I’ve never been a fan of Father’s Day myself. No need for presents or cards for me. Birthdays allow us to celebrate making it one more year. Christmas is about the joy children have in believing in something magical. But seeing my son grow up joy enough.
I lost my father 9 years ago, and not a day goes by that I don’t miss him. Son of a window washer, my father worked hard his whole life to provide for his family. In the 80s, with the garment industry moving to Asia, my father decided to accept a job in the Philippines.
The great thing is even when people leave us, they leave a part of themselves behind. I do my best to share what I learned from him with his grandson.
|
It was only 36 years ago, but back then, few people in England had heard of the country. I was eight at the time, so I really had no idea what was going on. I remember my school having a goodbye ceremony for me that the entire school attended with me being the guest of honor. It was surreal.
That decision and the years that followed changed our lives forever and my understanding of the world. With it being Father’s Day today, I think it’s a great chance to say “Thanks Dad” and to share with you some of the wisdom he taught me about life.
The great thing is even when people leave us, they leave a part of themselves behind. I do my best to share what I learned from him with his grandson.
Here are 4 pieces of wisdom left behind by my dad. (ironically, they all start with A, fitting as my name is Adrian and his name was Anthony)
#1 Apologize, even when it’s not your fault
This had to be the greatest relationship tip my father shared with me. Too often people want to win, to prove they are right. But a marriage isn’t about winning and losing, it’s about working together. My father accepted blame where he had none simply to diffuse the situation. It worked every single time.
#2 Admit your faults
My father came from modest means. He was also a college drop-out. My father knew he wasn’t the smartest person in the room. He knew his limitations, so what he lacked for in skills, he made up for in hard work. Over time he honed his talents, and eventually found a niche in opening factories which allowed him to life a good life. We should take a page out of his book and all learn to admit where we have shortcomings, then find ways to overcome them.
#3 Ask
In business or in life, rejection is something people fear. So much so that they often are unwilling to take a chance. People are afraid to ask customers for the sale. They are afraid of asking the pretty girl to the dance. Experience has taught me that asking requires a certain amount confidence, which is a quality many people appreciate. As my father said, “Ask or you’ll never know.”
#4 Appreciate the little victories
We all have dreams. Maybe it’s a Rolls Royce, or a McMansion, becoming a millionaire or making creating a non-profit organization. But sometimes our dreams can seem so far away, especially when you’re struggling. In going after what we want, it’s important to appreciate the little victories. In fact, it’s precisely the small victories that give you the energy to go after the big ones.
Photo by Derek Thomson on Unsplash