Deer Camp Wisdom

Dumb and Dumber is a comedy classic, but Jeff Daniels has another comedy that’s probably more authentically Jeff Daniels than any other role. And that’s coming from a guy who could nearly quote Dumb and Dumber from opening scene to closing credits.

I use the word “authentically” because it was written, directed, and starred by Jeff Daniels. It’s a love letter to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (the U-P).

The film is called Escanaba In Da Moonlight.

I found it in the $5 DVD bin at Walmart, and to this day I think it’s the only film that is set entirely in deer camp, about opening day of deer season.

It’s about a father, his two grown sons, and their friend Jimmer who has a certain crazy-mountain-man energy.

They go out to the family hunting camp, where their family has been hunting for generations. Around the cabin are old photos, trophies, and records of past triumphs. Jeff Daniels’ character’s great grandfather is often quoted, who had a way of summing up life wisdom in short, memorable quotes.

My favorite quote has stuck with me for over a decade:

“If a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.”

I use this nugget of wisdom when coaching small business owners along the Profit Hiker trails they pick. Spend the right amount of time on the trail, not more or less. Only you can know how much that should be.

Another version of this same idea is “the lazy man works twice.”

Do it right the first time, and you won’t have to go back and fix it later. If it’s worth doing, then do it right.

Simon is author and founder of Profit Hiker: 11 Trails to gain lasting elevation in your business. Find the book right here and the program over there.