Dogs use their sense of smell much more effectively than we humans use all of our senses combined. On Thanksgiving Friday (we are a back-to-back feasting family), both Captain Jack and Bella had their olfactory senses on high. They could be two rooms away and still smell the turkey. stuffing, gravy, and sweet potatoes. They had hope that something would be left over for them. They hoped wrong in this case.
However, dogs are better at “hoping” than humans. Captain Jack and Bella put their hope in me to feed them twice a day; to provide them a comfortable lifestyle; to give them companionship; and to take care of them when they need it. They may not think that way specifically, but their “hope” is strong based on their experiences. In fact, it’s so strong that they never worry.
What or in whom do you place your hope?
Professionally, you place your hope in your employees and co-workers for effort and loyalty. If you’re an employee, you place your hope in your employer to pay you and treat you well. You place your hope in your clients and customers that they will continue to purchase your products and services. You place your hope in your trusted advisers for guidance and support to help you grow and protect your business. However, how many times in any or all of these circumstances do you lose hope easily, lack trust, and become anxious or fearful?
Both professional and personal hope is rooted around relationships. My dogs have a relationship with Barb and me where they have placed their “lifestyle” and life on the line in their hope. Your “hope” must start with yourself. Do you have unconditional hope that you will rise to any challenge? Will that hope transfer to your most important relationships? And finally, will your hope become so strong that you can be bold, fearless, and unleashed? Hope doesn’t have to be perfect, it needs to be consistent.
Take a cue from my dogs. Trust in yourself, your process, and the people you have chosen to surround yourself with….and then follow your nose to being unleashed.
Quote of the Week:
“There are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t yet met.”
~ William Butler Yeats
© 2016 Toro Consulting, Inc. All Rights Reserved
