How to Discover Your Mission as a Dad – GDP023

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Episode Overview

When you think of your legacy, what comes to mind?  I’m not talking about the materialistic things you will leave behind.  I’m talking about how will you be remembered?  What will your kids and family say about you several years from now?

When it comes to being a Dad, it’s a tremendous responsibility. It is by far the most important job we will ever have as men.  Unfortunately, the resources to help dads are minimal.

Think about it for a minute…

How often do we take time to sharpen our skills as fathers?  The fact is the resources to do so are far and few between.  The journey of fatherhood is a “learn as we go process.”  There isn’t a roadmap and at times being uncertain can wreak havoc on our confidence as Dads.

Think about the last time you started with a new company.  Did you go through training to learn all about the new company, products, processes, systems, and mission?  Absolutely!  Not only did you go through in-depth training, but there was most likely an entire department dedicated to just training the new hires.

However, we don’t see these opportunities offered to the everyday Dad.  Most men truly desire to be our best and we want a roadmap.  We want guidance.  We may not admit it on the exterior, but deep down, we desire improvement, challenge, growth, and guidance.

Key Takeaways:

• You will discover your mission as a father
• You will discover what is most valuable to you
• You will uncover your what your legacy will be
• Most importantly, you will discover your personal “Why”

 

A Dad’s Mission

Think of any big corporation in the world.  Just about all of them have a mission statement that is at the very core of their business.  Mission statements are a clear set of core values and how a company will conduct business.

For Example:

Apple – Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store.

Microsoft – At Microsoft, our mission is to enable people and businesses throughout the world to realize their full potential. We consider our mission statement a commitment to our customers. We deliver on that commitment by striving to create technology that is accessible to everyone—of all ages and abilities. Microsoft is one of the industry leaders in accessibility innovation and in building products that are safer and easier to use.

What does a mission statement have to do with being a dad?

What does a mission statement have to do with being a dad?  Being a dad is by far the most important job for a man.  So, if it’s the most important job for us dads, shouldn’t we too have a mission statement?  Shouldn’t we have a clear set of core values?  Absolutely.

For the past two years, I have had the honor of hosting workshops for men to teach nine distinct strategies to help improve their lives.  The first thing the participants do is discover their own personal Dad Mission Statement.  I have hosted workshops for hundreds of men to date and I have yet to meet one man who has put pen to paper and has written down their core set of values and desired legacy before attending my workshop.  It is truly inspiring when the participants discover their own personal mission statement.

Why is this important?

If we don’t know what we want out of our dad journey, how can we enjoy it to the fullest?  How can we pass something down to our kids if we don’t know what that something is?

I wanted to share a great example of a Mission Statement from a participant at one of my recent speaking events.  The reason I share this with you is because it was truly inspiring.  It is so specific and heartfelt.

“My home will be an environment of love and learning.  I will not only be available to my children, but I will be engaged in their lives.  I will show affection.  I will teach respect and discipline. I will be the rock of faith and strength for my family.”

I would like to challenge you to draft your own mission statement.  Clearly define what is most important to you and what you want your legacy to be.  It doesn’t have to be perfect.  It simply has to be yours and what is most important to you.

The Why:

There is one thing that is even more important than your mission statement…”YOUR WHY.”  Your “Why” clearly defines the reasons for your mission statement.  Your “why” will keep you focused and will keep your heartfelt mission moving forward despite challenges you will face along the way.  For most of us dads, our “why” is defined by wanting to pass down what we have learned from our own upbringing or it is defined by breaking a pattern of a negative childhood experience.  For example, I wanted to share the “why” from the same participant above to really hit this point home.

“I want to give my kids what I didn’t have growing up.  I want my kids to remember their childhood and the guidance I provided in a very positive way.  Being the best version of myself as a dad, I am honoring God.”

At the end of the day, our “why” is our motivation.  Our “why” will keep us moving in the right direction.  Our “why” gets to the very core.

I would encourage you to discover your why.  Chances are you know exactly what it is, but most likely you have never written it down.

Shawn and I wanted to share our Mission Statements and our Why:

Larry’s Mission:

I want to raise confident young men.  I want to create an atmosphere of love, certainty, creativity, and affection.  I want to lead by example and teach my boys how to be good men and how to be a good husband by how I treat their mom.

Larry’s Why:

I want to give my kids what I didn’t have growing up.  I want to provide fatherly affection and positive guidance.  I want to teach them how to be a good dad by being a good dad for them.

Shawn’s Mission:

To demonstrate what love, kindness, consistency, service and perseverance look like.

I also strive to demonstrate directly how to have fun – how to love and be loved by my spouse – to demonstrate how to have standards without being malicious – to show that you can literally create anything in your life if you surround yourself with good people and you’re willing to work for it. – To show them that it is possible to blur the lines between work and play and love what you do. – To encourage them to share their gifts.

Shawn’s Why:

I want to create a space for my kids to grow and develop – to have a model/a framework that I never had. I want my children to be inspired by me. I want them to be proud that I’m their dad.

Free Resources:

 

Check out a free chapter from: THE DAD’S EDGE on UNLIMITED PATIENCE HERE

Check out this free resource on: CONNECTION WITH YOUR SPOUSE

Check out this free resource on:  CONNECTION WITH YOUR KIDS

Links

 

• Amazon Bestselling Book:  The Dad’s Edge – 9 Simple Ways to Have:  Unlimited Patience, Improved Relationships, and Positive Lasting Memories
• Larry’s New Course:  The Dad’s Edge – 6 Strategies to Achieve:  Unlimited Patience, Improved Relationships, and Positive Lasting Memories
• Larry’s Twitter Page
• Larry’s Facebook Page
• Larry’s Instagram Page
• Shawn’s Website
• Shawn’s Twitter Page
• Shawn’s Facebook Page
• Shawn’s Instagram Page

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