Life Advice
#371. Dad, what does perfection look like?
No need to understand what perfection looks like, focus on what better looks like.
#363. Dad, how do we become who we are?
We become what we expose ourselves to – who we hang out with, what we listen to and how we define success.
#356. Dad, what does it mean to be a person of colour?
It is exhausting being a person of colour. Beyond discrimination, psychological and social stress are long lasting and damaging.
#325. Dad, should I only plan for the future?
Designating time to plan for the future is essential, as is reflecting on and learning from the past.
#322. Dad, tell me about new beginnings.
A new beginning may be the thing you need to find purpose.
#321. Dad, should I only focus on my goals?
Focus on growth rather than goals. Have a growth mindset and the goals will follow.
#320. Dad, I have to deal with so many problems?
Think a little less about managing your problems and a little more about managing your mindset.
#319. How do I build my mental strength muscles?
Mental strength is built through small, daily victories. It’s the individual choices we make daily that build our “mental strength” muscles.
#318. Dad, should I react to every conversation?
Silent acknowledgment works better when people are venting.
#308. Dad, should I care what people think of my choices?
Become good at not caring what irrelevant people think about you. Decide who belongs in the relevant bunch.
#305. Dad, sometimes I feel like I have no direction.
Having no direction is an excuse to get one step closer to a more fulfilling life.
#302. Dad, is it OK to buy inexpensive stuff?
Justifying purchases with a low sticker price is faulty logic. Eventually, our stuff will get the last laugh with the silent stress of a cluttered […]
#288. Dad, tell me about failure and self-worth.
Failure does not determine your self-worth. Only you do.
#287. Dad, is change necessary?
Yes. Without change, there would be no butterflies.
#283. Dad, do I only improve by moving forward?
Eliminating mistakes is an under-appreciated way to improve.
#275. Dad, what is a “peaceful life?”
A “peaceful life” is the removal of ongoing stress.
#267. Dad, what causes unhappiness?
Our own unrealistic expectations of ourselves and others makes us unhappy.
#254. Dad, tell me about failing
Failing is a necessary step to success. Failing does not make you a failure.
#251. Dad, what are the three most harmful addictions?
Heroin, carbohydrates and a monthly salary.
#243. Dad, are rules sacred?
Rules are not sacred, principles are.
#241. Dad, what is the meaning of life?
DAD: Whatever you want it to be.
#237. Dad, it is so tempting to buy stuff
DAD: Advertisers trick you into wanting stuff. Ignore the noise.
#231. Dad. What is your favourite Carl Jung quote?
DAD: “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
#223. Dad, what is the Pygmalion Effect?
DAD: The Pygmalion Effect is how the power of positive thinking can result in positive outcomes—just by changing your perspective.
#211. Dad, what is a “reverse bucket list?”
DAD: A “reverse bucket list” reminds you of what you have already done and makes you feel inspired instead of overwhelmed.
#199. Dad, what is “background stress?”
Background” stress is a constant and continuous level of stress brought about by too many life demands
#172. Dad, life is unfair.
At the end of each day, breathe deeply, appreciate where you are, and see the value in what you have.
#171. Dad, what is your favourite Lao Tzu quote?
“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.”
#169. Dad, tell me about self compassion
Finding compassion for others is easy but finding compassion for yourself is much harder.
#166. Dad, how do I take control of my priorities?
Try to create a life of choice around things that are important to you.
#164. Dad, tell me about reading
Reading allows you to see the world more clearly.
#149. Dad, tell me about experimentation
Experimentation is a necessary ingredient for success. It allows you to make mistakes and shoot for the moon.
#132. Dad, is it important to have structure in your day?
Having structure is important to get things done. Setting aside unstructured “thinking time” is just as important.
#131. Dad, is the grass actually greener on the other side?
Who cares what colour the grass is on the other side. Live in the moment and embrace the present.
#130. Dad, why should I keep a diary?
A diary helps you to pay attention to your life and it’s a good place to keep bad ideas.
#125. Dad, there is so much I still have to figure out
It’s not always about trying to figure things out. Sometimes it’s about allowing things to reveal themselves.
#124. Dad, tell me about getting old
As you age, you’ll learn to value your time, genuine relationships, meaningful work, and peace of mind.
#118. Dad, what is the external comparison trap?
Comparison makes us feel as if life is a race. The only benefit to comparison is inspiration.