If you’re reading this, then thank you. Thank you for making the investment in your role as a father.
Because you’re here it means that you already know about “the pull”. The pull are those small nagging tasks, voices and thoughts that pull you away from your kids, mentally and physically. The pull wants to distract you and mentally sap you.
The pull is created by your colleagues, your business, your golf league, the Bible Study or even volunteering for something you feel deeply passionate about. The pull steals time increments of 30 seconds, 5 minutes, 1 hour or an afternoon. The victims of this robbery are our families. Sadly these are people who actually need you.
The pull isn’t necessary evil, usually things that pull at you can be “worthy causes” but the one thing they have in common is that they take up your time and your mental energy. Things you can never get back.
I know it’s tough, I’m right there with you. I have a company I am building. I have people family and friends vying for my time. I have that beer brewing hobby that I love to do.
The problem is that these things are easier. They are easier than engaging with your toddler that is seemingly just reeking havoc on everything he touches. Or your teen that hates you because you don’t “understand” how hard her Middle School drama is.
These are the unknown.
The Wild West.
Uncharted territory.
The place of comfort is in the next business pivot, the strat plan for the next quarter, the fantasy football league, the bar buddies. These are knowns. Places that we understand and places that we can add value to. Places we feel fulfilled in what we are doing. We feel accomplished.
Not so much in our role as fathers.
So we give into the pull.
Being a Dad isn’t a “job” but something more, this is the future of another human being. This is determining the outcome of someone’s life.
This is your legacy, you have one shot. Make sure it’s a good one.