Fog Dog Idea

What's your fog dog?

The definition of a Fog Dog is a bright spot sometimes seen at the horizon as a fog starts to dissipate. Origin: From the fact that it accompanies fog as a dog accompanies its owner.

If you are a sailor, the term Fog Dog is likely part of your lexicon.

When sea captains were navigating unsettled conditions accompanied by zero visibility, they instructed their crew to keep a keen eye for the Fog Dog. Seeing a break in the haze was a good indication that clear weather was ahead and rough seas would soon subside. The captains understood that deep swells, combined with the inability to see what was ahead, created anxiety among the crew. The sight of a Fog Dog lifted spirits and boosted confidence that better circumstances were inevitably ahead.

The Kauffman Foundation sponsored a 2009 study that found more than half of the companies on the 2009 Fortune 500 list were launched during a recession or bear market. It's likely that even during today's economic slowdown, some of tomorrow's highly respected companies are just getting their start. In 1975 our economy was in the midst of crippling stagflation and a significant spike in oil prices. In the middle of this tsunami of bad news, Microsoft and Apple saw a Fog Dog and created two companies which have positively impacted all of our lives. The fact is, our perspective is what determines our prospects regardless of the economic conditions.

I have studied motivation for over 25 years and if I distilled down all I have learned, here it is. How you see tomorrow will determine your motivation today. In other words, there are some who have given up hope of ever seeing a Fog Dog. Their possibilities are restricted more by limited expectations than actual reality.

During the past few years, many of us have felt as if we are being buffeted by waves of uncertainty and the future appears a bit murky. In these times we need to be vigilant in looking for our personal Fog Dog. History reminds us that even in the darkest of times, if we stay alert, there are beacons of opportunity.
 
Source:
Insight Letter
Peter Legge O.B.C. is Chairman / CEO of Canada Wide Media Limited, a $30-million publishing company based in Vancouver with a staff of 140.  He is the author of 14 books and considered one of North America's top 20 speakers.