It's Monday, the day after Father's Day, two thousand and seventeen. I hope all the Dads out there had a great one. I sure did. I am very grateful for my kids who qualify me to celebrate and to my dad, well, for everything. Even in the 19th year of working together, my dad continues to teach me and serve as an example by how much he cares about our family, clients, and business.
Simple and to the point. Great advice that resonates strongly in my middle-agedness! This got me to thinking about fatherly advice in my family. Here's what came to mind.
My Dad
Generally, I am happier saving a dollar and not spending it. In turn, my dad taught me that it's better to spend time wisely investing your money rather than saving it. This means maintaining a long-term approach, investing in quality, and realizing the power of compounding. He also taught me the importance of “To Win Is Not To Lose.” Stated in sport terminology, this equates to “the best defense is a good offense.” This is all about where we are focusing and allocating time, our most precious and finite resource. Further, the fruits of investing your money wisely allows you to achieve even bigger things by supporting your family, community, and causes that are important to you.
My Paternal Grandfather
The day I left for college, my grandparents sent me off with big hugs. My grandfather also gave me this advice, “Which classes you will take and what you do in life, always do what you enjoy.” This has stuck with me. Sure, there are things in life that do not come easily that require working through to overcome. However, nurturing and maintaining the passion it takes to succeed sure comes easier when you enjoy what you do.
My Maternal Grandfather
I have fond childhood memories of visiting my grandparents in Bermuda. It was on those trips that my grandfather would play “monster,” one-time, placing a lamp shade over his head and chasing my brother and me all over the house. Another time, he thought it would be funny to go outside to trigger the circuit breaker while I was inside watching the Super Friends. I really got mad at that one. What my grandfather taught me was the importance of not taking life or yourself too seriously. Having a good sense of humor makes life better for you and those around you.
A Bonus Thought
While my family clearly shapes me, I am always trying to learn from external sources too. Last week, I was listening to Jonny Nastor's Hack The Entrepreneur. Joe Pulizzi, founder of Content Marketing World, says the one thing that he does that's been the biggest contributor to his successes is setting clear goals. He has developed a habit of writing down all of his goals, three to four, in six categories that include financial, family, spiritual, mental, philanthropic, and physical.
He says reviewing these goals daily sets the right course every morning. Here is one of his family goals.
I have healthy children who believe they can accomplish anything. My goal as a father, right now, is to teach my kids optimism. I've been all about this optimistic way to look at things. And I believe that if they are optimistic, they will be able to accomplish anything no matter what negative things come their way.
Love it. One of my goals is to instill all of these great ideas to my three children. Hope you had a great Father's Day!
What's the best piece of advice you've ever got from your Dad? Please post a comment below.
