After having a conversation with my friend about what type of dog she should get, I began to realize what I could learn from the different types dogs and the different type of people who own them.
The saying is “A Dog Is A Man’s Best Friend”
Although dogs are of one species, there are over 400 different breeds. Each type of dog was originally bred for a specific task, whether that was to be a hunter, a herder, or a companion.
Some dogs are big and some are small. Some bark a lot and some do not. Some are cute because of their face and others get their cuteness from their personality. Some like to cuddle and some do not. Some like to eat all the time and others do not. Some are good swimmers and others avoid the water. Some shed and some do not.
These differences are convenient because, different types of people like different types of dogs. Haven’t you ever seen someone walking his dog and wondered why he would ever choose that type of breed?
Some people like big dogs and some people prefer small dogs. Many people want dogs that will run with them, but others appreciate small dogs that cuddle. Some do not care if their dog sheds and others say a dog that doesn’t shed in the most important characteristic. In the market for dogs, doggy supply often matches doggy demand. In other words there is an owner willing to fulfill the needs and appreciate the strengths of every type of dog.
Every type of dog has specific characteristics that make it unique. We can learn a lot from this example. When observing this reality, focus on three points:
1) Each dog has unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses
2) Each dog was bred for a purpose
3) Different people desire different qualities in their dog. Because of these preferences, dogs from each type of breed are able to have fulfilling lives.
Just like dogs, humans have different “breeds”- some people are born with certain strengths, and each person has characteristics that make him or her unique. Some people are small, and some are big. Some are hairy, and some are not. Some like math, while others hate it. Some are great at hunting, and others hate hunting. Some like playing sports while others enjoy cheering. Some think about food all the time, others do not.
The point is – we are all different.
What should we make of these differences? Is there greater meaning in that some people are better at math than others, that certain people seem to have a knack for cooking more than others, and that certain people find it easier to communicate on paper while others find it easier to communicate verbally?
I think we should look more carefully at these differences between people. You will see that viewing life through this lens makes the game of life a lot more fulfilling, adventurous, and interesting. I also think it brings out the best in people.
Just like dogs were bred for specific purposes, so were humans.
If your strength is math, pursue it. Not everyone enjoys working with numbers. There is some reason you have that gift.
If writing comes easily to you, maybe you should look into a career involving writing. Writing is not easy for a lot of people.
There are people out there getting paid to do what you would do for free. There are people out there getting paid to do what comes naturally to you.
Sports radio hosts get paid for being loud, arguing all day and talking sports. I certainly have some friends who could capitalize on that strength.
Editors get paid to read and critique. Athletes get paid to play sports. Nurses and Doctors get paid to help others feel better. Landscapers and builders get paid to work with their hands and create.
The more clear you get on what your strengths are and what you were “born to do,” the more fulfilling your life will become.
Just like there is a type of owner to fulfill the needs and appreciate the strengths of every type of dog, there is a life out there to fulfill your needs and accentuate your strengths. Therefore view your strengths as something to capitalize on and take advantage of. If you were not meant to use them, why would you have been bred with those qualities?
Over the past several years, I have begun to focus on certain points. These points are very similar to the three points I mentioned with dogs:
1) What are the strengths or great qualities of everyone I meet? Instead of being critical of someone’s differences I have begun to appreciate those differences. I ask myself, “What makes this person special?” when I meet them.
2) What is my purpose? What are the qualities I have that make me unique and what vehicles are out there for me to pursue this purpose? This train of thought created Education4Life. There are so many people I have spoken with that say “That is SO you” after I tell them about my company. There is something out there for you that can illicit that same reaction from others.
3) Success and Happiness are abundant. There is a fulfilling life out there for every person. If you choose to be happy and pursue greatness you will be rewarded. We were meant to thrive and by believing that you will find the life that is your perfect match.
As I mentioned earlier, viewing life through this lens has made my life more fulfilling, adventurous, and interesting. In addition, I have become a better person and been able to influence others around me. I have started to appreciate the differences that people have from one another instead of criticizing the differences they have from me. I invite you to do the same. The Work to Grow section has some initial steps you can take.
Work To Grow
1) What makes you special? What comes naturally to you that others struggle with?
2) Ask five friends what they feel makes you unique.
3) As you are speaking to others, don’t judge. Ask yourself “What makes this person special?”
