A Word Of Encouragement For YOU, Mom & Dad!
Whether you have kids or not, if you're in a place in your life right now, where you work consistently, but STILL wonder if it will really pay-off, if it will really be worth it, my answer is YES...and here's the PROOF!
You may or may not know this, but outside of being a trainer, businesswoman, author, speaker and TV/radio show host, I’m a wife and mom. We have 5 children and 8 grandchildren. Our three oldest are married, one son is on his own and we have our youngest son still at home.
Today I want to share something really important and incredibly powerful with you. Now, as you read this message, you may say, “But Dani, I don’t have kids, so why does this even matter to me?” Believe me… it matters!
When our kids were younger, Hans and I really wanted to instill unshakable values and skills. We wanted them to learn essential people skills like honor and respect. We wanted to impart into them a strong work ethic and the right attitude about work. We wanted them to understand, when you work, you should work with excellence and diligence – and it’s an honor and privilege to work and learn new skills to advance yourself.
I remember the days when our kids were young – we had two babies in diapers, PLUS 5- and 7½-year-olds. We worked so hard and consistently, teaching them things like keeping their rooms clean, picking up their toys, helping with the dishes after dinner, collecting and sorting laundry, along with whatever chores came up at the time.
Not to mention, having to perpetually act as a referee, always solving problems, constantly breaking up disputes. I remember, there were always plenty of opportunities to teach them how to honor each other and the right response when I gave them the next task to be done. And then, there was dealing with the “Aw, come on Mom, really? UUUUGH!!!” attitudes.
I remember going, “Oh my gosh! Is this EVER going to get easier? Will it ever be fun? Is it ever going to be worth it? Am I doing the right thing? Is this even going to work, or am I just driving myself crazy for nothing?”
Because of the way we chose to groom our kids for success, we looked ahead when dealing with their attitudes at 3 years old, before it turned into an even bigger attitude at 13. Then, of course, when they are 23 and working or running a business or whatever they choose to do, they won’t have that same 3-year-old or 13-year-old attitude, because they were groomed with the proper attitude from an early age.
So we knew how we shaped and formed their attitudes about certain issues, like people skills, work ethic and forgiveness, would be foundational skills to prepare them for a real life of success.
We had a lot of great days. But there were also those consecutive days when the kids were going through certain stages, and I was pulling out my hair, wondering if this parenting thing would ever get better.
Well, I have to tell you this crazy story that happened a couple years ago, after we came home from Creating A Dynasty – our advanced leadership seminar. All of our kids have gone through this training and all actually worked these events at different times, serving our clients and helping to run the event.
This was one of those moments when everything just sort of “clicked” for me, and I was so encouraged.
It was the Tuesday after the seminar, and I decided to just take it slow that day. I slept in, had a bath, spent some time reading and praying. Then when I finally came out of my room, our oldest son, Cabe, gave me a big hug and said, “Mom, you did an awesome job this weekend!” He then asked if they could go to the skate park. He said, “Just to let you know, we have already unpacked and put away our suitcases. We cleaned our rooms and we sorted and started the laundry.”
I’m telling you, my jaw must have hit the floor. All I could think was, “Really??? WOW!” I was stunned! I searched for the right words.
I asked, “You even put the suitcases on the shelf in the garage? The laundry room is clean? The sorted clothes are in the baskets under the table? Everything is done???” He said, “Yes! So can we go to the skate park?”
Tears welled-up in my eyes and I just said, “Cabe, you blow my mind! I am just so blown away you guys have done this. No one had to tell you to do it. You knew what needed to happen for you guys to get to go to the skate park, and you and your brothers got it done.”
As they left, in tears I remembered all those times Hans and I wondered whether instilling in them the value of work and the rewards of playing really were good things. I remembered hoping those lessons about the value of having the right attitude and taking initiative would bear fruit. Or, if teaching them the right people skills would help them work together as a team, motivate each other and pull the best out in each other, would really pay-off.
I was so thankful! And this was not the first time that happened. Every single night after dinner, when the kids lived at home, the boys got up to clean the kitchen. They did it as thoroughly as they could and nobody had to ask them to do it. They just got the job done. Such an amazing blessing!
So, HERE’S how this applies to you… whether you have kids or not. If you’re in a place in your life right now, where you work consistently, but still wonder if it will really pay-off, if it will really be worth it, my answer is YES! You will see the results you want! YES, it IS worth it! YES, you need to continue and be consistent!
You can teach your family, your coworkers, your employees and everyone around you, these same principles. These very important principles will bring success into their lives. These principles can bring higher-paying jobs or cause them to be highly-effective in business. Because when people know how to work with others and treat their customers with honor and respect, guess what! They will make more money!
That’s why it’s so critical for you to stay engaged with messaging that will feed these skill sets… and why I send you these daily notes in The Daily Fix. Because I’ve seen the outcome and I want you to experience it, as well.
Would you take a minute to spread this message to your family, office and community? This could be the message of hope and inspiration someone is just waiting for today – and you could be the one to deliver it. Just email this link or or share this post on your social media sites. I would also love to read your comments below!
My friend, do not lose hope! Do not be discouraged! Remember, your consistent efforts WILL pay off. You WILL see results. Just keep pressing through.
And don’t forget to join us today for The Dani Johnson Show, to gain more insights for your everyday life. You can find the show on your TV and radio or stream today’s show, right here on our website.
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In great faith,
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