A Book That Changed My Perspective
A few Christmases ago, my ex-wife gave me a book.
The Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday.
I’ve read many of Ryan’s books, and his work on Stoicism has deeply influenced my life.
Each morning, I start my day with a passage from The Daily Stoic, applying its lessons to how I train, how I work, and how I live.
When I first received The Daily Dad, I approached it the same way—reading a short passage each day, reflecting on its lessons.
And then one day, I came across a passage that hit differently.
It wasn’t just insightful—it was life-changing.
A Little Fellow Follows You
The passage featured a poem by John Wooden—one that every father should read:
“A careful man I want to be,
A little fellow follows me.
I do not dare to go astray,
For fear he’ll go the self-same way.
I cannot once escape his eyes,
Whatever he sees me do, he tries.
Like me he says he’s going to be—
That little chap who follows me…..”
I read those lines, and something shifted inside me.
I had always known my son was watching me. But before reading this poem, that awareness was subconscious, lingering at the edge of my thoughts.
It was like seeing something out of the corner of your eye—knowing it’s there but not fully focusing on it.
Until that moment.
Since then, that awareness has been front and centre.
A Father’s Responsibility
My son watches everything I do.
- How I speak to his mother.
- How I carry myself.
- How I handle stress.
- How I react when things don’t go my way.
And one day, he will mirror me.
That realization made me ask myself:
Would my son be proud of what I’m doing?
Would I be proud if he followed in my footsteps?
Because whether we realize it or not, our children become reflections of us.
They absorb not just what we say, but what we do.
The question isn’t whether they’re watching—the question is what we’re showing them.
What Kind of Example Are You Setting?
The truth is, our kids don’t need us to be perfect.
But they do need us to be intentional.
If we lose our temper, they learn that’s how to handle frustration.
If we make excuses, they learn that discipline is optional.
If we complain about life, they learn to do the same.
But the opposite is also true.
If we show discipline, they learn resilience.
If we take ownership, they learn accountability.
If we strive for greatness, they learn that they can, too.
It’s not about being flawless—it’s about being aware of the example we set.
Because whether we like it or not…
They’re always watching.
Are You Ready to Lead by Example?
Being a father, leader, and role model isn’t easy.
But if you’re ready to:
Develop the habits and discipline that shape your child’s future.
Lead with strength, resilience, and wisdom.
Become the man your son (or daughter) looks up to with pride.
Book a Free Consultation Today and Start Leading with Purpose.