Doing the Work

“Better to set aside judging yourself until you’ve committed to the practice and done the work.”

I just read an interesting account by Seth Godin, author of The Practice, related to a fly fishing experience he had. 

When approached by the guide he asked for a fly without a hook. He knew ahead of time that he had no real desire to actually catch a fish, even if he was going to release it back into the wild after the fact. 

So while those novice fly fisherman around him repeatedly came up empty and disappointed after each cast, he spent his day enjoying the beautiful day, and working on the rhythm of his cast. 

Now to some this might have seemed pointless, but I actually found it to be brilliant. By setting aside judgement of not catching a fish on each attempt, he was able to work on the craft of casting. 

Sometimes we are so focused and judgmental that we completely lose sight of the process, which will inevitably take time to get to a level of proficiency. In doing so we may give up too easily and quickly. 

“Doing the work,” as Godin says requires practice, patience and perseverance. He spent an enjoyable day practicing his cast, and not disappointed by his lack of bounty.

 Maybe we could learn a lesson regarding our new endeavors, and how rushing to the outcomes denies us the benefits of the experience.