The Dog Star: Maybe This Time

The Dog Star: Maybe This Time

(The Dog Star is a symbol of power, will, and steadfastness of purpose, and exemplifies the One who has succeeded in bridging the lower and higher consciousness. – Astrological Definition)

This morning, as I was eating my cereal before heading out to my sadistic trainer, I noticed that Buddy Beagle was not all over me trying to get the remnants of my breakfast. He normally scarfs down his own morning meal, then tries to hit on me before Koufax, who chews all his food exactly 32 times, is finished.

I mozied over to the other side of the island where the dogs dine, and found that Buddy, behind my wife’s back, had nosed off the lid of Koufax’s 20 pounds of dog food, and was silently munching away. Koufax didn’t care, since food is a minor event for him, but my wife chased Buddy through three rooms.

Buddy Beagle attempts this move EVERY DAY. He has never been successful in almost five years, but he was this morning. Whether my wife hadn’t adequately secured the top, or Buddy found a new angle, or Koufax helped him out, I don’t know. All I know is, he finally made it.

You have to keep showing up. People in my Mentor Program will bemoan the fact that things haven’t improved even though they are following all the right recommendations. But it’s not just a matter of doing the right things in the right way—it’s also a matter of doing them continually and consistently.

Golfers prior to a shot, basketball players before a free throw, and tennis players just before their serve, will all go through the exact same motions and actions. If the shot or serve isn’t good, they’ll still go through the same regimen the next time. Eventually, more shots are good than bad. We’re after success, not perfection.

Don’t let up. If you do the right things with discipline, determination, and dedication, you will eventually succeed.

Even if you only have four toes.

© Alan Weiss 2009. All rights reserved.