The more complicated life gets, the more we should do our best to simplify it. Sometimes the most elegant solutions are the easiest. Let’s take a look for a moment at how pets behave, specifically a dog which seems to know by instinct exactly how to make us feel better.

Could this be why they call a dog “man’s best friend”?

There is so much we can learn from this simple creature which instinctively knows how to achieve its objective. In general, they are always happy to see us, greet us enthusiastically, are attentive and are happy to be with us even in our deepest and darkest moments.

Can you say the same about your behavior with friends and colleagues?

How about integrating the following characteristics which come so naturally to dogs into our way of being?

BE ENTHUSIASTIC

Enthusiasm sells in every sense of the word. Others perceive our energy through the way we act. It isn’t necessary to speak a lot or to speak loudly to be enthusiastic. On the contrary, there is much to be said for quiet enthusiasm which bubbles and exudes from inside of those who really enjoy what they do.

If we aren’t sure how much enthusiasm we should show, in almost all cases, it is better to err on the side of too much enthusiasm rather than not enough. Besides, and as an added benefit, our enthusiasm is contagious. The more enthusiastic we are about our work and about life in general, the more enthusiastic those around us become.

BE ATTENTIVE

John Maxwell tells us, “People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Of the more than 7 billion people who currently inhabit the planet Earth, each should have one primary objective, their survival. Even if we care about and want to help others, we must first be satisfied and content with ourselves.

To get others to show more interest in us, we can first show sincere interest in them. When someone feels we are attentive and sensitive to their way of thinking and to their interests, they automatically become more interested in us. If we want others to pay more attention to us, we simply need to pay more attention to them.

BE TRUSTWORTHY

Someone who inspires confidence can inspire the world. When we say we are going to do something, let’s do it. It’s not so complicated and the dividends paid can be tremendous.

Obviously, it isn’t always possible to do absolutely everything we promise. If we are frequently unable to abide by what we pledge, we need to first examine the promises we are making. When we are unable to comply with something we have promised for whatever reason, it’s better to take responsibility, accept the consequences and move on. Nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes. The great man is not one who never fails, rather one who takes responsibility for what happens and learns from the experience.

Life doesn’t have to be so difficult and it can be quite easy. We can follow the example of dogs who are instinctively enthusiastic, attentive and trustworthy. It’s an excellent way to put our best foot forward, be more for others and achieve much more.

© 2012 Rob McBride

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February