I think that's what has helped me take a more macro view of my breeding program. Each breeding is a step in a plan, not an end in itself.
But keeping the big picture in mind can help in many more ways than just breeding. Consider the following:
- Have you ever gotten so caught up with one rabbit that you were willing to bend your own rules on health? That's how rabbits blowing snot end up at shows. That's how rabbits with significant genetic problems get bred.
- Have you ever gotten so fixated on one aspect of our hobby that you failed to enjoy the rest? That's how people who regularly win get mad enough to give up their hobby. They get mad if they don't agree with the judges and can't gracefully let other breeders have their day.
- Have you ever gotten so engaged in winning points that you failed to consider your fellows? failed to consider quality over quantity? spent your family's food budget on entry fees? were afraid to sell nice rabbits in your own area?
- Have you ever let a valley, lull, or setback destroy your enjoyment of the hobby? Taking a long view of your hobby, it's probably going to be nothing more than a blip.
- Have you ever been tempted to use a marker to darken a toenail, to pull out an entire white spot, to trim teeth that you knew were bad, and so forth? If you have, you may have lost your perspective.
So what's your big picture? Some people might say, "What's Your Mission Statement?" Know what you are all about in rabbits, then you can ask yourself whether each step you take is in line with that.
I suppose I should take some time to write a statement for myself. I know it would involve breeding for consistency and health, sharing what I know, and enjoying relationships. Doing well on the table would just be a check to see if I'm heading in the right direction. Maybe that would help me keep my perspective and look at the big picture the next time my rabbits don't do as well as I expect.
I can't say that my mission statement today would be the same as when I first started. In the beginning, it was all just about delight. Then it was almost all about winning, but that really didn't suit me very much (still like to win, though). Now, I'm much more interested in knowledge, exploring, finding out, and creating. My biggest competition is with myself.
Take some time to think about it. The investment of time could be very useful. When individual situations come up, you can use your big picture to help guide you.
Laurie
¶ 11:02 AM
