Getting In Your Own Way
Aug 31, 2025
Earlier this summer, I got it in my head that I needed a specific motor for my new hobby—exploring the backcountry of the South Fork of the Snake River in a 15-foot John boat. I’d already invested in the setup: a mud motor kit, long-tail shaft, propeller—the works. All I needed was the engine. After a lot of research, I found the perfect one: a 13-horsepower Predator 420cc from Harbor Freight.
But here’s where I stalled. The motor wasn’t on sale. And I was determined not to pay full price.
So, I waited. And waited. Weeks turned into months. I signed up for alerts, checked their app daily, even followed Reddit threads hoping for a coupon. Meanwhile, my boat just sat there in the driveway. Every day of Idaho’s short summer slipped by while I held out for a discount that never came.
One day, my 15-year-old son asked, “Dad, what if it doesn’t go on sale this summer?” That hit me. I realized I was letting the idea of saving a few bucks keep me from something I really wanted—time with my kids, memories on the river, the whole point of buying the boat in the first place.
So, I gave myself a deadline. If it didn’t go on sale by the end of the week, I’d buy it anyway. It didn’t—and I did. The next day, we were on the water, figuring it out together. His laughter made it clear: I’d waited too long already.
Sometimes, we get in our own way. Don’t let a stubborn mindset cost you opportunity.
Check out The Appraiser Coach Podcast for more info on this topic:
