When I started posting YouTube videos in 2008, the goal was simple. I wanted to help guys feel great about themselves and have confidence. If you feel good about yourself, anything is possible, and you’ll live a more inspired life. I made this my mission because I wasn’t given that resource growing up. I wish I had had an older brother. I wish I had a father who sat me down and taught me some things I would share. I had to learn these things the hard way.
Today’s video is for you without the role model you need or want. Unfortunately, many fathers aren’t present in the way they should be. Many of you come from broken homes, and women raised many of you. That said, I want to go over a few things that I wish my dad had taught me.
Lessons I learned the hard way
It will pass. Regardless of how you’re feeling right now, if you pay attention to the things that matter and don’t get distracted, it will pass. Whether you’re lonely, sad, heartbroken, don’t see a way out, poor, or don’t want to live this life. You need to keep working and not give up.
Don’t try to be popular. Try to be good. Focus on being the best person you can be. If you do, you will feel good about yourself, and others will be drawn to you. You’re not putting on an act by being on yourself.
Don’t be somebody that you’re not. You might not have the best job, the best money, or the best girlfriend. Your life might not be the best right now. But if you keep working, don’t bitch and whine, and be willing to roll up your sleeves, you will have those things.
Stand up for yourself and be nice to the little guy. I remember that bad things sometimes happen to good people, but it doesn’t mean you must allow those actions or bad situations to dictate your future.
Understand money. You need to be educated about money and the language associated with it. Don’t bury your head in the sand because your parents or family have little money. Past generation’s lack of financial wealth doesn’t mean that you can’t have success and wealth. It’s about being disciplined and learning to be better off financially. You have opportunities at your fingertips no matter who you are, but you have to roll up your sleeves. Don’t be afraid of hard work.
Value character and integrity. Many ‘pretty people’ do horrible things, and many ‘pretty people’ get advantages that others don’t have just because they are popular and pretty—character and integrity matter.
Treat yourself with respect. Sometimes, we treat other people better than we treat ourselves. Don’t abuse yourself. Don’t self-sabotage your potential.
Discipline is the great equalizer. Don’t stifle your potential because of a negative or destructive mindset and/or ability to focus. It doesn’t matter how much money or talent you have; you need to have discipline.
Don’t be a follower. Be a man who stands up for himself.
Dream big. Do what you need to to get those dreams, regardless of whether your parents or friends fail to have the drive motivation for bigger and better.
