Dad's Life Lessons

As some of you may know, I am currently en route to Hanoi, Vietnam to offer surge capacity to our organization’s delegation office based there…for three months. Now, a lot of preparation has obviously gone into this, but I think the most valuable words of wisdom came from my dad this morning. He offered me two stories to carry with me:

1. Don’t pay attention to the barking dogs. As you walk along the streets in India (or really any animal unregulated city these days) you see plenty of dogs, wandering aimlessly without collars or anyone looking after them. They bark at the passersby, trying to intimidate them and start a rouse. Dad reminded me that these dogs have literally nothing better to do with their lives than to torment those who are walking by and getting where they are going. Focus on your goal and where you want to be, and don’t pay the barkers any mind. They’re trying to rattle you, but it’s your choice as to whether or not you let them.

2. Don’t throw rocks at cow poop. This one’s a little weird. But again, in India, as cows are seemingly sacred in some parts, they’re allowed to do whatever the F they want, whenever they want – which includes taking dumps in broad daylight in the middle of the street. Again, as much as the smell might nauseate and distract you, keep walking. Don’t go and throw rocks at the cow poop (I don’t know why anyone would do this anyway) because the moment the rock hits the crap, it’ll cause the crap to then splash on you too. So, leave the little shits alone, hold your head up high, plug your nose if you have to, and keep chugging along.

These stories have less to do with what I’m professionally going through, and a lot more with what’s going on personally, so please don’t think my work place is full of barking dogs and cows pooping all over the place. He just wanted to stress to me that I need to focus on my goals, regardless of what everyone else is doing around me. People are going to try to bring you down in life, or distract or intimidate you, but YOU are in charge of your fate – so take control.