Tim Eisenhauer

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Leave It

My dog taught me how to live better. Here's what happened.

We got Waffles, our first dog. Mini-Golden Doodle. Pure love with fur. Here she is:

The trainer taught us all the usual commands: sit, stay, come.

But one command changed everything:

"Leave it."

Simple words. Powerful lesson:

  • Dog sees something interesting

  • You say "leave it"

  • Dog walks away

  • Life goes on

Then it hit me:

  • Bad thought? Leave it

  • Angry email? Leave it

  • Office drama? Leave it

  • Past mistake? Leave it

  • Future worry? Leave it

Your brain is like a puppy:

  • Wants to chase every thought

  • Gets excited by problems

  • Needs clear commands

  • Responds to consistency

But here's the magic:

Add two more commands to "leave it":

  1. "There are no absolutes"

  2. "Everything is going to be OK"

Now you have a complete system:

  • "Leave it" stops the chase

  • "No absolutes" kills the drama

  • "Everything OK" brings peace

I use this daily:

  • Client angry? Leave it

  • Competition winning? No absolutes

  • Market crashing? Everything OK

Sounds too simple? Ask Waffles. She's happier than most humans.

Want proof it works?

The secret isn't complex:

  • Dogs don't overthink

  • Dogs don't hold grudges

  • Dogs just... leave it

Think for yourself. Test everything. Keep what works.

And pet your dog while doing it.