You can learn a lot from watching dogs. If you want to be happier at work and move ahead in your career, try to think more like a dog. Yes, for real!

Become Happier at Work:

1. Show your enthusiasm. Learn to love whatever you're doing. When your job seems routine, remind yourself of its purpose, whether that's to provide for your family or invent a new medicine. Sometimes just smiling will make you feel more joyful.
 

2. Greet everybody. Take the time to wish everyone a good morning before you settle down to your tasks. Your relationships with your co-workers play a huge role in your job satisfaction. Create a friendly atmosphere by exchanging daily pleasantries.
 

3. Lend others your support. Take a break from your own concerns to notice how your colleagues are feeling. When stress levels are high, offer your assistance and encouragement. You'll feel good about helping out, and people will be more likely to reciprocate when you need a hand.
 

4. Give early warnings. Minor workplace conflicts can escalate if they're allowed to fester. Speak out tactfully at the first sign of a misunderstanding. This will make your work environment much more pleasant than just growling right before you bite.

5. Bounce back from conflicts. Forget about holding grudges. Put any unpleasant experiences behind you and demonstrate your willingness to cooperate with everybody to get the job done.

6. Follow your instincts. Sometimes you have to respond to unfamiliar situations without much time to prepare. Trust your instincts when you need to take a risk. If it's your first time giving a staff presentation, boost your confidence by adapting what you already know.

7. Get plenty of sleep. You may never be able to arrange your schedule to get as much sleep as your dog, but you can still strive for 8 hours every night. Adequate rest is critical to your mental health.

How to Advance in Your Career:

1. Show off your accomplishments. Humility is an admirable quality, but sometimes you need to promote yourself. Watch how dogs soak up positive attention without looking like they're bragging. Use your success stories to your advantage in job evaluations and interviews.
 

2. Follow the rules. How does a dog know which objects are okay to chew? The logic behind some rules may elude you, but it's usually best to go along with them to preserve order in the workplace.
 

3. Practice active listening. Your co-workers are bound to value you more if you take a sincere interest in them. Listen respectfully to what others may be able to teach you.
 

4. Persist. Persistence is a big part of success. Stay focused and keep on the trail no matter what obstacles arise. If you get blocked from digging under the fence, maybe you can persuade someone to open the gate for you.
 

5. Reduce waste. Mail carriers and couriers perform valuable jobs, but many dogs obviously would prefer a paper-free world. Some dogs also regard as edible the many things that humans throw away. Impress your boss and help the environment by cutting down on paper waste and recycling more.
 

6. Contribute to the pack. Above all, think beyond your own interests to participate as a team player. Take satisfaction in working together to achieve common goals and improve everyone's well-being. You can accomplish much more working with others than you ever could on your own.
 

Although chasing your tail may not get you anywhere in life, dogs are otherwise great role models for becoming more content and productive at work…

Enjoy Your Life & Be Yappy! 

Chef Laly & Friends... 

Social media is a wonderful way to stay in touch with family and friends, but it can have its downside. Numerous studies suggest that overdoing it on Facebook or similar sites can make us unhappy.

For example, having more than 7 social media accounts triples the risk of depression among young adults, according to researchers at The University of Pittsburgh. Maybe it’s the multitasking or the pressure to look cool in multiple venues with different rules. Either way, that’s one mistake your dog wouldn’t make. They’re content with playing in the same park each afternoon, and eating their usual for dinner each night. (Unless of course, they are Lucky to have their own Private Chef from the Doggie Bag Café)

If you’re going to use social media, there are a few more things your dog could teach you. After all, they are a man & woman’s Best Friend, so take a look at these ideas they want to share with you.

Play Nice:

Online spontaneity can lead to regrets if you say something insensitive. Even dogs benefit from being socialized.

1. Think first. Ask yourself if what you’re typing is encouraging and constructive. Imagine how you’d feel if you were on the receiving end.

 

2. Consider your audience. Context matters. Avoid misunderstandings by choosing the appropriate platform for your remarks. Puppy pictures will get more laughs on Facebook than LinkedIn.

 

3. Take the high road. You’ll probably run into some rudeness and aggression online. Try to elevate the conversation or leave gracefully if necessary.

 

Accept Yourself:

The average mutt can have just as much confidence as any Westminster Kennel Club winner. Loving yourself protects you from feeling inferior online and off.

1. Be authentic. Know that you are worthy of happiness and respect just the way you are. Celebrate your strengths, and enjoy exploring the areas where you want to grow.

 

2. Resist comparisons. Sometimes it looks like everyone else on Facebook is taking exotic vacations and bragging about their gifted children. Count your blessings and pursue your own definition of success.

 

3. Think positive. Think of challenges as opportunities. Wake up with a smile and be kind to yourself. When you talk to yourself, choose words that comfort and inspire you.

 

Stay Active:

Being sedentary takes a toll on your mental and physical health. Maybe you need to step away from the computer.

1. Take a walk. Exercise each day. Walk your dog an extra mile or visit the gym.

 

2. Move around. Incorporate more physical activity into each day. Climb the stairs or do some extra chores around the house.

 

3. Interact offline. Cultivate relationships face-to-face. Meet up with friends for a regular coffee or lunch date. Throw a potluck dinner with your neighbors. (We will return to these fabulous days, God willing again soon…)

 

Engage in Meaningful Activities:

Your dog can find fulfillment in chasing a stick. You may need to aim a little higher. If you’re feeling down about squandering the last 2 hours on celebrity gossip, devote your time to finer things. 

1. Live mindfully. Any activity can be profound if you keep your purpose in mind. Enjoy preparing breakfast for your family or giving your dog a bath.
 

2. Find a hobby. Fill your leisure time with projects that expand your knowledge and skills. Play a musical instrument or study a foreign language.
 

3. Focus on giving. True gratification comes from helping others and contributing to your community. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or library. Tell a retail worker when their patience and kindness helped to make your errands more pleasant.
 

If your dog can figure out how to avoid Facebook depression and Instagram anxiety, so can you. Monitor your social media use and pay attention to your life offline. You and your dog will both benefit!

 Enjoy Your Life & Be Yappy! 

Chef Laly & Friends...