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7 Life Lessons From My Dad to Help Young Men Become More Successful

The lessons I’ve learned from my dad are more than just words, they’re a blueprint for living a meaningful life.

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Life has a way of teaching us lessons when we least expect it. Sometimes, the most profound insights come from observing the everyday actions of those closest to us.

For me, my dad has been an unassuming yet extraordinary source of wisdom. From his quiet determination to his unwavering dedication to family, he’s shown me what it truly means to live with purpose and integrity.

Let me share a story that sets the tone for the kind of person my dad is.

One morning, my mom started shouting in the living room. She had noticed something alarming—my dad’s hands were burned. He’d hurt himself while experimenting with a new breakfast recipe. Despite the pain, his focus was on making something special for the family.

After applying first aid, my parents headed to the hospital to treat his wounds. That’s just who my dad is—selfless and always thinking of others.

Through moments like these and countless others, I’ve come to understand what makes him such an incredible role model. Here are seven life lessons I’ve learned from my dad that have shaped who I am today:

1. Study History in Your Free Time

My dad has always been a history buff, with a special love for reading the Bible. After graduating college, he pursued a career as a history teacher. His students often praised him for being patient and kind—qualities he honed by navigating the complexities of human behavior and relationships.

Why study history?

While many people dismiss history as a series of dry facts, true intellectuals see it as a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration.

2. Learn Public Speaking Despite Being an Introvert

Introverts, like my dad, often shy away from loud gatherings and small talk. Yet, he taught me that stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for growth. For example, Brené Brown—a celebrated author and introvert—built a global following by mastering public speaking and sharing her research on vulnerability.

How to improve your speaking skills:

  • Understand the needs and wants of your audience.
  • Speak slowly and clearly to make an impact.
  • Practice in front of a mirror to refine your delivery.

Action is the best antidote to fear, and public speaking is no exception.

3. Choose a Partner Who Shares Your Values

My mom, a high school principal, is a natural leader who’s passionate about education. Together, my parents have built a strong partnership based on mutual respect and shared values. Watching them has taught me the importance of choosing a partner who aligns with your vision for life.

Questions to ask yourself when choosing a partner:

  • Am I genuinely attracted to them?
  • Do I see a future with them?
  • Are our values and goals compatible?

The right partner will embrace you for who you are and support your journey.

4. Become a Great Role Model for Your Family

I’ve never seen my dad turn to smoking or drugs to cope with life’s challenges. His example made me reevaluate my own choices, especially during my rebellious teenage years. Quitting negative habits allowed me to become a better version of myself, even if it meant losing some friends.

If you’re a father, remember: your actions set the standard for your family.

5. Have an Insane Work Ethic

My dad often stayed up until 2:00 A.M. to meet deadlines. While this isn’t a healthy routine, it’s a testament to his commitment to excellence. Similarly, the late Kobe Bryant’s legendary 4:00 A.M. workouts underscore the idea that success demands sacrifice.

Why you should develop valuable skills in your 20s:

  • Build a solid foundation for a successful career.
  • Discover purpose and meaning in your work.
  • Attract opportunities by becoming indispensable.

There are no shortcuts to mastery—only hard work and dedication.

6. Spend Time With Your Family After Work

As the eldest child, I’ve seen firsthand how much kids value their parents’ attention. My dad always made time for us after work, whether it was teaching us new skills or simply being present. His actions reinforced the importance of balancing work and family life.

If you’re a father, remember: your presence and character are what truly matter to your family.

7. Don’t Let Physical Impairments Define You

My dad was diagnosed with polio as a child, but he never let it hold him back. He learned to ride a motorcycle, became an avid chess player, and pursued his dreams with resilience and grit. His determination showed me that excuses have no place in the pursuit of success.

Key takeaway: Accomplishments come from doing what most people won’t. Create a plan, adjust when necessary, and keep moving forward.

Final Thoughts

The lessons I’ve learned from my dad are more than just words—they’re a blueprint for living a meaningful life. Whether it’s through his work ethic, his love for history, or his dedication to family, my dad has shown me the kind of person I aspire to be.

If you’re looking for guidance, take a moment to reflect on the lessons you’ve learned from your own loved ones. You might be surprised at how much wisdom they’ve passed on, often without even realizing it.

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Success Advice

What Every New CEO Must Do in Their First 100 Days (or Risk Failure)

Your first 100 days as CEO could define your entire legacy, here’s how to make every move count

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When Tim Cook took over from Steve Jobs at Apple, the world watched with bated breath. Jobs wasn’t just a CEO; he was a visionary, an icon, and a legend of innovative leadership. (more…)

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Entrepreneurs

The Leadership Shift Every Company Needs in 2025

Struggling to keep your team engaged? Here’s how leaders can turn frustrated employees into loyal advocates.

