This past weekend, I spent countless hours on the beach in my waders to protect me from the cold waters while my hands were wrapped around my fishing pole anxiously awaiting that much anticipated “tug” on the line signifying that I caught the “Big One.” The entire experience got me thinking that fishing is a lot like business and the hours I spent in the water over the years came with some unexpected lessons. Here’s what I learned.
Take the time to reflect
That particular surf fishing day, there wasn’t much activity in the water. But, in the process and the idle time that ensued, I started to reflect on my day at the beach. First, I looked at my tackle box to make sure all was organized and that I was using the correct hooks and bait. Satisfied that all was in order, I made my first cast into the deep blue and soon realized that it did not extend as far out as I would have liked. So, I tried again. Still not satisfied. It wasn’t until my third cast that I felt relatively satisfied with the results. Now it was a waiting game to see if my preparation would pay off and land me a fish.
Follow simple steps to success
- Have to have a goal. In my case, it was to catch that darn fish.
- Gather the right tools and organize them so that you can easily access them when you need them. In my case, having an organized tackle box ensures that I can find the correct hooks and bait when I need them.
- Try more than once to achieve your goal. In my case, it took three casts to get my hook and bait in prime position. And even that doesn’t guarantee me a fish.
Practice patience and persistence
Surf fishing has taught me a valuable lesson – patience and persistence can make all the difference in your ability to achieve your goal. After all, “good things happen to those who wait” and “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try, and try again.” So, as my waders receded further into the sand, I watched with awe as the sun began to break the horizon and the porpoises gracefully passed by. Although I did not catch a fish that fine day, I will prepare for my next opportunity with enthusiasm and an optimistic attitude – knowing that one day my hard work will pay off.
What valuable business lessons have you learned from real-world experiences? Tell us in the comments below.