Vetnuus | August 2025 45 Influential Life Coaching HECTIC LIVES Dr Mats Abatzidis B.Sc. B.V.Sc. New Insights Certified VIP Life Coach mats.abatzidis@yahoo.co.za Founder of Influential Life Coaching http://www.matsaba.wix.com/drmatscoach Author of the published book “Life outside your comfort zone. Better and beyond all expectations”. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=searchalias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Abatzidis http://www.life-coach-directory.co.za/mats-abatzidis Vet's Health I Life Coaching I hope this article finds you and your families well and safe!!! Last month, we looked at priorities. We then discussed a few key points that would help simplify your hectic lives. This month, I would like to discuss “devotion”. I watched multiple video clips of military dogs working and training with their handlers. It triggered something inside of me, not only because I was impressed by the skill of both dogs and handlers, but more importantly, by the bond that exists between them. Initially, my attention was on what the dogs could do on command and the soundtrack that makes them look even more impressive. Then my attention shifted to the way these dogs look at their handlers and how the handlers are with these dogs. It was incredibly obvious that the relationship between these military dogs and their handlers is the most intimate and closest you will ever get. That is the visual representation of loyalty and devotion that cannot be surpassed. “What are you devoted to?” Some people look at those working dogs and all they see is aggression. I did not see that. I saw complete and utter trust, love and devotion for their handlers; totally committed to their handlers. I have seen similar relationships between the invaluable anti-poaching teams that protect our wildlife here in South Africa and their beloved companions. Some may say these individuals are obsessive-compulsive, but one can focus on love in their training, too. Their “obsessive compulsive” behaviour can be channelled to be constructive and purposeful. Watch the way these handlers communicate by touch! They guide, they lead, they protect, they respect, they reward, they love, and they appreciate their dogs! Training is training, but love is love. When these handlers first receive a puppy or even an adult dog, they give them no commands at all. They let the dogs be dogs. They just let them run around. They will often sit in the middle of the yard and wait until the dog comes to them. What the dog learns is that this person is always going to be there to take care of me and play with me. Your mind will be distracted away from your goals from time to time, and more so in the beginning than later. But there should always be something that brings you back to your goals and centres you! Many of us have goals and dreams in life that we strive for. Are we truly devoted to these goals? Do we think about them daily? Do we train daily for them? Do we love them? Do we look forward to working on them? Do we value them? Do we reward ourselves for our successes? Do you give yourself “me time”? There is another element to being devoted to your goals! When you do all the above, you also become attractive to other people too. Like-minded people. So, inevitably, you are not alone. You attract people, ideas, conversations, opportunities, and so much more that you are not aware of. People will want to work with you, maybe even be led by you. You will learn from one another and become better versions of yourselves. You will inspire others, and you will be inspired by those same like-minded people. So, does this mean that if I commit myself to a goal that everything will be smooth sailing? Absolutely not. Training those amazing dogs is not all smooth sailing either. Sometimes they will not want to work or train or be with you. They may even show you their teeth. You will have good days and bad days. You need to be patient and persevere. Sometimes you will need to take a break and wait a little. Sometimes hours and sometimes days. You are bound to hit some rough spots, but working through them is worth it!!!! That is where the lessons and the growth come from, and they will serve you way past your achievements and completion of your goals!!!! Love and care for your goals and dreams like no other, and they will reward you with the best gifts anybody can ever have. The goals you value will reward you with everything you deserve. We don’t always get the best teachers and mentors at the beginning. However, with each day committed, you start to feel more secure in your relationship with your goals, as well as your skills to get the job done. I am here to be that one person who tells you, “I believe in you!” I know you are capable! The weight will get lighter, and the fear will become smaller. If you happen to have someone in your corner who supports you, hold on to them! If you do not, become that person for yourself and then for someone else. I am here to create that spark in you and light the fire you thought was gone. Belief is contagious!!! Next month, we will continue looking at more ideas for improving our quality of life and overall performance both at work and at home. v
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