The Weekly Legend

Today I was bitten.

Yep, I got a little story for ya…

Picture this – I'm sitting down, ready to write today's email for all of you.

I'm in the zone, ideas are flowing, but nothing is set yet.

I should also mention, I have a 5 month old lab puppy (who's at the age where training is key), along with a couple older dogs. 

Currently we are focused on my puppy not jumping. Our trainer told us to shake a bottle of rocks because it produces a loud noise he hates and knows he’s doing something wrong. 

My daughter walked in and the puppy, who was chillin, pops up and starts jumping on her. 

I shake the bottle.

And like a frickin movie, my older bulldog out of nowhere jumps in the air from the side of me….and BAM! 

Her mouth is around my arm and for the first time ever…I’ve been bitten by a dog. 

Luckily no blood was drawn, just some bruises. 

But suddenly, I'm thrown for a loop. 

I'm nursing a sore arm, my focus is shot, and writer's block is hitting me like a ton of bricks. 

Distractions are everywhere, and I'm seriously considering just throwing in the towel for the day. 

I mean, I've got a pretty solid excuse, right?

But then it hit me. 

This is exactly the kind of situation that tests our commitment. 

It's easy to show up and do the work when everything's going smoothly. 

But what about when things get tough? 

The more we find excuses to not show up, the more our business (and our goals) will struggle.

We can’t equal easy to right. 

Showing up to our business…every single day…

Takes commitment. 

So, I powered through. 

I figured out a way to get it done, even with a bruised arm and ego. 

And you know what? 

It felt pretty darn good.

This little incident reminded me that perseverance is key. 

In digital marketing, and in life, there will always be unexpected “bulldog bites” that try to throw you off course. 

But it's how you respond to those challenges that really counts.

There will always be things thrown at us…

Are you going to focus on excuses? 

Are you going to reason why you're giving up or why you won’t make changes to your business when you know it’s the right thing to do? 

Are you choosing the lazy approach?

Or are you going to figure out how to show up, adjust, grow, and continue to push forward? 

So, here's to showing up, even when it's easier not to. 

Here’s to doing what’s right for a long lasting business – even it forces you out of your comfort zone. 

And hey, if a spicy bulldog can't stop me, what's your excuse?

Keep pushing forward!

As always…

Stay Legendary,

JoAnn