Latest Posts

Influential People

As social beings, we are significantly influenced by the people around us, especially with regard to important dimensions in life. It comes as no surprise then that when you listen to successful anglers talk about how they became good at their craft, you often hear stories about the people who influenced their initial interest in fishing. You also hear descriptions of fishing teachers or mentors, those who taught specific skills or general fishing concepts. In some instances you might also hear anglers talk about negative people who had a disruptive impact on their fishing careers.

Performance psychology research suggests that understanding who the people were that influenced your development, and how they influenced you can make a difference in how successful you are. This article will show you how recognizing and understanding the influential people in your life can make you a better angler.

That Was Then

Start by making a list of as many people as you can remember who have influenced you over the years. To make this exercise effective, think of your life in segments like early childhood, grade school days, teenage years, young adulthood, and so forth. For now, don’t worry if the people you list only had a small influence on you; try to put as many names on this list as you can. What you will probably find is the same thing that most people discover when they do this exercise, and that is that as you begin to think about the people who influenced you, say in grade school, names of other people you hadn’t thought of in years will likely pop up. Put their names on your list as well.

As you make your list, include distant as well as close relatives, in addition to immediate family members. Think of friends and perhaps parents of friends who influenced you. Don’t forget teachers, coaches, and community leaders. You might also put neighbors, teammates, and people from your church on this list. As you do this exercise, try to get as many names on paper as you can.

This Is Now

Now, write down the names of all the people who are currently important to you. Once again, include immediate and extended family. Also put down friends, co-workers, and angling associates. Individuals from civic as well as religious organizations will likely make your list, as may people from your various fishing sponsors. Once again, don’t be concerned about how big an influence each of these people might be. If their name comes up as you do this exercise, write it down.

Positive, Negative or Both?

Now go back through your lists and next to each person’s name write down as much as you can think of about how this person influenced you. Keep in mind that some people may have had both positive as well as occasionally negative influences on you. An older sibling, for example, may have helped you with schoolwork (positive influence), but discouraged you from joining a club or trying out for a sport (negative influence). Spend some time working on this exercise until you feel it’s complete. When you’re finished, what you will have is a much clearer picture of the many people who have positively and negatively influenced you.

But, how will this help me be a better fisherman, you ask? Well, let me give you three possible ways.

What Do You Need Now?

Many anglers tell me that doing this exercise helps them recognize the kind of social influence that is most valuable to them. So for example, when you look at your list of people do you principally have individuals who had a positive emotional impact, providing support and encouragement along the way? Or do you mostly see people who offered practical advice, direct instruction, and new information? Noticing the kind of influence that has been most helpful may give you clues about what type of influence would be most beneficial today.

Who Should You Avoid?

One of the most striking insights that comes from this exercise is recognizing the kind of people who have had a significant negative impact on you. Competitive as well as weekend anglers frequently tell me what an eye-opening experience it is to read in their own words the names of individuals who frustrated them or brought them down or interfered with their fishing success. Just last week I had a fisherman describe to me how much more relaxed he was in the 2006 season after he made the decision to change tournament partners. In his words, “The guy I fished with previously was a good hook, but he was so often critical and unhappy and complaining that it negatively influenced my attitude, and my ability to concentrate during tournaments. My partner last year was much more upbeat and encouraging, and I know I fished better as a result of having him in the boat with me.”

Who Should You Thank?

By far the most enjoyable part of doing this exercise with anglers is seeing the smiles of appreciation come over their faces as they recall a teacher, a friend’s father, or a distant relative who had a subtle yet positive impact. In some instances, this results in a phone call, a letter, an e-mail, or a thank you note to let Uncle Bill or Mr. Harrington know how much they mattered way back when. If you’re lucky, you might have the same experience. Even if you don’t, recognizing the many people who influenced you will give you a better understanding of how you came to be the person you are today.

• Season 01: Episode 07