How do you measure success?
Whether it be having success in your business, being successful in parenting a dog or a child, or having a successful relationship, what does “success” look like, and how can it be measured?
Wealth, job title, and happiness are some of the most common measures of success. Measuring success is important, because it informs you of how you spend your time and effort.
In a recent conversation with some of our Canine Enrichment Academy ambassadors, they were sharing with me how different their life and work looks for them now, after spending the past year in the Academy.
As we explored the differences, inevitably, we discussed success. It was such a heartfelt discussion, and one that validated why our work together saves lives… not just the lives of dogs and dog parents; also the lives of all of us who are involved in service to others.
The Head, Heart, and Gut
The head, heart, and gut of the matter is that if success is gauged by the number of dogs, revenue, and/or ownership, you’re leaving a lot on the plate.
If you don’t measure success in terms of what’s truly important to you (or at least take that into consideration), getting there can become impossible and you’re likely to experience misery in some way, shape, or form.
Maybe this doesn’t apply to all industries… and I can’t speak to that anyway. However, for those of us who choose careers with animals, it’s hard to imagine one would measure success without consideration for impact, wellness, and transformative care (although it does happen).
Owners of veterinary practices, dog daycares, and boarding businesses, as well as some pet grooming salons, are giving their life’s purpose for money. They’re burned out, and eager to exit the business with any opportunity that is given to them… and sadly, the opportunity is there.
Organizations like VCA, NVA and others still emerging, have acquired so many dog-related businesses over the last 3-5 years, it’s insane!
I’ve always thought our industry would – and could – withstand automation, standardization, and boxes, but I think I am wrong on this one.
For everything horrible, there’s the possibility for greatness to emerge… and I can assure you that our work in Canine Enrichment will see its light very soon!
There’s a small and fierce group of us (we’re finally not alone). Ali, Marie, Elliot, Jemma and Francine, and their teams are steadfast to spreading this work like wildfire. It’s a slow start, but we feel highly successful already, because we measure success by having impact and driving change.
It’s easier to fall asleep at night, and wake up the next day feeling 10 times the motivation we had on day one, even many years later!
Yours in canine welfare,
Teena
P.S. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Scroll down add your Comment or Question below.
Teena Patel is a Certified Dog Trainer and Behavioral Counselor who works with pet owners and owners of doggy daycares to bring her philosophy of Enrichment to the canine population. After almost two decades of successful dog training under her belt, Teena has done away with the standard doggy daycare “warehousing” of animals in kennels and runs. In place of an industrial model, she focuses on what is right for the dogs as living beings, providing experiences that improve and enhance their behavioral health. Coupled with a program of careful training, the Doglando experience results in companion dogs who are better-behaved, better integrated into their families, and above all, much happier. True to her passion, Teena Patel gives dogs the freedom “to be dogs”.