As a coach I know that when someone sets out a well defined intention and then couples it with a step by step action plan, success is very likely!
I have a new opportunity to thoroughly test this premise! My men folk, two sons and their dad, are taking me on a 10 day fly fishing trip to British Colombia this summer! To some of you that might sound like a great trip, to me, the person who feels that a body of water is there to sun by, I am not so thrilled. Not to say that I am a girlie girl, but Howard Johnson’s is camping out for me. My idea of fishing is sitting on the bank of the river or lake with a fishing pole in one hand and a book or glass of wine in the other! The thought of being dropped off at a spot on the river and then being picked up six or more hours later, two miles upstream. The vision of trudging upstream in water up to my waist in waders, does not thrill!
O.k., you are probably wondering why I am willing to do this. The answer is really quite simple…my 14 yeaqr old son asked me to. For those of you that know me, you know that I have several vision statements that I use as guidelines for my actions and decisions. I review my visions and determine if this is worth doing and I can wholeheartedly say that it is! The first vision it supports is that of Family: this is an opportunity for me to help make a family memory. While I am sure the stories will change over the years, there will be lots of great story/memory making incidents! Another vision involves being my husbands’s best friend. Fly fishing has become a newly found/ old passion. Whenever I can share a passion with my husband, life is good. It may not be “my cup of tea”, but I will be spending time with him and that is great! Another vision I have is to keep myself in shape. I have done some backsliding in this life area, so this trip is an excellent excuse to hire a personal trainer and to refocus on fitness. I am always growing my business and a trip to Vancouver will give me the opportunity to possibly open a new market for my services (would be wonderful to be able to write off a portion of the trip!) So, as you can see there are many positive reasons for me to pursue this venture. The pay off is going to be wonderful..time in nature with my guys, the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and see a new place. In preparation for the trip, I will be getting in great shape and that is always good! Next action step: Hire a trainer!
As I continue on my journey, towards this journey, I will keep you informed.
Please feel free to share your intentions and comment on mine!
May 1st, 2008 at 8:12 pm That is an inspiring idea about making family memories, because your 14 year old son asked you to go with them. I am sure that this will be one of your best vacations ever! One of my best memories is the family vacation to Disneyland in California with our 4 year old daughter. A picture of Michelle jumping in a swimming pool into her dad’s arms remains in my memory today, 32 year later.
May 12th, 2008 at 3:12 pm As we are making our plans, I am getting more excited. I have hired the trainer and am working on getting into shape. Doing things with my family is very important to me and I am looking forward to the challenge!
May 30th, 2008 at 7:13 am I love that you put your family first. You might be surprised how much fun fishing can be. Once you got a fish on your hock, the feeling of happiness and success will get you asking for more.