In our pursuit to be better dads, we looked at habits of financially successful people as well as resources from those who, as Theodore Roosevelt said are \u201c\u2026actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who come short again and again, because there is no effort without error\u2026\u201d. In the arena of fatherhood, our leadership is marred by a series of errors, but to error means you are at least present, not absent.<\/p>\n
Tom Corley \u2013 accountant and financial planner surveyed over 200 successful people (financially) and here are a few of his observations.<\/p>\n
The National Fatherhood Initiative\u00ae developed The 7 Habits of a 24\/7 Dad\u2122<\/a> , an 8-hour workshop that combines The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People<\/em> by Dr. Stephen R. Covey with the fathering principles of NFI’s 24\/7 Dad\u00ae program.<\/p>\n Resources from dads who are in the arena<\/strong><\/p>\n 1. Stretching Your Children<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve done any weight lifting, you might know that in order to build muscle, you must break it down, actually tearing fibers of muscle before it repairs and increases in size. The stretching and tearing and nurturing (protein intake and rest) will provide for healthy and strong muscles. You read stories of effective leaders who\u2019ve overcome challenges in life. Much of their growth has come on the heels of a tragedy or major life challenge.<\/p>\n James 1:2-3 \u201cCount it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.\u201d Average dads try to rescue their children from painful situations. Effective dads are wise about allowing their children to struggle at times and helping them prepare for trials.<\/p>\n 2. Expressing Joy<\/p>\n We have a duty to show our children what joy is all about. What good is it being an effective dad if we and our children are miserable? It starts with an attitude of gratitude. Count your blessings, literally.<\/p>\n 3. Listening<\/p>\n Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. \u2014Dr. Stephen R. Covey<\/p>\nFive Habits of an Effective Father<\/h3>\n