This week’s Quick List* is a companion piece to our Quote of the Week: Which dog is winning? and is based on this story:

A Native American Elder once described his own inner struggles in this manner:

“Inside of me there are two dogs.
One of the dogs is mean and evil.
The other dog is good.
The mean dog fights with the good dog all the time.”

When asked which dog wins, he reflected for a moment and replied,

“The one I feed the most.”

And have you noticed?  That mean, evil dog can be REALLY mean.  And tough.  Sometimes I think I’ve starved him to death and then all of the sudden.  Out of no where.  He attacks.  And when he wins….he devours all morale and productivity in sight.

To keep that from happening, it’s important to load up with the good for the long haul.  And have quick power snacks ready to ward off mean attacks.

Here are 10  ways to do it: 

1. Make a list of all the good things about you.  Your accomplishments.  All the great things you have done.  All the people who love you.  Include everything  (including people, experiences, etc) that’s good  in your life.   Whether it’s on paper, PDA or your  journal, make this list easy to access.
2. Add to this list every day.   At least three good things each day.  Things you did.  Things that happened.  Things that made you laugh or smile.
3. If you don’t already have one, start a warm fuzzy file.  In it keep all the nice notes, cards, emails that people send you.
4. Make a list of people who are good at letting you scream about the mean dog and helping you remember how good the good dog in you is.  Keep that list handy so you remember who to call when you need help fighting the mean dog.
5. Write and send a card or note to someone each day.  Perhaps a person from #4 above.   Thank  her for something good she’s done.  Not e-mail.  Handwritten is best.  Use Heart Cards if you’d like.
6. Choose a list of favorite energizing songs.  Load these onto your computer, ipod, iPad, whatever you use.  Listen to them daily…or at least whenever the mean dog attacks.  Even better, choose one of these as your theme song.  Play it first thing every morning.  Or any time the mean dog attacks.
7. Do something active every single day.  Ride your bike, go for a walk, rake the yard, throw a frisbee, pound the tennis ball…
8. For at least a minute or two…go outside.  Breathe in the fresh air.  Look at the flowers and trees and bugs and bees.
9. Eat healthy.  And if that’s to big of a suggestion…for right now…just eat an apple or orange each afternoon.
10. Post this quote (on your computer, on your walls) as a reminder to pay attention to Which dog is winning?

All of these strengthen the good dog head to toe,  helping to prevent mean dog attacks.

But when that mean dog does attack.  And he will.  You will be ready with all kinds of power snacks.  You can refer to your list of good things (#1) or your warm fuzzy file (#3).  You can call someone on your list (#4).   Or go pound a tennis ball (#8).  Or simply take a deep breath.  And then tell him to go away.

Whatever it is that helps YOU remember all the good in you…..and your life.

If you need help with this, please let me know.  I’d love to help.  I know first hand how hard it is to be a good manager when the mean dog is winning.  Read more and contact me by visiting this page:    Coaching for Managers.

* This weekly feature is for managers who don’t have time or don’t want to make time to read lengthy articles or even short paragraphs. We call it a Quick List. AKA – 10 by 10 on Tuesday. 10 ( ideas or tips or questions or steps or ways to Get 2 Goal or Be a Better Manager, etc) by 10 (AM – EST) on Tuesdays. Click here if you’d like to see all Quick Lists created to date.

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