Because productivity tips can be boring to a daydreamer like me, I decided to make them more fun by relating them to my dog. Dogs help you understand the meaning of life, right? At least that’s what we learn from “A Dog’s Purpose” and “The Art of Racing in the Rain.”
A direct benefit my dog has on my productivity is in how she encourages me to exercise. We run together three or four days a week and walk most of the other days. Exercise relieves stress, helps me maintain a healthy heart and weight and boosts my mood. Did I mention how it reduces stress? All that helps me be more productive. But by watching her, I can find many other applications for making progress while not giving up peace.
Productivity tips from my dog
Elektra loves exploring the great outdoors with her pack (namely, me and sometimes daughter Rebekah or husband Shawn). Whether loping through the tall grass at Plum Prairie Ranch or tugging on the leash along a suburban DFW sidewalk, our German shepherd-border collie gets excited about running, jogging or walking. What can watching my dog teach me about productivity? Quite a lot, when I think about it.
1. Have only a few top priorities for the day. Elektra’s top priorities are running or walking, chasing squirrels and other critters, sniffing, eating, playing, monitoring her surroundings and resting. I should only have a few “must do” items on my list each day to keep from being overwhelmed.
2. Get an early start. She’s ready to start her day early. As soon as the sun is up at Plum Prairie Ranch, she’s anxious to get outside and see if any critters need chasing. At home in DFW, she knows as soon as I finish my coffee and quiet time, I usually take her for a run or walk. I’m at my most productive early in the day, so I need to set aside time to write on my own projects.
Elektra decides this red angus cow is a little too close and a little too interested in her. What do you need to stop chasing?
3. Know when to say “no”. Squirrels top the list of animals that need chasing. Then come deer, turkeys, frogs, turtles and other assorted birds infringing on her territory. She decided earlier this summer that cattle who are overly interested in her should be avoided. Why? They’re much too big for her to handle. Animals that don’t run away are not fun to chase. What things do I need to stop chasing doing?
4. Get adequate rest. Elektra power naps during the day, after her initial run and in between key monitoring sessions. She also gets a good night’s sleep. So should I.
5. Take time to play. She thinks the very best time to play tug-of-war or catch the tennis ball is when we sit down in the evening to watch TV. She may be misguided in her timing, but everyone should take a little time to play.
6. Review your priorities. No matter what else happens during the day, SQUIRRELS MUST BE CHASED. This is a non-negotiable. Don’t lose sight of your top priorities. What’s my squirrel today?
7. Check in with your pack. When she’s out running free at the ranch, she’s never out of sight for long. She trots back enough to make sure I’m still following. When Rebekah and I run with her, she refuses to go ahead with one while the other one lags behind. Staying together is important. Whatever I achieve in life, if I do it while neglecting relationships with family and friends, I’ll end up filled with regret.
Elektra makes sure her girl Rebekah is still following because keeping the pack together is important.
8. Learn to enjoy what you do. Elektra adores running free on the ranch, but she’s also ecstatic to jog the trails at a city park and appreciates sniffing each mailbox while walking in the neighborhood. If you learn to find little treats of happiness in your day, you’ll be more productive. Even on an ordinary Wednesday with work piled high.
How about you? What’s your squirrel today?