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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Anyone who has a past without failure or disappointment in it is … well, probably a robot.  Unfortunately, though, too many of us let memories of past missteps keep us from moving head with new ventures.

Joyful Springers floor it.  Instead of focusing on what has gone wrong, they look up toward what could go right and then they go full speed ahead when they set a new goal.

You can be all hang dog about what hasn’t gone your way before.  Or you could be bright-eyed about what just might go your way now.  Try picking the bright-eyed attitude.  You’ll find it revs up that go-for-it motor so you can zip toward what you want in life.

[Meet Leila.  This adorable three year old, three pound Yorkie is Max's new adopted sister.  (Remember Max the Yorkie from Texas?)  Max's and Leila's momma, Francine says that Max is being a good boy and tolerating his new sister.  How could you not love that face?  ]

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No pain no gain.  Try harder.  Pull yourself up by your bootstraps.  (Who has bootstraps anymore?)  Do these sage bits of wisdom sound familiar?

We were trained to try and control what happens in our life with effort and struggle.  We were taught to fight and wrestle our problems.

Not everything we learn is good for us.

Joyful Springers go limp.  They give up the need to work so hard, to struggle, and to attempt to control every part of their lives.

When you trust things to work out and you follow inspired guidance, you’ll not only be more relaxed, you’ll have more success in everything you do.

[Lofty is back.This happy nine-year old boxer from England clearly hasn't a care in the world!  ]

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We see them all the time.  They come out of nowhere and seem to attain success “overnight.”  We’ve been working at our goals for years, and then they get what we want without seeming to even try.  What’s up with that?

Joyful Springers accept the upstarts.  They know that the newcomers who have big success aren’t taking away their chances of success.  They see upstarts as indicators of their own soon-to-be triumphs.

There’s enough triumph and prosperity for everyone.  When it seems like it comes “too easily” for others, remember it can come that easily to you too.  When you can be happy for the upstarts, you shift your energy to attract some of the same great experiences to you.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful LAB/HOUND MIX and joyful KITTENS.

[Meet Zoey (the dog), Kabobby Doll (the gray and white kitty), and Nikki Shish (the black kitty).  This adorable trio belongs to Stacy Klesen, and they all live in harmony in Atlanta, Georgia.  Zoey is an eight-year old lab/hound mix (with maybe a little Rottweiler and Shepherd thrown in).  The hound is for sure, as evidenced by Zoey's occasional yodeling.  Kabobby and Nikki were just a few weeks old when this photo was taken in September last year.  Zoey, who Stacy says is "all about the love" has graciously accepted her new kitten brothers.  Thanks, Zoey, Kabobby, and Nikki, for being Guest Stars 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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Ray Kroc said, “The more I help others to succeed, the more I succeed.” What a wonderful truth that is.  The more you look out for others, the happier you’ll be.

Joyful Springers watch over others.  Even as they pursue their own happiness, they keep an eye on the well being of those around them.  And in doing so, they add to their own well being too.

While you’re taking care of your own business today and finding ways to feel good, look for ways you can help others feel good too.  The more you help others achieve their desires, the faster you’ll achieve your own.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Flash, Halo, and Tilly are back.  Flash, Ducky's cousin; Halo, Ducky's sister; and Tilly, Ducky's mom, all belong to the wonderful breeders we have to thank for our Ducky--Sally and Warren Wattenbarger. Thanks, Flash, Halo, and Tilly, 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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So your competitor is kicking up his heels in triumph because of his huge sales.  Your neighbor is preening over a new car.  Your sister is showing off her new boyfriend.  It seems like all around you, people are making a splash, and you’re feeling left out.

Guess what?  You don’t need to worry about their successes.  Other people’s achievements can’t detract from your own.

Joyful Springers make their own splash.  They don’t care if others are doing bigger and better things because they know that their own thing is good enough if they just stick with it.

When you look at others’ accomplishments and envy or resent them, you take energy away from your own endeavors.  Your dream is just as important and just as viable as those of the people you see around you.  Claim your own spot in the ocean of abundance.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Muggins didn't let her yellow lab friend, Buck's wild exuberance intimidate her ... much.]

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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Thomas Edison said, “The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.”

Joyful Springers develop stick-to-itiveness at an early age.  They hang onto their dreams and goals.

If there’s something you want, clamp onto it and don’t let go.  If you remain true to your vision, you will achieve success.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Ben is back.  In this photo, Ben, Sophie's half-brother, was sacking out to catch up on sleep after spending a few days on the farm with his grandparents in the UK.  Thanks, Ben, 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.

If you have contacted me regarding a submission and haven’t heard from me within 48 hours, please contact me again.  I’ve had a couple of my replies returned to me, perhaps because of a mistyped e-mail address.  I’m NOT ignoring anyone.  If you contact me, I reply.  So please try again.

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When you’re trotting toward your goals, you’re going to encounter those who want to discourage you.  These negative folks like to dog you and take bites out of your enthusiasm.

Joyful Springers ignore the nippers.  They hang onto their faith and keep going even when others predict they’ll fail.

So what if someone else things your idea is dumb or your expectation of success is naive? Stay the course.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Muggins did her best to ignore our neighbor's Lhasa apso, Max when he followed her around nipping at her legs.]

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.

If you have contacted me regarding a submission and haven’t heard from me within 48 hours, please contact me again.  I’ve had a couple of my replies returned to me, perhaps because of a mistyped e-mail address.  I’m NOT ignoring anyone.  If you contact me, I reply.  So please try again.

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Margaret Thatcher said, “People think that at the top there isn’t much room. They tend to think of it as an Everest. My message is that there is tons of room at the top.”

Joyful Springers get on top.  They find creative ways to capture the high perch of success.

It’s wide open at the top.  You just have to find your open space and claim it.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

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.

If you have contacted me regarding a submission and haven’t heard from me within 48 hours, please contact me again.  I’ve had a couple of my replies returned to me, perhaps because of a mistyped e-mail address.  I’m NOT ignoring anyone.  If you contact me, I reply.  So please try again.

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