The #1 most important lesson from my Dad? “YOU CAN”

Do you remember the most important lesson your dad ever taught you?

The most important lesson from my Dad is completely contained within two simple, yet powerful words: “YOU CAN.”

When I was a kid, I had no appreciation for his wisdom. I just didn’t get it. 

I remember a moment when I was 10 years old. My dad and I walked down to the middle school near my grandparents house to play basketball. It felt like I missed every single shot I took. I kept whining, “I can’t. I can’t, Dad.” Every time his response was the same: “You can.” I’d get so furious. Furious at his insistence that I could. Furious at his insistence that I was wrong. Clearly, I couldn’t. Was he insane?

In life, again and again, I’d say “I can’t” and he’d say— “YOU CAN. YOU CAN, SOREN.” Sometimes he'd even seem mad. Eventually, I stopped saying “I can’t”, at least out loud. Slowly, my mindset changed. I started to believe I could. And I did. 

AND, YOU CAN. 
That short little sentence can change your life. 
It can make you a better father.
It can get you in shape and change your diet. 
Believing in yourself will change your world. 

YOU CAN. It’s the ultimate positivity, the infinite optimism, the rebuke of the all-too-common negativity that sneaks its way into our thoughts and words. 

Are you wondering what believing YOU CAN has to do with you getting fit, getting healthy, and getting in the best shape of your life?

Well, it has everything to do with it.
All too often when it comes to our health and fitness, we say, “You can’t do that.”
Lose 50 lbs? “You can’t do that.”
Put on another 20 lbs of muscle? “You can’t do that.”

Sometimes we even try to hide it in faux-wisdom.
Run that marathon? “Sure, if you want to hurt yourself.”
Fix your rapidly declining health? “I’m taking all those pills, just like my doctor said to.”

 And so, this… THIS is where you start. Right here, right now. Change your attitude. Change your mind. 

YOU CAN.
YOU CAN get off the couch and take a walk. 
YOU CAN start lifting weights. 
YOU CAN start running.
YOU CAN eat healthier.
YOU CAN run that marathon.
YOU CAN do that Ironman that sounds crazy right now. 

You absolutely can.
You can get in the best shape of your life, as long as you keep telling yourself the truth. 

And the truth is… inside of you, there is a strong, disciplined, powerful Dad who can accomplish whatever you put our mind to. And you can pass that character and those habits on to the next generation.

Our kids have to hear this message. Our children need to have the confidence, the knowledge, and the attitude to make healthy choices for the rest of their life. Making healthy choices will be the bedrock of their future successes in all parts of their life.

As fathers, we have a responsibility to set our kids on the best trajectory we can. 

Let’s be honest, we’re failing way too often. 
We’re teaching them, “You can’t” instead of “YOU CAN.”
Whether with our  words or with our actions, we’re teaching loud and clear, “DON’T BOTHER”, “YOU’LL NEVER”,  “YOU…CAN’T.”

Today is the day that all changes, though. 
Today is the day you decide that you can.
Today is the day you teach your kids they can.

 If you haven’t practiced the power of positivity yet…try it. Speak truth into your life now. Say your goal aloud. “I can be tender with my children.” “I can do 20 squats every day.” “I can eat a healthy dinner.” Whatever your truth is, say it aloud. Then, write it down and tape it to your bedside table or your mirror or the back of your phone. Read it every day and tag @fitdaddy365 with your truth. Join the conversation.

You can do it. You can. And, this community will support you.

You can. YOU CAN.

Thanks so much for you investing your time in reading this. My name is Soren, and here at FitDaddy365, I know you can be a better, fitter father. And I’m here to help you every step of the way. Together we can.