Eagles and Penguins: Why Some Soar While Others Shuffle

Howdy, y'all! Today we're gonna chew on somethin' that might be tougher than an old rawhide, but just as important. We're talkin' about eagles and penguins - and I ain't talkin' about the birds, folks.

In the grand rodeo of life, eagles are them brave souls who've looked adversity in the eye and said, "Not today, partner." They're the ones who've felt the sting of setbacks but used it as fuel to light a fire under their dreams. Psychology tells us these folks have what's called a "growth mindset" - they believe they can learn, grow, and change, no matter what life throws their way.

Now, penguins? Most of them are good folks too, don't get me wrong. But they tend to stick to the beaten path, huddlin' together where it's crowded, safe and familiar. Believe me I know, I was a penguin for most of my life. In psychological terms, we might say they're operating with a "fixed mindset," believing their abilities, limitations, and circumstances are set in stone. They might dare to dream of flying at times, but they've convinced themselves their wings just ain't made for it.?

Eagles are the ones who start businesses when everyone else says they're plumb crazy. They're changing careers faster than a quick-draw contest when they hit their 40s and 50s. They are facing all the baggage and inner hurdles that are keeping them from reaching their full potential. Why? 'Cause they've faced their fears head-on and realized that the only thing scarier than trying is spending a lifetime wondering "what if?"

Penguins, bless their hearts, often find themselves stuck in life, doing things like staying in jobs they hate and are deader than last year's Christmas tree. They make excuses for where they are in life and at times even blame other folks or external forces for their inability to get to where they wish they were. They might grumble and groan, but taking that leap? Well, that's for the birds - the other kind of birds, that is.?They may "dabble" in achieving their goals and doing something special, but they have a hard time committing and staying consistent. This is often due to an unresolved inner issue that hasn't been addressed and worked on yet. Things like a lack of self worth, confidence, discipline, etc., that is crucial for taking on a new and risky undertaking.

Now, here's where it gets interesting, folks. When they make a real decision to become an eagle and start soarin', some folks might look at 'em like they've got two heads. Old friends might feel left behind, and habits that once felt comfy as an old collar might start to chafe. It's like what Chris Williamson once said: "When your friends start to say 'you've changed' - remember it's because they don't know how to say 'you've grown.'" They just aren't ready to spread their wings yet.

But remember this, y'all: You have to prune the old branches to bare new fruit, there is no other way. It isn't about getting bitter with others, but rather it is a step towards realizing and growing your self-worth and determination to be somebody and to do something special. Or, as we say in the country, sometimes you gotta shed your old coat to grow a new one. It doesn't mean you love your old penguin pals any less; it just means you're runnin' on a different trail now.?

What it takes to become an Eagle?

It doesn't mean that Eagles are better than or more "special" than penguins. It just means we don't have anything in common (anymore) with a flightless bird living in the artic. It often means being the only person in the gym on a Saturday night when other athletes are doing other stuff and having fun. Being the one leader that chooses to take criticism rather than to return hurtful words and gossip. It means you often have the discipline to do the things you might hate like you love it (thanks for that one Mike Tyson). Or it may be that you are the one out of many that does the difficult work each day to become a morning person, because you know if you do then your life will vastly improve. And you will get closer to the life you truly desire to live. You are constantly breaking your own limitations and becoming more unstoppable each day.

Becoming an eagle has as much to do with working on your inner growth and healin' old wounds as it does with building a successful business. The two go hand and hand. The more you focus on inner growth and become your best self, the faster your business will begin to grow? Why? Well first of all, you will quickly start to attract, learn from, and collaborate with other high level eagles. And second, you will grow your resilience, strength, and skill set rapidly, due to your winning mindset and the influence of other successful eagles around you. Birds of a feather really do flock together.

You see, eagles symbolize independence, vision, and soaring to great heights. It starts with you doing the inner work alone first, making the painful and tough decisions while on the unwavering path of self-growth. In another words, eagles represent defiance of the status quo (thanks for this one Michelle Ramos).

It's A Choice

But here's the kicker, folks: being a penguin or an eagle ain't a life sentence. Any penguin can spread their wings and become an eagle if they set their mind to it. It's all about making that choice, facing them fears, and being willing to stumble a bit before you soar. And if you don’t stay consistent and keep the intention to soar, you’ll start actin’ like a penguin again. The Hounds of Business Community is here to help Eagles tap into the support and resources they need to finally make the impact they were born to make in this world.

Don't Push Your Penguin Friends

Now, if you're thinking of pushing a penguin off the ice and into flight - hold your horses! That's a surefire way to end up with a mess of ruffled feathers. The transformation from penguin to eagle is an inside job, as personal as your grandma's secret pie recipe. So don’t try to force others to go with you or even expect them to support your new journey because they simply just can’t yet. Let it be and stay focused on all of the new opportunities and high level folks you will quickly meet and connect with. They could decide to become an eagle at anytime, so I think it's best to remain patient, leave them be, and let them come to you when the time is right.

How We Do It In The HOB

In our neck of the woods, we believe in liftin' each other up, shinier than a new penny. When one eagle starts to fly a little higher, we don't turn our noses up. Naw, we throw our heads back and howl with joy, 'cause that's what real growth looks like. We bring the ecosystem, people, support, and resources you need to grow your business and make a huge impact.

So whether you're an eagle riding the winds of change or a penguin thinking about dipping your toe in warmer waters, remember: life's too short to spend it all waddling. Sometimes, you gotta spread them wings and see just how high you can fly. And when you do, make sure you're surrounded by a flock that'll celebrate your every wingbeat like the HOB does.

Now, let's get to hustlin' and make this world proud! After all, in the words of David Goggins, "You will never have a hater that is more successful than you are." So spread those wings, eagles, and show them penguins what's possible when you dare to soar! Grow and have fun doing so with the Hounds of Business Community.