“Don’t look back — you’re not going that way.”
—Chubby
Today’s post is a collection of life lessons.
My dad said lots in very few words. In one sentence he often said all. These nuggets of savvy I call “Chubby Rules,” named for my dad.
I’ve shared Chubby Rules with my sons for 25 years. Some were from Dad. Others I’ve gathered along the way. At Savvy Dad, we write stories about remarkable dads. What they do. What they say. How they impact their kids.
Today we do something unique. It’s a collection of lessons from an array of great dads. It’s a gold mine of savvy in very few words — modeled after Chubby Rules from my very own dad. Here’s an original Chubby Rule:
“Learn something about everything, everything about something.”
Life Lessons with Stories From Remarkable Dads
- When you show up early, people on time start from behind.
“Chicago Bears Time” - The status quo may not be the right quo for you.
“A Road Trip with Dad” - It hurts only as bad as you think.
“A Family Secret” - Life’s challenges help us appreciate life.
“A Special Appreciation for Living” - Life sometimes requires flipping a switch, a you #1, a you #2.
“Son Fired by Two-Hatted Dad!” - Want to succeed? Just do what needs to be done.
“Just Do What Has to Be Done” - Don’t let “hard to get” make you want to get it more.
“Have You Learned About Vacuums Yet?” - Negative talk reflects negatively on you.
“Meet the Master of Goodspeak” - Don’t presume things happen in the order they should.
“One More Day” - Sometimes it’s simple. You just need to do better.
“‘Do Better,’ Said Dad” - Don’t wait until it’s too late to take care of you.
“Mom’s Second Life — A Second Chance” - Get rid of the mush… live with clarity; a “no oatmeal” life.
Savvy 11 - Don’t let your house payment control your life.
“Dad’s Wisdom on the Basics of Living” - Great achievements (and great love) involve great risk.
“Mom Saved My Life”
“As Father & Son. As One.” - Understand the three circles of worry, and you won’t worry.
“Savvy Dad on Worry and War” - Have the guts to trust your gut.
“Left-handed Hammers? Trust Your Gut” - People try to be as good as you tell them they are.
“Meet the Master of Goodspeak” - Points are best made in a memorable way.
“Hunting with Dad” - Don’t settle. “Dad’s Devotion to Mom”
- When you fall on your face, stand up with grace.
“When You Fall on Your Face Stand Up with Grace” - Follow the “24-hour Rule” when you’re mad or upset.
“24-Hour Rule — The Wait is Worse Than the Wallop” - You are just one decision away from a different life.
“One Decision Away”
“How I’ve Been Living Without Reservations” - Jealousy is an emotion of fools
“Emotion of Fools” - Have a back-up plan in all that you do.
“Mr. Back-Up Plan” - Be who you are if you want to go far.
“Dolly Parton Learns Lesson From Dad”
A Couple More
Listen to the angel inside
Remember a scene from the movie Animal House. The coed passed out on the bed. Devil on one shoulder. Angel on the other. What to do? Put her in the grocery cart and take her home.
What can I do for you?
I belong to a Roundtable of 30 led by Harvey Mackay. The members are among the most successful in the world at what they do. What I noticed from day one with every single one? “Greg, what can I do for you?”
“What My Father Means to Me”