I was sitting in our living room on Tuesday evening reading a book. After a few moments, I noticed my Cocker Spaniel Missy was eyeing my lap and begging for permission to jump up and be petted. As soon as my Pomeranian Pebbles realized Missy was getting attention, albeit not very much, she quickly ran to my feet.
While Missy cried softly as if saying, "Please, oh, please say it's okay to lie down on your lap," Pebbles was peeking over the chair on one side. Then she disappeared and suddenly jumped onto the chair. Clawing at the edge, she gradually fell back to the floor unable to quite pull herself up into my lap.
Did I give her a signal it was okay to jump into my lap? No. Did I help her? No. I just watched.
Plan B. Pebbles saw my legs were blocking her way, but there was a hole of opportunity! She planned her approach and jumped. Hanging to the edge, she clawed trying to pull herself over the edge but fell to the floor. No success.
Plan C. That's right. A third attempt. She went to the other side of the chair, took a few steps to get into position and leaped into my lap, crawled over the book I was reading and began pawing at my chest for attention. She squarely planted her face between my book and face and didn't care. Instead, she demanded attention.
Meanwhile, Missy was still on the floor softly crying and waiting for the opportunity she didn't realize had already been missed.
Pebbles' persistence made me think about how difficult the first two months have been during 2010. After busting all of 2009, I was hoping this year things would begin to improve. I've been discouraged and frustrated that the improvement hasn't begun yet.
Pebbles reminded me, and hopefully you, not to give up or wait for someone to help. Success or failure is entirely on your shoulders! Go out there and make your own success! Don't give up! Tackle challenges using different approaches. If you keep trying then you might find yourself achieving your goals. For me, that will be a fully leased shopping center or two! For Pebbles, it was laying in my lap. What is it for you?
