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What have you learned this past year? What did you want to change from 2017 and make 2018 better? Will it be better? Have you raised the bar that much higher for 2018?
I am jumping the gun here, but for me, I am predicting (I would like to guarantee it also) that 2018 is going to be a great year personally and professionally for you and me.
There is zero scientific formula to prove my theory; it is more of a gut feeling.
You may not know I am writing a new book (my third) and it is (cross your fingers and toes) due to come out in 2018. This book is just one of my “gut feelings” that 2018, in my opinion, is to be a great and wondrous year.
The book is based on my 2015 TEDX Talk and the title is “My Dad’s Advice at 5:04 AM.”
You really have to know my dad and his sense of humor. When my son Connor was born in 2003 (he is old), I called my dad to let him know he was officially a grandfather. Connor was born at 5:04 AM and the advice from my dad was, well interesting but very poignant.
My dad asked if I understood what my new “role” was as Connor’s father? My first thought was I simply should “love” him. Again, this next part is where you really should laugh.
I truly love my dad, and his unique advice might shock you, but if you are a parent this is something you will understand. Maybe it is the fear that as parents we try to be to perfect at times. Too perfect?
After giving my response, my dad proceeded with his answer of “your role is to screw up your kid as best you can.”
Laughing yet? Trust me, my dad meant this in a positive way.
Here is how my dad messed me up:
- My dad taught me that as a dad’s it is our responsibility when there are field trips to be a chaperone. I still have great memories of my dad sitting on a school bus sitting next to me.
- I can always remember my dad having a book in his hands. Even today I will receive a package from my dad and in it will be a book that he recommends I should read.
- A life lesson that all kids (maybe still some adults too) should learn is: how to look someone in the eye while shaking hands. My dad was a great example of this.
Today as I reflect on some of these memories, if it was not for my dad teaching me these life lessons then yes, a good chance I would have been screwed up.
Connor is now a freshman in high school. No field trips, but he and I have taken a road trip this year.
He and I share books that we feel the other might like.
He still might need a little work on the looking people in the eye but he does try.
Looking back to 2017 and my goal of getting the book published would be so cool because that way I could send my dad a book in the mail.
HAPPY NEW YEAR.
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Photo: Getty Images