The DNA Update for United Methodists with Dr. Don Nations ~ Mid~October 2013 In This Issue: Puppy, Personality and People

The DNA Update for United Methodists with Dr. Don Nations ~ Mid~October 2013

In This Issue:

Puppy, Personality and People

“Puppy, Personality and People”

The “grand-dogs” came to stay last weekend, that is to say, our oldest son was going out of town and his two dogs came to stay with us.  There is a four year old brat terrier and the newest addition, a ten month old male pit bull.

What flashes in your mind when you hear “pit bull”?  Mean, fighting dog, likely to bite you, aggressive? 

Here was our experience of the dog – a bundle of energy that wanted to lick everyone, play a lot and lay next to you on the couch or bed.  The United Kennel Club says about the breed: “The essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) are strength, confidence and zest for life.  The breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm.  APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children . . . . The ABPT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers.”

This is not a defense of pit bulls and I am aware that there have been some incidents of this breed and others being involved in fighting and seemingly unprovoked attacks.  All dogs are born with a personality and then influenced by their life experience.  And the same is true for people.

Some personality theorists suggest that about 70% of personality in humans is genetically determined.  The other 30% is the influence of your environment – life experience, education, the impact of others, etc.  And, similar to dogs, these life experiences can impact us in profound ways.

The people in our lives are incredibly important.  They literally are shaping us and molding us into a particular image.  Genetics shape us in broad ways but environment brings out the detail and colors how we are seen by others.  This is true both individually and organizationally.  Whether a church or a factory, a school or an assembly line, a sports team or a not-for-profit, we and everyone else involved are being shaped by that context.

Do you like how people are turning out?  Are we making people better?  Are they being shaped in positive ways?  Are we helping people keep their negative impulses in check and accentuating their positives?  Are you deeply and profoundly happy with who you are?

If any of the answers are no, the solution is fairly simple – surround yourself and others with different people, people who help others become better.  True disciples are made by the community around them.

Have questions about how to do this or want to add a coach to your community?  Let’s talk – don@dnacoaching.com. 

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Our mailing address is: 

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Sarasota, FL 34238

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