Tony Thelen > Tony's Quotes

“I love to flyfish. Over the last 30 years, I’ve found that if I want to get into a “zen” state just put me on a stream for a day and before I know it the day has gone blissfully by. If I am fishing by myself, I’ve gotten into the habit of spending 15 minutes watching the stream before making my first cast. I’m sure if a passerby would observe me during these first 15 minutes, I would look like just another guy staring at a stream. But these 15 minutes are the most critical part of my day. These first 15 minutes have more to say about my success than the most perfectly executed cast all day long.
I watch the water for how it flows. I look for seams of fast- and slow-moving water knowing that fish lay in the slow-moving water to save energy while waiting for food in the faster water. I watch for any movement on top of the water to see if there are any insects hatching that might signal a particular food supply for that stream. One way to know an experienced fly fisher from a beginner is the experienced fly fisher only decides what fly to use after watching the water for a while. I watch for underwater flashes of color that might reveal an actively feeding fish on the stream bottom. I review the streambed and determine the best place to start without increasing the chances of spooking any fish. Lastly, I take in the environment around me and make note of obstacles I need to be careful to avoid: a tree branch in my back cast, a logjam that creates faster moving water, or a steep bank indicating deeper water. I take note of the weather and where my shadow is and where it will be as I enter the water.

I even think about how I might land a fish if I hook one, and where it would be easiest to net them.

Every detail counts and most of what is important is determined in those first 15 minutes.

Listening is a lot like those first 15 minutes of fishing. You are taking in information. You are sensing what is going on around you. You are actively observing everything there is to be observed. You are focused and intentional. You are not only hearing and seeing and feeling, but you are understanding and extending this understanding to make a difference in your life when the time does come to act.”
― Tony Thelen, Am I Doing This Right?: Foundations for a Successful Career and a Fulfilling Life

“I would have found my voice sooner and been more the hero of my own story. I would have also coached my younger self to relax a little and not worry so much about the small stuff or other people’s opinions of you.
—Haley Stomp, Fractional Chief Marketing Officer Biotech, Iowa, USA”
― Tony Thelen, Am I Doing This Right?: Foundations for a Successful Career and a Fulfilling Life

“Feedback is truly fuel for your career if you are big enough to seek it out and accept the value it can create for you. Make it a habit in your early career to seek input from others. It shows you want to learn. It prevents you from developing bad habits. It demonstrates an attitude of lifelong learning. It only leads to good, even if people tell you that you have a ton of problems to iron out. It might even put you in a bad mood if people pile on. But think about it: What if people had that kind of input and didn’t share it?!”
― Tony Thelen, Am I Doing This Right?: Foundations for a Successful Career and a Fulfilling Life