The last post focused on the importance of tenacity.  So how can you be tenacious?  Scottish writer, Eileen Caddy describes the process well: “Stride forward with a firm, steady step knowing with a deep, certain inner knowing that you will reach every goal you set yourselves, that you will achieve every aim .”

Joyful Springers stride forward.  They understand that it is a conviction of success that allows them to keep going even when the going gets challenging.

Never go after a goal you want but don’t think you can achieve.  Before you take action, be sure the truth that you can have what you want  replaces all doubts.  Then run with that truth, all the way to the success you want.

[Ducky, aka Commando Ducky , is now striding forward (with the help of her brace) on the beach, off leash finally!! after a nearly year long rehab following an ACL injury.  It's such a joy to see her stepping out again!]

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Millions of people make New Years resolutions.  Many of them are already giving up.

Joyful Springers have a little tenacity.  They hang onto their desire even when obstacles are yanking them away from what they want.

Just because something’s trying to keep you from grasping your goal doesn’t mean it’s time to give up the goal.  Hang onto it.  Hold the vision.  When you do, you’ll have the energy and the focus you need to keep any resolution you make.

[Sweet Pea and Poppy are back.  Poppy was still a pup in this photo, but she's creeping up on a year now.  Clearly, she learned early on how to be tenacious. ]

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It would be nice if achievement was a simple three-step process:

1. Get an idea.
2.  Work hard.
3.  Get the result you want.

Unfortunately, life has a way of throwing up obstacles that take the simple out of that three-step process.  When this happens while we’re in the middle of step 2, we have a tendency to push harder to try to power on through to step 3.

Joyful Springers sit the bench once in awhile.  They understand that there’s another step in the process of having what they want.  That missing step is kicking back and allowing things to fall into place.

If you’ve been struggling to achieve something and you feel stuck, take a break.  Walk away from it.  Think about something else.  Give your ideas and effort a chance to settle into place while you sit back and take a breather.  Sometimes less turns into a whole lot more.

[Rudie and Jackie are back.  Rudie, about three months old in this photo, joined Jackie and her family in the early part of this year, and he clearly loves his new big sister! ]

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How long have you been planning to pursue your favorite passion or go on that vacation you’ve been talking about or learn that new skill?

Joyful Springers hit enter.  They ACT on their passions and ideas.

The key to moving forward with an idea you’ve had for a long time is to do it one little step at a time.  Take some small action today toward something you’ve been wanting for a long time and you’ll be amazed how the universe will respond to help you go the rest of the way.

[Max is back. Francine's adorable little Yorkie obviously has his paw all over hitting the right key to getting things done!]

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We start out with big dreams, most of us.  Then life somehow convinces us that big dreams are a big waste of time.  Once we believe that, when we see an opportunity, we don’t have the courage to do anything about it.

Joyful Springers head right at it.  They see something they want, and they immediately believe they can have it, and they take inspired action to get it.

Is there something you want to do that you’re not allowing yourself to do because you’re afraid it won’t turn out the way you want it to?  Pretend for a moment that it WILL turn out the way you want.  See that outcome in your mind then head right at it.  If you focus on the fun of the romp toward your desires, you’ll be delighted by what you find at the end of your journey.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Mattie's back. This gorgeous, ready-for-adventure girl was all ready to play in the snow at the promise of a snow storm in her town of New Bern, North Carlina, but the snow storm turned into just a dusting.  That didn't stop Mattie from having a good time, though! Thanks, Mattie, for guest starring again on The Joyful Springer.]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.

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When we have a goal, we’re usually excited about it at the beginning.  Then as we move into action, we often slow to a plod.  We lose our exuberant passion and just go through the motions.

Joyful Springers soar toward it.  They never lose enthusiasm for their desires.  Everyday, they leap toward what they want.

Treat your goals and desires like a ball that’s just been tossed up in front of you.  You don’t have time to plod.  You need to leap.  Connect with your original passion to put energy behind your daily actions toward what you want.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Jackie is back.  Jackie loves to leap to try and catch balls.  She catches very few, but she sure loves to try. Thanks, Jackie, for guest starring again on The Joyful Springer.]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.

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When we really want something, we often go to one of two extremes.  We either try too hard for it or we give up and fall back in retreat.

Joyful Springers put their back into it.  They know that getting what they want requires a balance of inspired action (not intense struggle) and continued commitment no matter what.

Achieving your desires can’t be done with force and too much discipline. Nor can it be done by giving in.  Combine persistent focus on your goal with relaxed action that comes from inspiration, and you can get where you want to go.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Stoney and Steeler are back.  Six-year old Steeler is mellow these days after some health issues, his momma says, but he's managing to keep up with his half-brother, Stoney, now 8 months old (Stoney was 3 months old in this picture).  This adorable pair lives in Texas with their sister, Stella Luna.  Thanks, Stoney and Steeler for guest starring again on The Joyful Springer.]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.

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In some situations, waiting for an invitation is the polite thing to do.  When it comes to going after what we want in life, though, if we wait for someone to tell us it’s okay, we may wait forever.

Joyful Springers know permission’s not required.  They understand they can go after what they want head first, with gusto.

You don’t need your parents’, spouse’s, or friends’ approval to take action toward a big goal in your life.  The truth is others can find big action intimidating, and they may never encourage you.  So encourage yourself.  Stick your head in the grab bag of life and fill yourself up.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Meet Jasper (formerly Junior).  This handsome one year old boy was an English Springer Spaniel Rescue fostered by Leila Morris.  His owner had to give him up because the owner lost his job and couldn't provide for Jasper and his mother.  The owner made sure that Jasper and his mom would get the care they needed until they found new forever homes.  Jasper has now found his forever home in Columbia, South Carolina, and he's a happy boy ... who obviously knows how to help himself to what he wants!  Thanks, Jasper, for being a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer.]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.

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We live in a big sea of energy, and what we want is always within our grasp when we’re willing to focus.

Joyful Springers reach for it.  They focus their energy on their desires and obtain them.

Everything you want is just waiting for you to grab it.  Align your thoughts with the life you want, and you can grab for your dreams.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Angel Riley (9 years old) and Pumpkin (3 years old) are back, and they're joined by Nova, a search and rescue dog from Alabama.  Thanks, Pumpkin and Riley, for guest starring again on The Joyful Springer.]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.

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Climbing the steps to success can be tough work.  We need to be sure we make it as easy for ourselves as we can.

Joyful Springers support themselves.  They lay a foundation of people and systems that help them reach their goals.

Before you go after a big goal, be sure you have a self-support system in place.  Create a way to relax, a way to learn, and a way to network with other like-minded people.  When you support yourself in this way, you can achieve anything.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Meet Rommy, aka Scrappy.  This adorable five-month old boy lives in Columbia, South Carolina with his parents David and Leila Morris.  Leila, who is "Grandma" to Nana, volunteers for English Springer Spaniel Rescue.  She says about this photo, "Rommy was playing really hard outside in a puddle of water he found, but he took the time to pose for this picture."  She says it's their favorite picture of him.  "He took the time to give a lifetime gift to the ones that love him." Thanks, Rommy, for being a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer.]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.

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