Sometimes You Have to Go For It
I started bow hunting so I could spend more time outdoors. At the time I was a graduate student and assistant wrestling coach at Chadron State College. The Nebraska rifle deer season is only nine days long. Opening weekend was the same weekend as our first tournament, so I didn’t have any time to hunt. This was a problem. I had to be there for my team, but I also wanted to hunt. I needed to find a solution.
I knew the Nebraska archery deer season opened in September. If I started bow hunting I would be able hunt on the weekends before wrestling season was in full swing. I had two problems:
I was a poor graduate student that didn’t have any money for a bow
I didn’t know how to get started
In order to address the lack of money issue, I asked for gift cards and cash for Christmas. Santa was good to me and I received about $400 to put towards a bow. I was making progress.
Then things slowed down. I was researching bows online, but I wasn’t getting anywhere. If anything I was creating more questions that I couldn’t get answered. After a couple of months I had enough. I woke up one Saturday morning in March and decided to go for it. I was going to buy a bow that day.
I drove two hours to Sidney, NE. The home of Cabelas. I walked to the Archery department and explained my situation. I was on a limited budget and didn’t know much about bows.
The salesman assured me he could help and he did. He answered questions. He taught me about bows. He explained how to select the right arrows. In the end I walked out of Cabelas spending approximately $800. This was $400 more than my budget. I was going to be eating Ramen noodles for the rest of the school year, but I had a bow.
Spring archery turkey season opened shortly after. I hunted, but I wasn’t serious. I had a lot to learn about bow hunting. Once shotgun season opened I hung up the bow and chose the more familiar method.
The next fall was similar. I definitely spent more times outdoors. However, I spent most of my time hiking the Pine Ridge. I was learning, but I still hadn’t loosed an arrow at my prey.
I graduated in May and moved to eastern Nebraska. During the summer I decided take bow hunting serious. I had made progress, but I still felt like I didn’t know much. Once again I decided to go for it.
I hung my first tree stand that fall with the help of my dad. It was on a natural funnel and if a deer came through it would be close. Under 20 yards. I was ready to hunt.
The next weekend I climbed into that stand. Several questions running through my mind.
When should I draw?
Is my wind ok?
Will I even see anything?
An hour after sunrise I saw deer coming down the trail. A doe stepped out. Then another. Then another. I didn’t draw. I just watched and learned. The trio moved on. They never knew I was there.
My confidence level sky rocketed! Walking out that day I made up my mind. If the same opportunity presented itself, I was going to take a shot.
The next weekend I went to the same stand. Shortly after sunrise I saw deer coming down the trail. Right before the first one stepped into my shooting lane I pulled back on my bow. When the doe stepped out I anchored. Aimed. And touched my release.
I will never forget seeing my arrow leave the bow. The sound it made when it hit my target. And the emotions I felt.
Was the shot good?
How long should I wait?
What do I do now?
I waited an hour. Climbed down. Walked to my truck and called my dad. It was an easy blood trail and we found the doe less than 75 yards from my stand. I had made a perfect shot. I was officially a bow hunter.
How does this apply to business?
I didn’t know anything about archery. I learned along the way. If I waited until I was 100% ready I still wouldn’t be archery hunting. I had to go for it!
This is the same for business. There will always be reasons why you shouldn’t. There will always be doubters. There will always be risks of failure. However, if you wait until you are 100% ready to pursue an opportunity, you will miss every opportunity.
Below are questions you need to ask yourself that will help you decide if you should go for it.
What is the worst possible scenario? Am I ok with it?
What is preventing me from getting started? What do I need to do to overcome these obstacles?
What resources do I have available that will increase my chances of success?
By answering these questions it will not only help you decide to go for it, it will also increase your chances of success.
Deciding to launch Earn It Hunting is an example of going for it. I answered the above questions myself. I think you know the results. Time will tell if it was worth it.
In the meantime remember one thing: You’re going to have to earn it.