This past weekend, we welcomed a new member to the family. Shiloh, our new Golden Retriever puppy, has only been with us for two and a half days, but she has already taught us some valuable lessons about life and business.
1. Be fearless. Shiloh isn't afraid of anything. I mean, anything. She runs full steam ahead into any scenario. This of course, is a great way to tackle life. You will fail, often. Shiloh rarely gets away with what she really wants to achieve. But, by God, she has no fear of trying.
2. Have boundless energy. You can't imagine the bursts of energy Shiloh gets. Non. Frickin'. Stop. And honestly, it is infectious. She gives me energy just spending time with her. She is an affirmation of life. And that's what you bring to the people around you too, when you have boundless energy.
3. Be curious. Everything is exciting and new. No surprise here, Shiloh checks out everything. Potty training would be a lot simpler if, once out in the yard, she didn't check out every rock, leaf, and stick. We love this about kids too. And why adults lose this, is a sad mystery. But life and business is way more interesting with curious eyes.
4. Take charge. Shiloh wasn't home 10 minutes before you knew who was in charge of the household. She controls the agenda. And we love it. People love leadership. Set the course - people WILL follow.
5. Be trusting. I weigh 219 pounds, Shiloh weighs eight. Yet, she runs around and thru my feet trusting that my size 16 shoes won't crush her like a grape. She trusts us to feed her, care for her, look out for her. Trusting no one is a miserable way to go through life. You should recognize that many people will live up to expectations.
6. Show creativity. Amazing the ways Shiloh figures out to get what she wants, and where she wants. The moves on this little one are amazing. Love the creativity she demonstrates. I've said again and again, that we are ALL creatives, but that most of us go through life NOT looking to be creative, or afraid of having our creative output judged.
7. Be vocal and communicative. Trust me, you know when Shiloh wants something, and when. Being a puppy, the evening noises from her crate missing her momma and litter, sound similar to the velociraraptor from Jurassic Park. But the point is, we know when she has something to say. Remember, it is ok to communicate to those around you. We can't answer when you don't say anything.
8. People respond to praise, support, and guidance. To teach her good habits, we praise Shiloh endlessly. You've never witnessed happier "potty parties" after a certain someone makes a poop! And you can tell she loves the praise. Which begs the question, why do we not praise more people, more often? It isn't hard to do...
9. Everyone needs playtime. Shiloh has her moments when she insists on playtime. Playing tug-of-war, chasing tennis balls, biting my hands with her puppy razor teeth...she needs to vent energy and express herself. Humans don't do this enough. It should take the form of exercise and recreation, but we don't do it. [Sidenote: playtime encourages creativity too...]
10. Be loving without limits. This is why, of course, we have dogs...the loyalty, the tail-wagging, the love-you-no-matter-whatness. Of course, being loving to others would be great for people too. Makes us better family, better salesmen and certainly better at customer service...
So that is what Shiloh has taught us. What do you think? What has your pet taught you about business and life?