[tweetmeme source=”cbyndas” only_single=false]Spring is here and for a lucky few this means days spent at a river fly fishing.

Do you fly fish?  Do you know someone who does?  Being new to the sport I am just learning how much goes into this particular recreational activity; it’s a lot and it would take a lifetime to learn it all.  Those that fly fish don’t even consider it a sport.  They are much more likely to call it an art, one that they never stop perfecting.

My friends that are true fly fisherman are a fun group to study.  One fly fisherman I know learned to fish with his dad in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and has been blessed to fish rivers across the country; he is someone I would consider to be accomplished or at least passionate about the activity.  He keeps a detailed journal each and every time he goes out, recording date, weather, wind direction, water conditions, flies used, clarity of the water, etc.; he records it all.  Within his journal is a record of days gone well and days that were a total flop.

What is interesting is how he uses this journal.  As he prepares for each fishing trip he references the journal, looking to replicate the good days and stay away from the total flops.  Because he has the journal he has the ability to analyze and remember what works, and to stay away from what flops!

Brilliance is all around us; it certainly exists within my friend the fly fisherman.  A mentor of mine years ago insisted that I keep a running journal of every potential deal that I set up in my consulting practice, and that I update this journal with the end result and what I thought was the driving factor in the outcome.  Being in a consulting business where I close more projects to the trash can than to invoice this quickly became my “Failure Journal”.  This journal was one of the keys to my success, just as my friend has become a better fisherman because of his journal; I became a better consultant because I could see trends and address weaknesses in my process.  It took the journal to be able to see what I need to change.

Fly fishing, like owning and running a business, requires patience, skill, the right conditions and equipment and the willingness to learn as you go. Now if I just can master tying a nail knot I will be on my way.