Dogs, Cows, and True Self

Posted on October 5th, 2009 by tim bursch. Filed under business, personal development.

I heard a story recently that really made me think about being true to your self. Thanks to the wise man that shared this with me:

A family adopted a Border Collie from The Humane Society. They lived in the city and loved the dog.

The family lived in a modest house with a small yard and after some time they realized the dog needed more.

The family asked a relative that lived on a farm to take the dog. “Of course,” said the relative. The city man brought the dog to the farm and stayed during the day. Later that day the farmer commented that the Border Collie was getting along fine. Actually the dog was in it’s element and already helping to bring the cows home.

Why am I sharing such a simple dog and cow story? What does this have to do with business or work?
I think you know. The dog was made to herd cows.

What about you? Are in your element? Are you living out of your true self?

Image credit: greg westfall

Jason Markow

Very nice Tim. My advice is always the same: As far as I can tell, we only get one shot at this thing called life, why would you waste a single second on something that is not worth your time? It always helps to "step outside the fishbowl," look at the situation from the outside and think to yourself: When I look back on this, will I be happy with the choices I made?

Amy Bryant

Hi Tim,

When I'm in my element it feels like what Csikszentmihalyi refers to as "Flow". The times I'm not are a reminder for me of my true values and desires and to continue to work toward them. All of life cannot be a flow experience (can it?) but it seems to make sense to me to set things up so I can spend a good portion of my time using my strengths to serve in ways that are meaningful to me. I can't wait to talk with you more about how!

Amy

friesenma05

Love this Tim. I heard someone say that when you are doing things out of your element, your passions, your skills, your gifts, you are harming two people. Yourself, and someone who has those elements and is not allowing to do that thing.