TAKE A STEP

Sometimes what keeps us from getting what we want in life is our reluctance to change our routines and habits. Whatever it is–you can break out of these patterns and create positive change. Here are some ways to step out of your comfort zone and into greatness:

1. Face a fear you have

Do you have a fear that’s been hanging around awhile? It comes to mind and then goes dormant for lack of pushing yourself? Think of that one fear that may be holding you back from your potential and set a goal to tackle it in the next three months.

2. Do what scares you

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” How powerful that would be to make a conscious effort to do what scares you? What would open up? Start out by making a list of three things at the beginning of the week and challenge yourself to do each one during the week. Make it fun and see what good things transpire.

3. Make a bold move

Sometimes we just need to throw our hats over the wall and take a big risk for big rewards. The first step is to set a goal that is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-limited. Then create a plan with action steps. Now, take one small action everyday towards your goal, or at least once a week.

4. Have tough conversations

“A person’s success in life can usually be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have,” says Author Tim Ferris. Having a conversation with a friend or loved one about something that bothers you in the relationship is one of the most difficult and courageous things to do.

5. Try something new

A way to step out of what is familiar is to explore new and different things. You can start by creating a bucket list, a list where you write down all the experiences you would like to do in your lifetime like travel to certain places, run a marathon, do yoga, write a book, play an instrument, ride a zip line, become an entrepreneur. This bucket list is a great way to help you think of new ways to step out of your comfort zone.

“Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, storytellers, and singers of song.” – Unknown

“When my father didn’t have my hand, he had my back.” – Linda Poindexter

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” - Jim Valvano

“My father didn’t tell me how to live. He lived, and let me watch him do it.” - Clarence Budington Kelland

“She did not stand alone, but what stood behind her, the most potent moral force in her life, was the love of her father.” - Harper Lee, Go Set a Watchman

“I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection.” - Sigmund Freud

“A father carries pictures where his money used to be.” - Steve Martin

“No man stands taller than when he stoops to help a child.” - Abraham Lincoln

“When a father gives to his son, both laugh; when a son gives to his father, both cry.” - William Shakespeare

“A father is the one friend upon whom we can always rely.” - Emile Gaboriau

“Lately all my friends are worried they’re turning into their fathers. I’m worried I’m not.” - Dan Zevin

PAW’S CORNER

House Training Tips

What to do when your puppy is wetting the floor

Q. I purchased a puppy who is 2 months old from a breeder in another state. I’m having trouble housetraining her. She drinks water all day, but she can’t hold her pee and ends up wetting on the floor. I work from home, but I can’t catch her and correct her. Instead, I think I should just take the water bowl away for most of the day. Will that work?

A: Do not take away the water bowl. Pets should always have access to water, regardless of their housetraining status. Puppies have really tiny bladders and cannot hold their water for very long. This link has detailed information and advice on managing puppy housetraining issues: iaabcjournal.org/housetraining-hang-ups/ Also, create a puppy playpen and line it with pee pads and water-resistant chew toys. Gradually take away the pads until there is just one “target” in the pen. Be patient. She’ll get this!