Applying Cowboy Logic to Life

Applying Cowboy Logic to Life:

If it’s broke, fix it. A cowboy understands that when things aren’t going right it is time to sit back, take a hard look at the situation, and to take corrective action when needed. Sometimes it isn’t the strategy or tactic that is wrong it is just unfortunate circumstances, when that’s the case a cowboy understands to buckle down and work your way through it.
Every man deserves respect. That includes others as well as yourself. What cowboy hasn’t made mistakes, when a man rides into camp he is treated with respect till he proves otherwise.
Be positive. No man was ever any happier by expecting to get bucked off, or counting on it never raining. There isn’t much need for the man who can tell you why something can’t be don’t, but there is always a job for the man who understands the job and sets about doing it.
Give freely. If somebody is in need, and you can help, then you ought to help. Every cowboy knows there is an especially good feeling about helping a neighbor.
Believe. Believe in God. Who can ride across a pasture on a good horse on a spring day and not know there is a Maker? Believe in yourself. A cowboy who doesn’t have faith in his abilities isn’t worth spit. A cowboy who doesn’t have faith in something bigger than himself is worth even less.
Thank others. While most cowboys are more than little hesitant to ask for help, there are even fewer who aren’t truly appreciative of the help they’re given. You may not be able to repay them directly, so you pay them back by helping someone else and keeping the circle alive. A cowboy’s praise or thanks is never over the top but it is effective because people understand it is heartfelt.
Visualize – What cowboy doesn’t know what the completed job is going to look like before he starts?
Be direct. If you want to know something, if you need something, if you would like to see something happen -- then ask for it. Far from being rude, being direct is a common courtesy. You always know where a cowboy stands.
Be creative. Sure if you’re ten miles from home and all you have is a piece of wire and a stick then if you are going to get it fixed all you have is your wits.
Be willing to laugh. If you get yourself into a wreck, well at least it is likely to be one heck of a story. You don’t survive a month on the trail without laughter. If a man can’t laugh at himself he can’t be trusted not to ruin a good horse.
Act. Contemplation is a good thing when riding drag or at the campfire at night, but a cowboy is a man of action. To “cowboy up” means to give it your all.
Forgive others. While the mantra has always been – “Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.” A cowboy isn’t much for holding a grudge. Life is too short. That is why many a fisticuff has ended with a shared drink. Certainly, a cowboy doesn’t hesitate to remove a predator, but it isn’t done with animosity. One doesn’t try to make a pet of a wolf, but a cowboy has an appreciation for him all, even as he understands that they are formally enemies.