What Entrepreneurs Can Learn From This Goofy, Disobedient Dog This golden retriever may not win any canine competitions, but he found much more significant rewards doing things his own way.

By Kate Taylor

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Being an entrepreneur isn't about jumping through hoops – it's about doing things your own way. But sometimes, it takes watching an actual dog obedience competition to remember that crucial fact.

In this clip of a dog show, the first two canine contestants have their eyes on the prize, sprinting through the course without even looking at the chew toys and snacks littering the course.

Then comes the golden retriever.

On the first viewing, the pup seems hilariously unfocused, chowing down on whatever food he can get to, then circling back around to snag some chew toys. But at the end of the day, only one of the dogs was able to sample several bowls of food and play with an assortment of toys. And, this lucky dog still crossed the finish line, just like the rest of his competition.

Related: What Dating a Model Taught Me About Chasing Opportunities

Starting out, entrepreneurs are often conditioned to focus on one, ultimate end goal. There is a prevailing feeling that if you stray from your carefully constructed plan that mirrors every other startup in the business, you might as well throw in the towel.

Instead, you should take a note from a goofy golden retriever and look at things a little differently. There isn't a guaranteed path to entrepreneurial success. Entrepreneurs who act like there is one will end up like the canine competitors: even if they are technically successful, they may miss out on countless other opportunities and solutions that could have strengthened the business in the long run.

Plus, doesn't the golden retriever look like he has the most fun in the end?

Related: The Habits of the World's Smartest People (Infographic)

Wavy Line
Kate Taylor

Reporter

Kate Taylor is a reporter at Business Insider. She was previously a reporter at Entrepreneur. Get in touch with tips and feedback on Twitter at @Kate_H_Taylor. 

Editor's Pick

She's Been Coding Since Age 7 and Presented Her Life-Saving App to Tim Cook Last Year. Now 17, She's on Track to Solve Even Bigger Problems.
Lock
I Helped Grow 4 Unicorns Over 10 Years That Generated $18 Billion in Online Revenues. Here's What I've Learned.
Lock
Want to Break Bad Habits and Supercharge Your Business? Use This Technique.
Lock
Don't Have Any Clients But Need Customer Testimonials? Follow These 3 Tricks To Boost Your Rep.
Why Are Some Wines More Expensive Than Others? A Top Winemaker Gives a Full-Bodied Explanation.

Related Topics

Growing a Business

Subscribers Exclusive Event: Discover How These 2 Founders Turned Their Side Hustle into a Million-Dollar Lifestyle Brand

Learn how you can transform your personal brand into a thriving business empire with co-founders of The Skinny Confidential

Devices

Take Your Social Media Earning Potential Sky-High With This $79.97 Quadcopter

Get this beginner-friendly drone for a great price for Father's Day.

Growing a Business

The Best Way to Run a Business Meeting

All too often, meetings run longer than they should and fail to keep attendees engaged. Here's how to run a meeting the right way.

Fundraising

Working Remote? These Are the Biggest Dos and Don'ts of Video Conferencing

As more and more businesses go remote, these are ways to be more effective and efficient on conference calls.

Health & Wellness

Sleep Better, Snore Less, and Stay Cool with This Tech-Packed Pillow, Now $49.99

Let technology help you sleep better with this 8-in-1 cooling pillow.

Growing a Business

Entrepreneur+ Subscribers-Only Call | June 8: Discover How These 2 Founders Turned Their Side Hustle into a Million-Dollar Lifestyle Brand

Learn how you can transform your personal brand into a thriving business empire with co-founders of The Skinny Confidential