Modeling The Right Behaviors

Getting in shape is hard. It requires a lot of effort to undo bad habits and establish new ones. You’re always sore. And the cravings are terrible.

But it’s a worthy thing to do. Especially if you’re a dad.

With this in mind, several months ago I began to take my health seriously and started daily walks and twice a week lifting.

It was game-changing. I felt better. I looked better. I slept better. I ate better. All the good things.

Most importantly though, my son noticed and asked if he could start lifting with me.

Because he’s under 16, our gym required that he take a certification course. I signed him up, he completed it, and became official.

A few days later, we lifted together for the first time. And have gone twice a week ever since.

Now, I’m not saying that I’m the sole reason my son became interested in lifting. But I’m also not going to discredit the fact that seeing me go to the gym prompted him to ask about the certification now instead of months from now.

After this big victory, I got to thinking about all of the little things over the years that my son picked up from me without me even knowing about it.

As dads, we’re our kids’ first superhero. So our actions (or inactions) are going to resonate with them and shape their behavior going forward.

While this isn’t a call to be perfect, it is a call to make sure you’re doing your best to be your best.

What are some of the things you feel you struggle the most with? Reply to this email and let me know. I’d love to hear from you so I can focus on some of these things in future issues.

(In full disclosure, mine is messing around on my phone far more than I should.)