I attended my son’s last Dad’s Weekend at Indiana University. He’s a senior, preparing to graduate, and moving to Chicago to start his career in insurance sales. I couldn’t be prouder of him. As I reflected on this milestone, I was reminded of the invaluable wisdom my own dad passed down to me. Though he passed away nine years ago, his advice remains with me every single day.
I want to share a handful of his lessons—lessons that have shaped me as a father, a husband, a businessman, and a person.
1. Always Do the Right Thing
No matter the situation, my dad believed in integrity above all else. He taught me that doing the right thing isn’t always the easiest choice, but it’s always the best one. Character is built on the choices we make every day.
2. Learn from Everyone—Older and Younger
My dad always said that wisdom isn’t just found in experience but also in perspective. “You can always learn from someone older and younger than you,” he would remind me. Staying open to learning from everyone—no matter their age or background—has allowed me to grow continuously.
3. Never Stop Learning
My dad was always reading or listening to books. When I was 18, he gave me Brian Tracy’s audiotape series The Psychology of Success and told me, “I know you’ll do well in college, but I think you will get more out of these tapes than you will from school.” That moment changed my life. My car became a university on wheels, and my Walkman a mobile classroom. Since then, I’ve committed to lifelong learning, studying business, life, and personal growth every single day.
4. There’s Always Someone Better Around the Corner
When my brother and I ran our internet company after college, three employees quit on the same day. I called my dad in a panic. He calmly told me, “You can always find someone better around the corner.” He was right. In business and life, setbacks are inevitable, but better opportunities always emerge.
5. Believe in Yourself—No Regrets
When I was contemplating leaving corporate America to start my coaching business, I had countless conversations with my dad. His response was always the same: “Do it, Jonathan. You got this.” He shared how he started his own dental practice when my brother and I were babies, believing in himself when others didn’t. His belief in me gave me the courage to invest in myself and take the leap.
6. Food is Love
For my dad, food was more than just sustenance—it was an expression of love. He always said, “If you don’t have enough leftovers, you didn’t have enough.” Meals weren’t just about eating; they were about togetherness, generosity, and connection.
7. Quiet Confidence Speaks Volumes
My dad was not a man who bragged. He didn’t need to. His confidence wasn’t loud; it was steady and unwavering. He didn’t have to say much—his eyes, his presence, and his actions always conveyed everything.
8. Family Comes First
As a busy dentist running a full practice, my dad still prioritized family. No matter what he was doing, if I called his office on our private family line, he always took my call. That simple act showed me that family always comes first, no matter how busy life gets.
9. Mornings Set the Tone for the Day
My dad was an early riser, and I’ve inherited that habit. There’s something special about the early morning hours—peaceful, quiet, and full of possibility. Whether it was collecting his thoughts or getting the first tee time in for golf, my dad embraced the power of the morning, and so do I.
10. Lead with Kindness and Passion
My dad led with kindness.. He loved being a dentist and poured his heart into his career every single day. That passion created a loyal, tight-knit team—some of whom worked alongside him for nearly 40 years—and a community of patients who appreciated not just his skill, but his warmth and humor. His office was more than a place for dental care; it was a place where people felt respected, cared for, and valued. His legacy reminds me that when you love what you do and treat people with kindness, you make a lasting impact.
I’m always looking for lessons—ways to grow, improve, and evolve. These lessons—resilience, integrity, belief in oneself, and continuous growth—fuel me in business and in life. They remind me to keep learning, keep moving forward, and keep sharing what I’ve learned with others. And just as my dad passed his wisdom on to me, I’ll continue to pass it on to my kids.
THINK BIG!
Jon
