If you’ve been following along, you’ve probably met Milo, my 11-month-old mini-goldendoodle. He’s loving, playful, and irresistibly adorable — a living, breathing teddy bear.
Everyone who sees him melts instantly… right before he steals their slipper, sunglasses, or anything within reach and “lovingly” chews it beyond recognition.
Doodles, I’ve learned, have a reputation for being endlessly energetic and “puppy-like” for much longer than most breeds. Rumor has it… three years. Three!
So yes, I hired a dog trainer. A serious one. Protocols, routines, consistency — the whole nine yards.
And to be fair, Milo has made great progress. He’s crate-trained, housebroken, eats regularly, and walks beautifully on a leash — inside the driveway.
But the moment we venture out into the big, beautiful world, he transforms into a 17-pound ball of excitement, pulling, jumping, and lunging at every leaf, bird, or passing human.
So for now, we pace. Back and forth. Up and down the driveway. Twice a day, thirty minutes at a time.
Sometimes it feels like we’re literally walking in circles. But recently, I realized — this is the work.
The discipline of walking the same path over and over is what eventually gives him (and me) the freedom to go anywhere. The routine builds trust, structure, and calm.
It’s also an enormous exercise in patience — and a powerful reminder that progress often looks like repetition.
Just like in life, it’s about the daily practice… even when we don’t feel like it. The commitment to show up, even when it feels like nothing’s changing.
The truth is, things are changing — quietly. Somewhere between “sit” and “stay,” Milo is learning manners, and I’m learning persistence.
And as a happy side effect? Those extra walks have led me to shed a few more unwanted pounds. Apparently, even pacing does pay off.
Perhaps when it feels like we’re not making progress, we actually are. We just can’t see it yet. Every small step — every lap up and down the driveway — is a quiet investment in growth.
Milo is teaching me what every coach preaches:
Consistency creates confidence.
Structure brings freedom.
And patience — while exhausting — always pays off.
If you feel like you are walking in circles or just having trouble taking the first step towards a goal, let’s chat. Book a free consultation call with me today.
Have an awesome day!
-Jackie
