A Lesson I Learned About Positioning From My Dog

(The above photo is not of my precious Bella, but she looked just like this as a puppy!)

               I have a cute little 10 pound Malti-poo named Bella who is the center of attention – always! She is the sweetest, kindest dog you’d ever want to meet and, in full transparency, has her hyperactive moments as well! She does her best to always be in a position to get what she wants when she wants it! In the morning as I am preparing for work, I usually eat my breakfast such as fruit, cereal bars, peanut butter and crackers, in between various tasks I’m running around doing before I hit the door!

           Bella has figured out that I often drop crumbs as I’m eating on the run and she likes to scoop those up for her breakfast too! Additionally, as long as she is on good behavior, I normally give her a treat. Bella sits, ever so politely, in the “Sit Bella” position right next to my feet hoping to catch some crumbs or a treat. If she waits for too long and thinks I don’t see her, she will move to the other side of me and try the “sit Bella” position again. This happens repeatedly until she gets what she wants!

             Watching her do this one morning made me think about how many of us give up on getting what we want because we are afraid to position ourselves where it counts. I believe that “Good things come to those who wait, but better things come to those who work their butts off!” (Tweet this)

           If Bella can properly position herself to get what she wants, you sure as heck can to! Learn to put yourself in positions that lead to success by networking and making the right connections, updating your resume and CV regularly, participating in philanthropic endeavors and giving back to the community. You can’t simply sit around and wait for opportunities to come to you, you have to continuously work to position yourself where it counts and don’t give up until you see the reward (whatever that means to you) you desire!

Dr. Carmen April’s Speaker Series

           Dr. Carmen April is a young entrepreneur and community leader recognized as a 2013 Nashville Business Journal Top 40 Under Forty Award Recipient and is a 2014 Graduate of the New Leaders Council Institute – Nashville Chapter.  Dr. April is available for speaking engagements on Entrepreneurship for College Students and Young Professionals.