11 Life Lessons Learned From Dad

In honor of Father’s Day, I wanted to share bits of advice my father’s offered

to me for fifty years, occasionally on deaf ears. I call it Life Lessons Learned from Dad. He’s always been my biggest supporter and his love never waivers.

His lessons helped me become the woman I am today. I’ve found myself passing these lessons on to my husband, friends and especially my children. Today I share it with you.

11 Life Lessons Learned From Dad

Work for free

Dad claimed that the best job he ever had was the one he worked for free. He sold tools most of his life. One day, he approached a customer about selling his tools at his store. The man appeared frazzled as he was moving inventory around his store and told to my father, “No thanks.” My dad stayed around and offered to help. Guess who got the sale the next time? Free ended up earning Dad a $1,000.

Take pictures

Keep a camera nearby and take videos and pictures your whole life. Develop and share the pictures with others. You will never regret this. I remember being irritated as a kid when Dad took out the camera and said, “Say cheese.” Now I realize the importance of reminiscing. Your memory is short but photos can last a lifetime.

Don’t take no for an answer

Ask questions. Sometime you can turn a no into a yes. It never hurts to ask.

Work hard

Hard work and determination will take you farther in life than just smarts.

Save money

Growing up, my dad encouraged me to start saving at age five. I opened a bank account and put away at least 50% of everything I earned. If it was a gift, it went straight into the bank. By sixth grade, I had saved $1000. He talked me into opening a CD. At the time I thought this was the dumbest thing I ever heard. Who wanted to lock away their money for 10 years? Interest rates were at a historical high, 12%. By the end of college, I cashed in the CD and purchased my first new car. Best decision ever.

Be quick to help others

If your car broke down on a deserted highway in the middle of the night, my dad was the one to call. No questions asked, he would help anybody out of a jam. Not only would he be there as fast as possible, he would come bearing a box of tools and supplies to fix the car.

Compliment others

My parents made me feel important. They complimented me without restraint.

Never be a snob

Don’t get too big for your britches. Don’t be above a task or self-important.

Try to fix things

My father refused to help me unless I attempted to fix it on my own first. If the car broke down, I was expected to do a diagnostic assessment before I asked for his help. If I needed him to repair something, he expected me to stand by his side holding the tools. I thought he was just being a pain in the butt but now I understand that he wanted me to learn to be self-sufficient.

Recycle

I called my father the original recycler. He was saving metal and tin 45 years ago. A soda can was smashed, tin can crushed and hauled to the dump. Everything had a second life for him. Old shirts became rags and car parts were saved for the next project.

Avoid debt

Back in the day, no one had a charge card. You only spent the money you earned. If you couldn’t afford it, you did without. Now I only charge what I can pay back in full the following month. Non-essential items can get you in over your head.

Dad, I heard you and promise I learned a lot. Thanks for being so patient. Happy Father’s Day.