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Lessons from the River: How Fishing Taught Me to Take Action

February 12, 2025|Spiritual & Philosophical

I have a vivid memory of a day when my dad and I went fishing in the river. The water was high, too high for us to wade in like we normally did. That meant we had to walk along the riverbank searching for a good spot. I was about nine years old, and honestly, I was annoyed. Fishing was supposed to be easy; find a place, cast your line, catch fish. Why did it have to be so difficult today?

When we finally found a spot, a huge tree leaned over the water, dividing the river. My dad set me up on the side where I had a clear cast, while he fished under low-hanging branches on the other side. I started casting, but soon frustration kicked in. The current kept pulling my line into the tree, forcing me to reel it back quickly before it tangled.

I complained. A lot.

”This tree is in the way.”
“The current‘s too strong.”
”I can’t catch anything like this.”

My dad, patient as ever, just kept fishing. He listened to my complaints but didn‘t say much, he just focused on what he was doing.

Finally, I decided to move. I waded downstream from him and stood under the low-hanging trees. My dad glanced over and said calmly, ”Don’t you throw your line into that tree.”
”What tree?“ I said. ”I can fish.”

A Lesson in Action (and Consequences)

Determined to prove myself, I cast my line. My first cast wasn’t great, but it went in the water. The second was a little better, but still not where I wanted. Then, I put all my effort into the third cast; determined to prove I was right.

The lure sailed straight into the tree.

I felt my stomach drop as I tugged at the line, trying to free it. It was no use. The line was tangled high up in the branches.

”Daddy,“ I said hesitantly. “I think my line is in the tree.”

He didn‘t even look over. ”I told you not to do that.“ His voice was calm, firm, and final.

I stood there, waiting for him to help. But he didn’t. He just kept fishing.

After about 15 minutes of yanking, pulling, and trying everything I could to free the line, I came up with what I thought was a brilliant idea: I’d reel the line as tight as I could, step on the rod, and snap the line to free it.

I pulled. I stepped down hard.

Snap.

The rod broke clean in half.

Fear shot through me, not just of my dad’s anger, but of the disappointment I knew was coming. I had ignored his wisdom, rushed into action without thinking, and now I had nothing to show for it but a broken rod.

The Wisdom of Waiting and Acting at the Right Time

When I told him I broke the rod, my dad wasn’t angry, at least, not outwardly. He simply pointed out what I already knew: my impatience and rebellion had led to my own failure. Then, he made me sit there with a broken rod while he kept fishing.

I learned two things that day.

1. Listen to people who know more than you do.
2. When you take action, make sure it‘s the right action.

I also realized something else; yes, I had been reckless, but I also needed to improve my skills. I needed to learn how to cast properly, how to handle tricky situations, and how to fish smarter. Over the years, I learned how to cast precisely, even in tight spaces. The key wasn‘t just patience, it was calculated action.

How this Applies to Business and Life

In business, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about taking action, it’s about taking the right action at the right time. If you act too soon or without the right skills, you’ll waste energy and resources. But if you wait too long, you’ll miss opportunities.

Great decision-making comes down to calculated risks. It’s important to listen to experienced people, but it’s just as important to develop the skill to act confidently when the time is right.

This balance between patience and action, between listening and doing, is at the core of what I believe.

The Philosophy Behind Red Focus

Red Focus embodies this philosophy. It’s my way of sharing the lessons I’ve learned about business, faith, and the journey of taking control of your time and future.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between waiting and taking action, you’re not alone. The key is having wise guidance and knowing when to commit.

What’s one lesson that has stuck with you over the years? I'd love to hear it. Drop it in the comments.