Are you working like a dog?

As the saying goes – I don’t know about you but my dog is definitely not working! Relaxing, playing, sleeping, eating is more like it. So maybe for the modern day dog the saying should be, ‘Playing like a dog!’ And if we watch our dogs, and wish we could be more like them – having more time to play, take things in stride, being resilient about what comes their way, it begs the question – are you working like a dog or playing like a dog?

As entrepreneurs, small business owners, rescuers, veterinarians and large business owners – chances are you are working like a dog. Maybe you are working as hard as a farm dog, constantly going-going-going; or like a K9 canine officer – always ‘on’; or like a mountain rescue dog always helping others; or like a canine companion or guide dog having everyone put their trust and guidance in you. It can be exhausting always working and not getting enough play or down time, like we see our dogs do.

In this ADHD world that more of us seem to have – working, constantly checking our phone, social media, emails, meetings, etc. If you don’t take some time ‘off’ and literally put that phone down, you can get burnt out really fast. Believe me I know! After two months straight of going to, planning and hosting events, being part of events, taking care of client needs, my dog needs (at the vet every few weeks on top of that), traveling, I am exhausted. I take self-imposed days ‘off.’ Now granted I might be organizing my office or planning things for the future- however, I am not answering emails or phone calls, and also taking the time to relax a bit. But if I don’t schedule that time to not be pressured by the needs of my business and recharge – I will not be good to anyone!

I was speaking with a member at an event recently and she has her own very busy pet business and another business on the side that is weather related. She has been in the same boat of constantly going-going-going. I said, “you need to take time off for yourself.” As we continued to talk – she mentioned that even on those days off she is thinking of what she should be doing for her business or is bored on those self-imposed days off. I said, “I totally hear you, I get that way too sometimes – but you have to take the time to really get away from your business-have some fun, not worry – play with your pups, etc.”

The being bored part can stem from us all loving our chosen pet profession – most of the time it doesn’t feel like ‘work’ when we love what we do. But make no mistake you are working! For me personally, during my down time I really need to just getaway – I leave my office (I work from home people!) so I go somewhere to get away, even it if is just for an hour walk in the woods, hang out with friends, go take pictures somewhere on our isle, out to lunch with a friend, go somewhere new, or whatever it is.

(I am much better at down time in the spring and summer months – bike riding, kayaking, beach or margarita’s anyone?)

You are no good to your customers, clients, pets, or your business if you are completely run down. So as we are all so busy caught up in the chaos of our lives and businesses, I urge you to stop and think where you can get away to? Maybe it’s just a cup of coffee and a good book, a movie or something to just relax and recharge. Your business and clients (and family, friends and pets) will thank you for it!

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