Inspiration from a Four Pound Puppy

Hey friends~ I wrote this article for a local magazine this month (Chadds Ford Junxion) and I wanted to share it here as well. Wishing you all a sensational spring!

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In bright blue dry-erase marker, I write the current time on the window of the sliding kitchen door—a tremendously useful puppy potty-training strategy. This tactic ensures that everyone in the house is aware of the last time our tiny, furry family member, Juno, went outside. This spunky pup is getting the hang of things, but there is nothing quick and easy about it. It’s a tedious process. An all-in commitment.

Shivering in the early morning darkness—leash in one hand, flashlight in the other—I wondered why I wasn’t always equally persistent and patient with myself. Building or breaking any habit requires the same level of relentless repetition as training Juno, yet I can be easily sidetracked long before the intended result has been achieved. Am I willing to give up on this potty project? Not a chance. I’m apparently highly motivated by stepping in puddles and piles in my house.

As we welcome spring, the goals we set for ourselves way back in January may be a distant memory. We might have been fiercely determined while turning the calendar to 2021, but life got busy, the winter was long, and motivation faded. If you’re with me on this, I hope a few things I’ve learned from Juno will help get you back on track.

The thing about my puppy-focused goal is that it’s right up in my face. It’s non-negotiable and urgent. I have given myself no alternative to persevering through the challenges. And what I’ve discovered along the path of unwavering commitment is the Now, How, and Wow of habit formation.

NOW: Get after it. Commit to the goal at hand and then recommit every day. Repetition and consistency are key, so just keep on going. Author Lysa Terkeurst says it well: “Big things are built one brick at a time. Victories are achieved one choice at a time.”

HOW: Get creative. Changing a behavior is hard. Setbacks are expected, and we may need to tweak our strategies. Patience and an open mind will keep us moving in the right direction, striving to be better than yesterday.

WOW: Get excited! Every puppy book or article I’ve read has shared the same recommendation: Don’t stress about the bad stuff, but celebrate the heck out of the good! Let’s be just as kind to ourselves.

I’m happy to report that, after a few weeks of frostbite and persistence, sweet Juno has had a couple of days without any accidents in the house. Score. It’s imperfect for sure, but we’re making progress. And I’m thankful for the insight I’ve gathered on the journey.

With spring unfolding and filling our paths with vibrant colors, we’re reminded of the overwhelming beauty of change and growth. May we also discover opportunities for renewal in our lives, eager to meet a challenge and boldly persevere.

P.S. One more thing about puppy training… maybe don’t get a puppy in the dead of winter. Hindsight.

Since I wrote this article, Juno has doubled in size (she’s massive:)