“Start with why.” This coined phrase is popular amongst business advisors and marketing books. At first glance, it seems superficial and oversimplified. However, I find that this motto should be at the root of almost all of our decisions and actions that we make.
Hear me out, while I enjoy hunting and calling myself a hunter, my why is deeper than it may seem, even to myself. Sure, I enjoy the challenge, the sourcing of wild meat, and the solitude of nature. But the true why, the reason and source of light that keeps me coming back year after year is much deeper than I often can explain. So many people will never understand or appreciate the pastime of hunting, and that’s okay. While we need to defend our right and necessity of conservative wildlife management, most of us will never see eye to eye.
The noise of the world that we are inundated with each and every day is unlike it has ever been before. Look at our access to each other through our phones. You may view someone’s social feed on Instagram and quickly judge their motives and purpose, but is that their real “why?” Do we have the right to judge? Perhaps they hunt to counteract emotional battles they are fighting, not to kill a trophy buck, or perhaps they hunt to prove to themselves that they can set goals and accomplish them. Do we ask questions, or do we just make assumptions? Are we inquisitive or reactive only?
The world today that we live in is littered with opinions, judgements, and blame. The noise of this chaotic world tries to drag us down each and every day. It causes us to unfairly compare and unrighteously judge. In my opinion, there is no room for this in a successful, happy life. Before you cast stones, look upon your own self.
Whatever your “why” for hunting is, I challenge you to go out and find it. Once you do, embrace it. Test it and believe in it. It can become a source of great motivation and productivity in your life. Good luck this season.
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