How to Hold on to a Slippery Fish

By: Peggy Willms 

 

(3 min. read)

Have you ever gone fishing? Most of us have. Though many fishing tasks gross most people out, such as putting a worm on the hook or preparing the catch for dinner, achieving the desired outcome can lead to great satisfaction.

Holding onto a slippery fish can be likened to motivation and goal setting. 

Setting a goal and getting prepared: When fishing, you clearly understand the desired outcome…catch the fish. Of course, being outside and spending time with Grandpa rank right up there. When gathering tools to fish, it is obvious what is needed (worms, hooks, bucket, pole, etc.). Defining and preparing for mind, body, or spirit goals are no different. What is the goal? What do you need? What will you do once you accomplish your desired outcome? Do you want to lose weight, gain muscle, get a new job or relationship, etc.? Do you need new shoes, new recipes, a different social circle, more education, etc.?

Gripping firmly: Just like holding onto a slippery fish requires a firm grip, staying motivated and committed to your goals requires determination and dedication to succeed. Without a firm grasp on your goals and a clear understanding of why they are important to you, it can be easy to lose motivation and let your goals slip away.

Adaptability: When holding onto a slippery fish, you must be flexible and adjust your grip to prevent it from slipping out of your hands. Similarly, in motivation and goal setting, it’s important to be adaptable and willing to adjust your strategies or approach if things are not going as planned. Flexibility and adapting to changes are crucial for staying motivated and achieving your goals.

Focus and concentration: Catching and holding onto a slippery fish requires focus, concentration, and quick reflexes. Similarly, staying motivated and committed to your goals requires focusing on what you want to achieve and the determination to overcome challenges along the way. Staying focused on your goals and avoiding distractions that may hinder your progress is essential.

Persistence: Holding onto a slippery fish can be challenging and may require multiple attempts before you succeed. Similarly, achieving your goals and staying motivated often requires perseverance and the willingness to keep trying, even when faced with setbacks or obstacles. It’s important to remain persistent and not give up on your goals, even when the going gets tough.

Mindfulness: When holding onto a slippery fish, being present in the moment and paying attention to your movements is crucial. In motivation and goal setting, practicing mindfulness can help you stay focused on your goals, maintain a positive attitude, and manage stress effectively. Being mindful of your thoughts, emotions, and actions can help you stay motivated and on track toward achieving your goals.

By drawing parallels between holding onto a slippery fish and motivation/goal setting, we can better understand the importance of determination, adaptability, focus, persistence, and mindfulness in achieving success and reaching our goals. Just like holding onto a slippery fish, staying motivated and committed to our goals requires effort, skill, and a clear sense of purpose.

And the best way to maintain a grip on your “slippery fish” is to ensure you have a strong accountability or support team to lift your spirits when you want to give up and quit.

If the “fish aren’t biting,” perhaps it is time to find another location, gather new tools, tap into a new mindset, or head home, rest, and return another day.

Peggy Willms
All Things Wellness, LLC
                                                                 peggy@allthingswellness.com

The information provided is the opinion of the author. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice: diagnosis or treatment. The author, the business, All Things Wellness, LLC, and its owner Peggy Willms, are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this article or website. We assume no responsibility for tangible and intangible damages such as physical harm caused by using a product, loss of profits or loss of data, and defamatory comments. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.