“You’re going to the dogs!” That may not be the best thing someone could say to you, but if you apply it in a different way maybe it is not so bad. In truth, there is so much we can learn from our dogs that could help us become successful athletes.
1. Loyalty and Devotion
When treated right, dogs are the most loyal animals alive. They are devoted 100% to their owners and will defend them against all threats. If we have a coach or trainer that is good to us, we need to show them loyalty and devotion.
2. Live in the Moment
One of the greatest traits successful athletes have is that they stay in the moment. They are not focused on the past or the future, but, rather, they are only concerned with what is happening right now. This is a dog’s life. It knows only the present moment.
3. Forgiveness
How many times have you
yelled at your dog or even popped him or her? Their feelings may get hurt but do they not forget about it quickly? In order to be a successful athlete, you have to be willing to move on from lackluster performances and criticism.
4. Steadfastness
Dogs keep going after something until they get it. This is similar to the popular saying that you can only see the hurdles if you take your eyes off the goal. The successful athlete is like the dog consumed with its desire to retrieve what it is chasing.
The first time my dog went swimming, she was afraid of putting her paws up to swim. She wanted to be on safe ground- all four paws on the bottom of the lake. She was scared and a bit uncertain. However, everything changed when I decided to get in the lake while lying on a floating
lounge chair. The fear she had for herself was replaced with devotion to her owner. In her mind, her owner was in danger, and so her job became to rescue me. She forgot her fears and with pure determination swam out to me, grabbed the frame of the lounge chair with her mouth and pulled me to safety. As cute as this story may be, she showed many of the qualities a successful athlete must embody: devotion, present focus and steadfastness.