Ten things dogs can teach us about business... and life | Build a Business, Not a Job Podcast

We often talk about the things that we learn in business, the lessons that we get, and the people we get the lessons from.

That got me thinking just the other day about how I also think there are some lessons that we can learn not from people, but in fact, from animals. 

So today I chat with Mark Creedon, founder of Business Accelerator Mastermind, about 10 life lessons  we can learn from dogs. 

Here are some of the things we discuss. 

1. Dogs live in the moment. 

They don't worry about the past. They don't think about the future. 

2. Dogs find ways to overcome fear.

Truth is there's often a lot of fear around being in business, especially in the current challenging climate.

But interestingly dogs learn ways to overcome their fears. 

3. Dogs don't hold grudges. 

I didn't take him for our normal morning routine a walk this morning, yet he hasn't held a grudge against me. 

It's not as if he's turned his back on me and ignored me. Dogs don't hold grudges. 

4. Dogs play every day. 

When was the last time you played? 

To me, play is two things. 

It's about physical movement and getting out, whether it's throwing the ball with your dog, or playing with the kids, or playing in the park, or flying a kite, or running on the beach, or going for a swim, whatever it might be. 

But it's not just about physical movement, it's also about psychological well-being or mental health, and the release of dopamines, and all the neuropsychology that goes around that. 

5. Dogs jump for joy when they're happy. 

When was the last time you just showed unabashed joy? 

Dogs just jump for joy. You can go out for five minutes and come back, and they're all over you. 

6. Dogs accept who they are. 

Dogs don't want to be another dog. 

They don't want to be a different breed. 

They don't wish they were somewhere else. 

They just accept who they are. 

7. Dogs enjoy the journey

When we're talking about setting goals with clients, we often talk about the importance of both destination and journey goals.

In fact, it’s important to enjoy the journey otherwise you won’t enjoy the destination.

8. Dogs are loyal and dependable. 

Dogs are pack animals. 

My best mate is a dog trainer who often talks about the link back to wolves and packs.  Dogs understand who their pack is. 

9. Dogs drink lots of water.

Dogs know what their body needs, and so they drink lots of water. 

So should you!

10. Dogs love unconditionally. 

I'm not talking about romantic love, or holding hands and singing Kumbaya. 

I'm just talking about love in terms of affection, support, loyalty, attention, appreciation, gratitude; things dogs do unconditionally. 

So there it is…..

Ten things that dogs can teach us that you can apply not only in business but in life in general.

Links and Resources: 

Why not join Metropole’s Business Accelerator Mastermind

Learn more about Mark Creedon – Business Coach to some of Australia’s leading entrepreneurs  

Shownotes plus more here: Ten things dogs can teach us about business… and life | Build a Business, Not a Job Podcast

Some of our favourite quotes from the show: 

“Look for something that’s holding you back – let’s put it differently. Something that you’re still holding onto that you should have let go.” –Michael Yardney

“Here’s another challenge for you, the people listening to this podcast: think about something that makes you happy. Now, why aren’t you doing that more often?” –Michael Yardney

“Long-term goals are important, but if they’re too far out, you’re not going to achieve it so you need those intermediate goals.  –Michael Yardney 

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