Persistence and Bass Fishing--Part 3
One of the most valuable things in my growth both mentally (emotionally) and spiritually has been the use of a mentor. My mentor helped me with the business aspects I didn't know about. he was ahead of me spiritually, so he was invaluable in that aspect too. And, he helped me to change my thinking.
I can think myself into misery while bass fishing! I have done it.....on many an occasion! Too windy, or too many snags, or water is too cold, or I can't understand why......fill in the blank! I would even take financial, relational or emotional issues with me on the boat. I was quite adept at manufacturing my own misery!
Living in the moment seems to me to be one of the most difficult ideas for folks to grasp. It was for me. My mentor and i were discussing a day I had on the water several years ago. I told him, "My client must have missed 20 smallies today because he was using the wrong jigheads and he didn't set the hook. The wind was blowing and the water was high. Fish were eating and we still didn't do well."
He surmized, " So not much went your way today." I said, "No."
He said "Blaine you were fishing! Living your dream!"
Yeah, but.......My battle cry when I really didn't want a solution. I was looking for sympathy.
He then said to me, "I had the same problem. Had trouble having a good day when stuff didn't go my way. So I made a decision that if I'm doing what God wants me to do and living right, everything is going my way. If it's His way, it's my way. Happiness is a choice."
I was left just shaking my head. And there lies another problem. I need to change! I cannot take my problems out on the water and focus on putting clients on bass, or finding fish on a shoot day. When I try to do both, I'm unhappy. The issues will still be there when I'm done for the day. Focusing on what I'm doing when I'm doing it is crucial. Now I'm marketing a national TV program. Focus is so important. Today, I school my mind to focus on what I'm doing and what is next on my list.
This link is to an audio portion of an interview I did with Aaron Martin, host of Bass Edge, a TV program airing on WFN. We talked about positive mental attitude. Enjoy and comment!
Aaron Martin/Blaine Mengel Talk About Focus
Good fishin!
Blaine
Categories: Bass Fishing
Tags: bass fishing Backwoods Angler TV Positive mental attitude
The importance of mentorship can't be emphasized enough. In our rugged-individualistic society, we need mentors more than ever--for ourselves, and for our children especially. Your post brings this issue into the light. Thank you.
The word mentor comes from the Greek, meaning "wise adviser," and is also related to the Greek word, "mentos" meaning "intent, passion, spirit, purpose." My mentor shares all of these with me and inspires me to live a life with these qualities as a base. And in my case, I had to get to hopeless, in terms of how my life wasn't working, before I allowed myself to take directions from anyone else. Now, I have many mentors--you, Lefty, and, if I am open, everything and everyone becomes a guide and teacher.
Blessings to you, and thank you again for sharing your story of being mentored...It is a call to all of us to rise up and both seek to be mentored and to mentor others. Cheers, Joseph Anthony
Reply to this