Big Golden Retriever Energy

For years I have gotten one strange… compliment.

“You’ve got big golden retriever energy.”

I took it as a joke at first. Heard it enough times that I started asking why.

Some said the goofiness.

Some said the always-ready-to-go energy.

Most said the loyalty.

Great. So I’m a dog.

Of all the things to notice… Loyalty.

So, I started paying attention to it. In me, and in everyone around me.

Then I noticed a problem.

I’ve watched people be loyal to the end. Willing to sacrifice everything for the person in front of them.

Except the person in front of them wasn’t doing the same.

And they kept giving anyway.

I did that for years. I still watch people do it.

My unpopular opinion: loyalty that only runs one direction isn’t loyalty. It’s tribute. You’re paying to stay in the room.

That’s transactional. You’re buying something. And whatever you’re buying, it isn’t loyalty - it’s a spot at the table. Their table, their world.

“But that’s just who I am.”

Fine. Stay loyal.

But, take your business elsewhere.

You don’t need a test for this. No “wait two weeks and see if they reach out.”

You already know who’s giving it and who isn’t.

Preston Robbins