I am going to put my hand up and admit that I was one of those people who acquired a puppy during Covid. She has taught me much about hope, love and connection and helped me stay positive when we found ourselves tested in ways we could never have imagined.
Now puppy number two has joined our family (I was warned that this might happen!). This time around, though, I have started this journey as an experienced dog owner, and I have noticed that my brain is operating differently. I am not nearly as anxious and fearful as the first time around which means my brain is spending less time and energy triggering its fight or flight stress response to keep us safe. With less stress comes greater capacity to think more clearly and I have been able to step back and reflect on the valuable lessons my puppy is offering. Here are 3 insights I have taken away with 2 brain tips for each to put the lessons into practice.
Insight 1 – Puppies are so easily distracted. On the way to fetch the ball, she will see a leaf, spot a fly and become enchanted by each new temptation. As I watch her move seamlessly from one thing to another depending on what catches her eye, I am reminded that our brains love a good distraction. When our phone tells us that we have a new message or our email alerts us to yet another email, we go there! Shiny new things tempt us too!
Brain Tips – 1) Turn off your alerts when you want to focus your attention or keep them on and give yourself a positive feedback message for NOT being seduced by the email alert. You will enjoy a quick dopamine hit from your self-praise! 2) Remind yourself that you need to actively manage your attention. Notice when you are being distracted and bring yourself gently back to focus.
Insight 2 – Puppies are incredibly curious. Much of her waking time is spent being inquisitive, exploring, taking in new information, trying to make sense of her world. She tries new things, fails, and devises new ways to try again. This can be frustrating when the behaviour is in the naughty category (!), but she is a shining example of a Growth Mindset in action.
Brain Tips – 1) We can harness our capacity for Neuroplasticity (the ability to sculpt our brain and make new neural connections) by staying open to possibilities, choosing curiosity over judgement. When we judge something as right or wrong, good or bad, we limit our ability to consider other different perspectives. Being curious leads us to ask questions, to consider ‘what if’ possibilities. 2) Intentionally seek to develop a Growth Mindset to help you develop and grow. When you can embrace mistakes as opportunities to learn, see feedback as useful input, and reframe ‘fail’ as a First Attempt In Learning, you develop a mindset that helps you deal more effectively with life’s challenges and setbacks.
Insight 3 – Puppies play A LOT. My very happy puppy is constantly producing lots of dopamine and serotonin, two of the ‘feel good’ chemicals. She sees the potential for fun and joy in everything (except for baths which she is not fond of (!)) and her positivity is infectious.
Brain Tips – 1) Our brains need ‘feel good’ chemicals to build positive emotions and provide access to clear thinking. Prioritise time to play, to do what makes you happy and joyful. The playwright, George Bernard Shaw, once wrote “We do not stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.” 2) Emotions are contagious, so your mood will influence those around you. Be aware of how you are showing up and seek to be a positive influence for yourself and others. One simple way to introduce more positivity into your life is to practise gratitude. I am very grateful for the lessons (and love) my furry friends share with me every single day.
Our brains are truly amazing and understanding how they work, both for and against us, is a real Gamechanger for our performance and wellbeing. Would you like to learn more about how to harness the power of your amazing brain to –
- Think and Work Smarter
- Have Greater Focus
- Adapt to Change more easily
- Maintain Performance under Stress
- Manage your Emotions?
Then please get in touch with Anne on 0417 231 494 or email anne@rtpeople.com.au. Our new Gamechanger program is delivered in bite-sized chunks via online lessons (10 to 15 minutes per lesson) accessible anywhere and anytime on phone, tablet or laptop to enable learning on the go with supporting live interactive webinars.
With Gratitude,
Anne
