Logo Horizontal

Lessons From My Dog, Cesar Millan and John Travolta. Insights Into Becoming a Great Leader.

By Jana Martinez

Some of you may know I recently got into a new relationship.

After 2+ years of going solo and having experienced a true soulmate relationship which lasted 12 years, I took the plunge.

Easy is not a word I can use to describe our relationship; Tumultuous, YES.

You see, having a new puppy takes a lot of work, but having a hyperactive, dominant puppy is truly a gargantuan task for me.

I heard Cesar Millan talk about energy. Interesting, since that is my specialty.

He explained it’s not about breed, it’s about energy.

High with high, great! High with Medium or Low, not so great.

I’ve worked so diligently and intentionally at finding my calm. At creating a serene and peaceful, almost zen-like environment and I bring in a fireball.

I am still unsure about what the future holds for us. But I can tell you I’m giving it my all and I am blessed to have the support of my friends, family, and even my clients.

This puppy, however, is stretching me in all ways, I am becoming more patient, tolerant, compassionate, and understanding, all through screams, frustration, and tears. I really didn’t want these lessons, but I am sure I needed them.

Whether Violet stays or leaves, I am determined to become a great leader.

In the meantime, I’ll share some lessons I’ve learned:

The other day in frustration I asked her: “Why don’t you let me love you???”

Shortly after, I understood. I saw a video of Cesar Millan explaining the order of things:

•Exercise

•Discipline

•Love

Dear God, I could see my flaws as a parent – dog or otherwise.

I am all about Love.  And as my coaches would ask “How’s that working out for you?”

The sad truth is, it hasn’t.

I realized why most of my relationships have failed. I’ve given too much love and freedom, and never laid down the law.

And that brings me directly to my next awareness that came from John Travolta, and I quote: “One should never confuse kindness with weakness. EVER…”

A lightbulb went off in my head. Even I, have suffered from that confusion and allowed myself for years to become a doormat.

Kindness and weakness are NOT in the same polarity. They’re not even close!

That is why, when pushed to my limit, I can really surprise people (myself included) as they find out I am not the weakling they thought I was.  And they’re sent into a tailspin and subsequent shock.

As I dive head-first into my new adventure, a few things are clear:

• I can be kind AND strong

• I must create an environment where we can all thrive

• Love comes last – it can only happen when the right environment has been created with exercise and discipline. That is the sacred soil. Then, and only then, can the seeds of love grow.

Now, who says an old dog can’t learn new tricks?

Jana Martinez

Leading heart-driven entrepreneurs to tap into their inner genius, true self, and full potential to create Magic in their life and in the world Do you find that what worked for you in the past no longer applies to achieve success? Jana Martinez mentors driven entrepreneurs to rapidly gain success back, and some, through her signature Sound Healing and Energetic Clearing system. Go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKqKnc0JXPE for a taste of sound healing SPANISH VOICEOVER SESSION DIRECTOR Delivering excellence and peace of mind From VO session direction to the perfect talent selection, Jana, a voiceover talent herself, takes care of your project with meticulous attention to detail and does it all for you – so you can relax and shine. Your only worry will be what you’ll be ordering for lunch. These are only some of the brands Jana has worked with: Mercedes-Benz, Jet Blue, American Express, Home Depot, ConEd, Skype, Intel, Ford, Revlon, Johnson & Johnson, Listerine, Kleenex, Windex, Palmer’s, Publix, Dove Chocolates, Chipotle, McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Kellogg’s Special K, Hellman’s, Tecate, Ritz, Gillette Venus, Purina Cat Chow, Degree, Merck, Kodak, Olive Garden, Hasbro, Johnnie Walker, Telemundo, Office Depot and many more. MORE LIVES THAN A CAT… After graduating from the University of Miami, Jana had a successful 20-year career in advertising with a proven track record of team leadership, creativity, and excellence. One day, she left that part of her life behind to pursue her dream of acting. Within a year-and-a-half, she had appeared in over 50 commercials as principal and got booked for her first role in a Telemundo primetime soap. After a failed marriage, everything changed again and she poured herself into the study of sound and its effects on the body and mental and physical wellness, and as a tool to achieve success. She is a SAG/AFTRA Actor|VO|Singer, a Spanish VO Session Director as well as a top Sound Healer.

Or Share This Post!