One thing/step/task at a time

[Author’s note: the original title for this article was “One problem at a time.” It didn’t sit well with me. Problem felt like too big a word. I changed the title to reflect more closely what I meant, which was, do one thing, take one step, do one task at a time. Don’t try and do too much at once. The article has been revised as well.]

As happens at least once every outing¹ I got my flies tangled to the point I had to cut everything away and start over. In the course of cutting the mess apart, I dropped one of the flies. Clearly, I was rushing and not paying attention.

What surprised me was I hadn’t realized I’d done it until reassembling the rig and the fly was nowhere to be found. And man, do I hate losing flies because I’m careless.

I should’ve cut the first fly and secured it before moving on to the next task. Not doing so added complexity (digging out my fly box, finding a new fly, putting the fly box away, etc.) to what was an annoying but fairly simple exercise.

I broke one of my basic rules; take it one step at a time. And finish the task before moving on to the next one. I know better, not doing that has cost me in the past.

It’s a rule that’s applicable in many, if not all, challenging situations. Granted, this wasn’t an intense situation where the rule is especially important, but the lesson is valid none the less.

Let’s see if the lesson sticks…

1. Narrator, “it happens more often”