Wise Guys

My father is considered something of a philosopher within our family, and people are always interested in his advice. The one piece that always stays with me is “No matter where you go, there you are.” It has taught me that it doesn’t matter how much you try to run away or hide — you ultimately have to face yourself and all your shortcomings. So to be happy, you might as well look at who you truly are deep down, become comfortable with it, and move on.
Jill Ansell
Marquette, Michigan

When I was younger, my dad and I were into bicycling. We’re talking long rides, mile after mile. On one weekend ride from Columbus, Ohio, to the Kentucky border, he encouraged my tiring spirit with the statement “Just one more hill!” About 10 hills later, we reached Kentucky. But underneath that now infamous family story is a life lesson I have since lived by: When I feel as if I can handle only “one more hill” and life throws 10 more in my way, I know I will find the strength to make it.
Cindy Stef
Centennial, Colorado

“You can’t please everyone. Some people will complain even if their ice cream is cold.” I can’t help but recall that saying when someone complains to me about something she really shouldn’t be complaining about.
Christy McLachlan
Fargo, North Dakota

For my father, things were either sensible or not sensible. I would tell him some long, convoluted plan, and his response would be either a thumbs-up (“That sounds sensible”) or a thumbs-down (“That doesn’t sound sensible”) — as when I told him I had learned everything I needed to know in grad school, so I didn’t need to finish my thesis. According to him, that didn’t sound sensible, and one needs to finish what one has started.
Saritha Clements
Fort Lee, New Jersey

The best advice my father has ever given me was offered both on my first day of grade school and as I was walking down the aisle. He said, “When in trouble or in doubt, run in circles, scream, and shout!” It has always been his way of saying not to take life too seriously, and I love him for it.
Johanna Peyton
Fort Worth, Texas

When I was growing up, if one of us kids said that she didn’t know how to do something (usually a chore we were trying to get out of), my dad would gleefully say, “Well, today’s the day you’re going to learn!”
Jenny O’Brien
Edina, Minnesota

Take Control

While watching my son dismantle a piece of electronic equipment, his grandfather told him to put it back together. When my son said he didn’t know how, Dad said, “The only difference between you and the person that built that is experience. You can do anything!” I’m not sure if my son got the message, but I learned a valuable lesson. After 20 years in municipal government, I got my builder’s license, and I’m on my second career path, as a custom home builder, just like my father.
Kathleen Hines
Ypsilanti, Michigan

My father always told me to find a career in something that I love doing. He said I would find real joy in my life if my work is fulfilling to me; all else (money and power) would pale next to that.
Robin Witte
Valparaiso, Indiana

Don’t quit. When I was small, if I was sent to get something for my dad and came back empty-handed, he made me go back to look until I found it. When I was a teenager, he and I waged these great and completely maddening trivia battles about such issues as the name of a certain character on The Beverly Hillbillies (it was Miss Jane Hathaway). Without my knowledge, he was teaching me not to give up until I found the answer. There has not been one day in my adult life when I haven’t used the persistence he ingrained in me.
Karen Berry
Longview, Texas

Give it your best. From the time I was small, my father told me that it’s not the result that matters; it’s the effort you put into whatever task you are attempting to complete. In grade school, he was always more concerned with the effort comments from my teachers than with the grades. If I had straight A’s, that was fine. But it was even better if I had high marks for effort to go along with the A’s. As an adult, he has supported me in every endeavor and has encouraged me always to give it my all. I would not be who I am if it weren’t for him.
Amanda Neill
Narberth, Pennsylvania

“The difference between an A student and a B student is the sweat ratio.” For me, this had implications beyond getting better grades. I learned that it is not always just your ability or talent but also the effort you make that determines your success.
Billie Adrid
Langhorne, Pennsylvania

My dad always said that to be a success in any situation that life throws at you, picture yourself in that situation, being successful. As you see yourself being successful, you will be. It really works for presentations in front of large groups, challenging situations, and job interviews.
Lisa Ward
Quincy, Massachusetts

When I was struggling with a decision to leave a longtime employer, my father simply advised, “Sometimes you need to move on to move up.” I’ve reflected on these words often since then, and not just concerning my career.
Holly Ryon
Wayne, Pennsylvania

My father teaches by example and with few words. He told me once during a time of crisis, “Remember that you are equipped to deal with this, hard though it may be. And remember that everything has consequences, whether or not it seems like it at the time.” Those words have been like a rock in helping me through the tougher moments of life and in all my decision making.
Karin Taylor
New Brighton, Minnesota

I was a square peg in a round hole growing up — a chunky, curly-headed, awkward girl who didn’t fit in. I painfully struggled through school with my grades and interacting with my peers. I wanted to stop trying so many times. To this day, I can still hear my dad saying to me, “Never give up.” This has made me the strong, successful person I am today. Now, as a special-ed teacher of students with learning disabilities, I pass this strength and knowledge on to them.
Tina Embry
Fresno, California