives like that? What if we took the time to think through the details and plan ahead? What if we never stopped learning and prepared for every contingency? I bet we would be more successful in our jobs and with our families. Here’s a convicting question: what if I spent as much time planning dates with my wife as I do planning fishing trips? I bet I’d get to go fishing more often!
Here’s the point: If you are willing to apply the same two attitudes you take toward fishing—relentless excitement and detailed planning—and apply them to your job, family and other areas of your life, you are going to not only catch a lot of fish, but you are going to catch a whole lot of joy and success too.
*The book I referenced in the first paragraph is titled: The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews.
Daniel Ryan Day is the author of two books, including his most recent work: Intentional Christian (now available). He’s also the COO of Cascades Mountain Resort, Old Orchard Tavern and Asheville’s Fun Depot. Daniel lives in Fairview, NC with his wife and three kiddos. Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram or at intentionalchristianity.com