Some Golden Rules from My Golden Retriever

“Once in awhile you need to look beyond the podcasts, books and videos for some lifelong tips.”

I am one of those people that is constantly analyzing my actions, my routines, my goals, etc. TED Talks, YouTube, self-improvement books, you name it. I love my life and am proud of my successes, but I don’t think a person should ever stop seeking to improve. However, I recently discovered a new source for solid life tips; my golden retriever.

His name is Oakley and he’s 8 months old. He is a life-loving adventure addict with enough positivity and enthusiasm to change your life. We’ve been exploring together since he was 11 weeks old and I am certain that he has changed mine. I am a very positive and driven person but I am not perfect, and neither are you. Perfection is not a possibility, but improvement is always an option. So here is a quick “lunch read” with 4 lifelong tips from one of the happiest mammals I know.

1. Enthusiasm Takes You Up a Level!

Regardless of the situation, enthusiasm can be the game changer. Oakley wakes up every single day by jumping on the nearest human, wagging his tail, and running around. Regardless of what the day has in store, he is ecstatic to be alive and have the opportunity to make it a great experience. You don’t have to sprint down your hallway but there are changes that you can make. Personally, I like to think of at least one thing when I am going to bed that is a potential positive for the next day. Can’t think of anything? Find a point during the next day when you can explore something new, engage in a conversation, or improve your life journey. Oakley doesn’t always have the most exciting afternoons, but he knows that we always adventure in the evening. Add something to your day to look forward to and it will improve your outlook on the rest of the day too.

2. Life Lacks Loyalty

It’s a sad fact, but most people suck when it comes to loyalty. Why? We are a self-interested species and we often fail to devote some of our precious time to others. It’s ok to be self-interested (my opinion) because if you don’t care about your life then it is difficult to care about the lives of others. You don’t have to go out and dedicate yourself to every one of your co-workers, but you need to be 100% loyal to someone. My suggestion is to find at least 2–3 people and have their backs no matter what. Self-interest is good but when these few people are in need, make sure you support them, regardless of what you planned on doing for yourself at that moment. Chances are that they will be behind you when you are in need.

3. Fetch, don’t Bark

Actions, actions, actions… they define your character. Conversation skills are important for humans but if your words aren’t followed by actions, then you are simply a false advertisement. It is easy to say what we will do in life, and it may spark the interest of some others. However, people are not truly impressed or impacted until you commit and act. When I throw a tennis ball, Oakley doesn’t bark at me insisting that one day he will get that ball for me. Instead, he fetches the ball. His actions are what impress me and your actions are what others will notice most about you.

4. Don’t Let the Past, Pass Forever

Prior to Oakley, I had a Collie named Kendal. We were best buds and we explored together for many years. I was nervous about getting a new dog, out of fear that I simply wasn’t ready. My memories with Kendal were incredible, but I didn’t want a constant sad reminder of these memories since Kendal had passed away. It took me several years to get a new dog, but I have realized now that my fear wasn’t entirely correct. Oakley does constantly remind me of Kendal and the adventures we shared. However, these reminders are not sad, they are happy. I love thinking back on our journey together and I am glad that these years of memories will not be forgotten. I am a proponent of focusing on your future, but it is essential to have brief reminders of the past. Our past tells us where we came from and if we have improved. At minimum, these brief reminders may just help to put a quick smile on your face. So visit an old coffee shop, look at some past pictures, or watch a movie that impacted you years ago. The past might even provide the motivation or positive perk that your present-self needs.

Be enthusiastic, be loyal, take action, and visit the past…. 4 lifelong tips from an incredible dude that has never said a word. Have an awesome day!