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In workplaces around the world, there’s a growing gap between employers and employees and between superiors and their teams. It’s a common refrain: “People don’t leave companies, they leave bad bosses.”

While there are, of course, cases where management could do better, this isn’t just a “bad boss” problem. The relationship between leaders and employees is complex. Instead of assigning blame, we should explore practical solutions to build stronger, healthier workplaces where everyone thrives.

Why This Gap Exists

Every workplace needs someone to guide, supervise, and provide feedback. That’s essential for productivity and performance. But because there are usually far more employees than managers, dissatisfaction, fair or not, spreads quickly.

What if, instead of focusing on blame, we focused on building trust, empathy, and communication? This is where modern leadership and human-centered management can make a difference.

Tools and Techniques to Bridge the Gap

Here are proven strategies leaders and employees can use to foster stronger relationships and create a workplace where people actually want to stay.

1. Practice Mutual Empathy

Both managers and employees need to recognize they are ultimately on the same team. Leaders have to balance people and performance, and often face intense pressure to hit targets. Employees who understand this reality are more likely to cooperate and problem-solve collaboratively.

2. Maintain Professional Boundaries

Superiors should separate personal issues from professional decision-making. Consistency, fairness, and integrity build trust, and trust is the foundation of a motivated team.

3. Follow the Golden Rule

Treat people how you would like to be treated. This simple principle encourages compassion and respect, two qualities every effective leader must demonstrate.

4. Avoid Micromanagement

Micromanaging stifles creativity and damages morale. Great leaders see themselves as partners, not just bosses, and treat their teams as collaborators working toward a shared goal.

5. Empower Employees to Grow

Empowerment means giving employees responsibility that matches their capacity, and then trusting them to deliver. Encourage them to take calculated risks, learn from mistakes, and problem-solve independently. If something goes wrong, turn it into a learning opportunity, not a reprimand.

6. Communicate in All Directions

Communication shouldn’t just be top-down. Invite feedback, create open channels for suggestions, and genuinely listen to what your people have to say. Healthy upward communication closes gaps before they become conflicts.

7. Overcome Insecurities

Many leaders secretly fear being outshone by younger, more tech-savvy employees. Instead of resisting, embrace the chance to learn from them. Humility earns respect and helps the team innovate faster.

8. Invest in Coaching and Mentorship

True leaders grow other leaders. Provide mentorship, career guidance, and stretch opportunities so employees can develop new skills. Leadership is learned through experience, but guided experience is even more powerful.

9. Eliminate Favoritism

Avoid cliques and office politics. Decisions should be based on facts and fairness, not gossip. Objective, transparent decision-making builds credibility.

10. Recognize Efforts Promptly

Recognition often matters more than rewards. Publicly appreciate employees’ contributions and do so consistently and fairly. A timely “thank you” can be more motivating than a quarterly bonus.

11. Conduct Thoughtful Exit Interviews

When employees leave, treat it as an opportunity to learn. Keep interviews confidential and use the insights to improve management practices and culture.

12. Provide Leadership Development

Train managers to lead, not just supervise. Leadership development programs help shift mindsets from “command and control” to “coach and empower.” This transformation has a direct impact on morale and retention.

13. Adopt Soft Leadership Principles

Today’s workforce, largely millennials and Gen Z, value collaboration over hierarchy. Soft leadership focuses on partnership, mutual respect, and shared purpose, rather than rigid top-down control.

The Bigger Picture: HR’s Role

Mercer’s global research highlights five key priorities for organizations:

  • Build diverse talent pipelines

  • Embrace flexible work models

  • Design compelling career paths

  • Simplify HR processes

  • Redefine the value HR brings

The challenge? Employers and employees often view these priorities differently. Bridging that perception gap is just as important as bridging the relational gap between leaders and staff.

Treat Employees Like Associates, Not Just Staff

When you treat employees like partners, they bring their best selves to work. HR leaders must develop strategies to keep talent engaged, empowered, and prepared for the future.

Organizational success starts with people, always. Build the relationship with your team first, and the results will follow.

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Entrepreneurs

What Makes an Entrepreneurial Leader? Traits of the World’s Best Innovators

Inside the mindset of entrepreneurial leaders who transform risk, passion, and vision into world-changing results.

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Building a Business Empire: Lessons from the World’s Boldest Entrepreneurs

Learn essential lessons, success strategies, and mindset shifts every aspiring entrepreneur needs to overcome challenges and build a thriving business.

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Back in July 2017, I attended a business seminar on entrepreneurship in India. With my appetite for learning and meeting new people, I wanted to explore the latest developments in the entrepreneurial world. (more…)

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