Life is hard and it leaves many dads feeling like they have failed. Frank’s perseverance to hang tough when nothing was going his way led to the moment when it all turned around. “Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts,” said Winston Churchill to a nation battered and broken in WWII. Don’t be discouraged. The difference between success and failure may come down to a couple of simple habits. Here are 5 ways dads can turn chronic failure into success.
Table of Contents
1. You’re not alone (Parenting is a team sport.)
Successful parenting is about teamwork. If you’re married, make sure you and your wife are on the same page and working in concert together. If you’re a single dad, be part of a support group that meets weekly and is willing to “do life” together.
2. Be an encourager.
A teacher we know has a sign on the wall: “Research says it takes seven positives to counteract one negative—I say why risk it.” In other words, focus on what’s right more than what’s wrong. Negativity is a vortex that always moves in a downward spiral. Believe us, you will find a lot of hope when you look for it.
3. KISS (Keep it simple, sir).
OK, we admit to changing that last word to “sir.” But, seriously, we’re not calling anyone stupid around here because no one is. One dad said, “Don’t try to fix everything in one day. Have four or five key rules, work for mastery, and move on from there.”
4. Don’t beat yourself up.
Be positive and be confident. Do the best you can in this moment. Pull together all the resources you have, pray, and then move on to the next moment.
5. Be grateful.
Wake up every morning and say this prayer: “God, thank you for the gift of my children. Thank you for life. I am grateful for this opportunity to help my kids grow. Please give me peace and strength. Amen.”
