𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗮 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿-𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵

Imagine this: you walk through the door after a long day, and you’re met with pure, unbridled joy. A happy dance, a full-body wiggle, and a serenade that’s a little bit howl, a little bit song. It’s a welcome so genuine and infectious that your own weariness melts away. This isn’t a scene from a movie; it’s the daily reality for anyone who has been lucky enough to be greeted by a dog.

Yesterday was International Dog Day, and it got me thinking. What if we all tried to be a little more like them? As a coach, I’ve noticed that some of the most profound lessons about leadership, communication, and personal growth can be found right at the end of a leash. Here are three lessons my own dog has taught me.

1. Show Your Joy

Whenever I come home, my dog doesn’t just greet me—she celebrates me. She does crazy dances, zips around the room, and even sings. It’s a full-on, no-holds-barred expression of happiness. And every time, it makes me feel seen, loved, and valued.

This got me thinking: how often do we do this for the people in our lives? When you’re genuinely happy to see a colleague, a team member, or a friend, do you show it? As humans, we have a superpower dogs don’t: we can speak. We can say, “I’m so glad to see you!” We can also show it with a genuine smile, a warm handshake, or a hug when appropriate. Imagine the impact this simple act of showing joy can have on someone’s day.

2. Don’t Hold a Grudge

My dog hates going to the vet. Her tiny body shakes and shivers with fear as we sit in the waiting room. The look on her face says, “You betrayed me.” And yet, the minute we’re done, all is forgotten. The betrayal is gone. She’s back to her loving, happy self, ready for a treat and a cuddle.

We humans often do the opposite. We hold onto grudges, replaying grievances in our minds for days, weeks, or even years. More often than not, we can’t even remember what the initial issue was. What if we adopted a “let it go” mindset like our four-legged friends? Imagine the freedom and peace we would feel if we could forgive a momentary slight and move on.

3. Stay Curious

Every single walk we take, along the exact same route we’ve walked a thousand times, is a brand new adventure for my dog. She’s exploring everything with such delight—sniffing every bush, examining every crack in the pavement. She approaches the world with a boundless sense of curiosity.

I try to do the same in my own life and work. Approaching a new project, a challenging conversation, or a new person with genuine curiosity can be a game-changer. Instead of making assumptions, ask questions. Instead of jumping to conclusions, seek to understand. What a powerful mindset shift this can be for leaders and coaches.

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So, on this International Dog Day (and every day after), what if we all tried to be a little more dog? A world where we show up with genuine excitement, let go of grudges the moment they’re over, and approach every day with a sense of wonder. A world where kindness and love are the default. Let’s not just celebrate our dogs; let’s carry their simple, profound lessons with us every day.