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What I Learned on the Water About Strategy, Expectations, and the Big Wins We Chase

It’s boating…..until it’s fishing

That picture?
It’s me on a boat in the sunshine, laughing… while everyone else is laser-focused on landing a fish.

Here’s the thing:
When someone asks if I want to go fishing, I say, “Sure — as long as we go boating.”

Boating is about being on the water.
The fresh air.
The sunshine.
The sheer joy of the ride.

Fishing?
Fishing is when you’re waiting for a result.

Boating is an experience.
Fishing is an expectation.

And I’ve realized something:
I’m boating right up until we land the big one. Then suddenly — I’m fishing too.

In that moment, the energy shifts.
Everyone leans in.
We go from playful to serious, from drifting to directing, from soaking up the day to reeling in a dream.

That’s when it hits me:

The moment the stakes change, so does the strategy.

Boating Mode vs. Fishing Mode

In life and business, we often don’t know which mode we’re in.

Boating Mode:

  • You’re exploring
  • You’re trying things
  • You’re enjoying the journey
  • You’re learning the waters
  • You’re not attached to outcomes

Fishing Mode:

  • You see the opportunity
  • You’re committed
  • You get focused
  • You work the line
  • You want the win

One isn’t better than the other — they both matter.
But problems happen when we don’t know which one we’re in… or worse, when two partners or teammates are in different modes without realizing it.

Just like a boat can feel relaxing to one person and urgent to another, a business partnership can feel aligned in values but misaligned in expectations. Life can feel misaligned and off beat – that’s when strategy can help and the sprint and stroll mindset comes in (sprint and stroll) #thinkstrategyshift

This Shows Up Everywhere:

In business, when one person’s “We’re just exploring ideas” is another’s “We’re building something big.”

In relationships, when one person thinks, “We’re having fun” and the other thinks, “This is serious.”

In careers, when someone believes, “I’m learning the ropes” while someone else expects, “Let’s hit the targets.”

No conflict in the values.
Just a difference in the mode.

And when we don’t name our mode?
Assumptions begin steering the boat.

Here’s the Strategy Lesson:

We’re allowed to enjoy the ride without forcing a result.

We’re also allowed to claim the moment when it stops being casual and becomes a real opportunity.

But we need to name it.

Boating without expectations is peace.
Fishing without clarity is pressure.

Want to know which one you’re in? Ask:

  • Am I here to explore or here to achieve?
  • Is this phase about experience or outcome?
  • Are we drifting on purpose or reeling something in?
  • And most importantly: Are we on the same page?

The Bottom Line

Fun turns strategic when the opportunity shows up.

But strategy falls apart when expectations are unspoken.

So go ahead — enjoy the boat, soak up the day, and laugh when the waves splash back.

And when you see the moment, name it.
Shift into fishing mode with intention.

Because clarity is what keeps the boat steady and makes the big catch possible.

Until then?
You’ll find me boating…
At least until something bites.

#ThinkStrategy #Shift #LivingItUp

If you need a new way of thinking – a new way of living – let’s ThinkStrategy Together!

Coach@thinkpartner – whats app – 778-558-8605

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