A few weeks ago, I went fly fishing for the first time.

After a short lesson, the guide (whom I had just met) made an interesting observation noting that I was “wound pretty tight” and would need to loosen up a bit to enjoy the sport.

In just two hours, a stranger had diagnosed the challenge that I’ve been working to address for the past decade.

Like most overachievers, I’m hard-wired to believe that if I commit enough effort, I’ll be able to control every situation.

Control is an illusion… life is and will always be full of uncertainty.

I’m faced with the challenge of taking this truth that I grasp intellectually and convincing my subconscious (a.k.a. my hard wiring) that I should learn to let things go.

It’s much easier said than done.

Luckily, I’ve recently found the perfect practice for learning patience – fly fishing.

Just a few days on the stream helped me to recognize that no matter how hard I try, the water keeps moving. Instead of controlling the fish, I should learn to watch the flow.

Wish me luck.

—CJ McClanahan

Speaker | Advisor | Recovering Overachiever

P.S. Research shows that those who put time on the table for themselves and engaging in fun activities are the ones who are changing the game in business. Dr. Mike Rucker has easy ways to incorporate fun in your life that don’t involve doing anything flippant or silly. Listen to the full conversation on Success 2.0.