We Need More Dogs

Become a Leader In Your Community That Drives Change

I’m tired.

The wars, mass shootings, pandemics, shitty politics, the hatred.

None of it seems to end.

To make things worse, we live in a world where we are expected to opine on everything.

The media does such a good job highlighting why all of these issues are our problems and impact us even if we have absolutely no control over it.

This only adds fuel to our anxiety fire.

How do we address this?

I think a lot of it begins internally. Most of us don’t participate in self-reflection.

When was the last time you sat in silence? Stayed off social media for hours? Or went for a walk without music or your phone?

If you can’t begin to quiet the voices inside your head, and address those concerns, you will never feel at peace.

Just ask Tom Hardy:

Most of us just react to the world around us and accept things for the way they are.

We allow the three cancers of the mind to takeover and stunt your growth:

• Comparing

• Complaining

• Criticizing

But we must live with intention. We must become better leaders.

Leadership begins with your behavior, you set standards and allow others to gravitate towards you.

You don’t seek approval or demand others follow you. You don’t need authority or a “title”. You need courage.

There are too many followers. How many times at your work do you see people not volunteer and just watch others try it first?

Maybe even ridicule them if they embarrass themselves or fail. Many will make others pay the sacrifice to protect their own interests.

Not you though.

Because you’re a leader.

One who puts up with the shit, doesn’t hide, is courageous and willing to put themselves out there.

One who encourages those around them to be better, to listen to their problems and offer empathy and hope.

One who takes responsibility, admits when they’re wrong, and holds themselves accountable.

You can become a game changer in someone’s life. You don’t need authority, lots of money, or attention to do this.

You just need to start.

Ask yourself, “what am I capable of?”

When you are feeling helpless, then help somebody else.

It’s always bigger than us.

Make them laugh, feel safe, and welcomed. Don’t be afraid to ask, “How can I help you?” and actually be genuine about it.

That’s what a leader would do.

Some other key traits of being a leader include:

• Discipline   

• Transparency

• Ability to face facts

• Battle adversity

• Sets high standards

• Is curious and open to new ideas and ways of thinking

• Humility

You will run into those people that will never be happy. No matter how great life is, they will find something to be negative about.

Get these people as far away from you as possible.

Sure, try and help, listen to them, always welcome feedback and new ideas.

But I don’t have time for negativity.

The world can be a dark place, but it’s on us to bring the light and look for good.

If you feel stuck, hopeless, like the world really is ending as you know it, read this from James Clear:

"If you're stuck on a problem, try solving it at a different level.

If you ask, "What can we do to create a more unified country?" then you end up with vague answers that are difficult to implement. The problem is mostly unmanageable at that level.

But if you ask, "What can I do to create a more unified neighborhood?" then you can likely think of many small things you can do to connect your friends and neighbors.

Zoom in or zoom out. Problems that seem impossible at one level are often quite accessible from a different one."

At the end of the day, we need more dogs:

If this resonated with you, follow my friend here: https://www.instagram.com/bettereverydayu/

Disclosure: This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.