Happy As Dog with Mike Messeroff
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Photo credit: Alisa Messeroff
When I found out about Mike’s book, Dogs Get It: Advice I learned from my best friend, I knew that I had to tune into his Rocky Mountain inspiration! He’s 100% right; dogs are incredible teachers.
I didn’t realize how true this was until a yellow lab found me in the jungle nearly 10 years ago. She was homeless and sick. She wore a scruffy collar with the word “Paris” scrawled in black marker. I assumed that was her name! Though I thought I was the one rescuing her, it turns out she would actually rescue me. She’s been a best friend through countless highs and lows in our decade together. She’s an old pup now, but still loves hiking with me in the jungle and Colorado Rockies!
Mike Messeroff is not only a fellow dog lover, he’s also an inspiring Wildpreneur that wears many unique hats. Check out this sweet interview with Mike here:
Tell us about your wild business! What was your inspiration to create Happy As Dog
LLC (plus Personal Freedom Coach, Writer & Mindful Dude )
I was journaling in March 2019 and wrote "How can I be more like Rocky?" Rocky is my best friend/Yorkshire Terrier (who since has become a big brother to Lela). This was the birth of the idea to write a book of mindful poems, inspired by Rocky. Through the incredible power of the law of attraction, I found an amazing illustrator two weeks later. Hannah Chavez and I are now great friends and have written two books together ("Dogs Get It: Advice I learned from my best friend" and a children's book called "How Much Fun It Would Be To Be A Wild Animal From A To Z"). Once I knew that I was writing a book, I formed Happy As Dog LLC as the business entity to support these creative efforts. Since then, the business has expanded to include coaching, webinars, and online courses.
What do you wish you’d known prior to getting started as a Wildpreneur?
The difference between starting a business to make money that's related to a passion and having a burning passion that naturally flows into a business. It's ALL about the journey and there's no "getting there," so you better be sure the business you're building is a fun one to be running and growing.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering turning their passion into a business?
I would ask questions to confirm that this is truly THEIR passion, with no external or egotistical influence. I'd ask what lights them up and makes them feel like a kid. I'd ask what they LOVE learning about it, how are they unique, and if they are taking advantage of their natural gifts and abilities. I'd also ask them to get clear on who they are serving and how they are helping the planet with this passion. These are the foundations that will ensure they stay inspired and motivated during the journey, and stay true to themselves throughout.
Photo Credit: Liz Copan (Summit Daily News)
Do you have a favorite motivational quote?
“You cannot spread joy unless you have it.” -Alan Watts
Anything else you’d like to share about your journey?
It all began with meditation and I cannot recommend a daily practice enough...It first taught me to become to watcher of my thoughts and consistently reveals more and more benefits in my life.
What are you working on right now?
I am developing an online Mindfulness Course specifically for men. It will be structured as a "30-day challenge" type of format with short videos, and daily meditations and exercises to generate massive positive transformation in one short month, and at a more affordable cost than one-on-one coaching.
Photo: Alisa Messeroff
Describe your perfect day as a Wildpreneur.
Up at 6am...rub some dog bellies for a few minutes, then off to meditate
7am - Deep breathing inspired by Wim Hof and journaling
8am - Trail run and outdoor yoga
9am - Long, conscious breakfast and reading
10am - Nice drive and hike with my wife and pups, followed by an enjoyable lunch
2pm - "Workday" begins (I use that term loosely). Check emails, social media, client calls, outreach, discovery calls, course development, etc.
6pm - 6pm - Cook a long, healthy, vegan dinner with red wine and nice tunes. Followed by some type of learning or creating (writing, watching videos, taking courses, spending time with a mentor/coach or having a conversation with a good friend, more reading, guitar practice, etc.)
8pm - Evening yoga and family time
10pm - Evening meditation/affirmations, and bedtime
Where can we follow you? Please share your website, Instagram, Facebook, etc.
