The Power of Influence

When I was growing up the word “influencer” meant something entirely different from what it does today, it was not about influencing what brand you buy, the way you dress, or what diet fad you try this week.

It was far more meaningful and profound.

As Brene Brown once wrote, he “prepared the child for the path, rather than preparing the path for the child”

It is Father’s Day today in Australia and I woke up this morning with no idea what I would write about, that is not unusual but today is different. I won’t be able to spend any time with my dad today as we’re both in stage 4 lockdown. So, in place of that, I thought I would take this opportunity to merge my love of writing with my love for my father.

My dad, John, has given me so much throughout my life that has equipped me to be the person (and father) that I am today. As Brene Brown once wrote, he “prepared the child for the path, rather than preparing the path for the child”. I am lucky enough to have him in my life still today. I could quite possibly write a book about the influence he has had on my life, but I limit myself to around 500 words for these articles 😊

Instead, I thought I would pick out four things that my father’s influence taught me as I grew up, I hope you enjoy them.

One, use your skills to help others. There is little point in being good at something if you cannot use it to help others. My father was/is a skilled mechanic, everything from lawnmowers to outboards to cars to trucks. I vividly remember as a child, every weekend people dropping by to either have the lawnmower serviced, rescued, or just diagnosed. My dad was always using his skills for motor mechanics to help others, usually for free or for a case of beer.

Two. Always give more in value than you receive in payment. In a way, this links to One, but it is far bigger than that. My dad never seemed to do anything for the money, he had a job that helped to pay the bills, but the way he applied himself to everything he did wasn’t about payment, it was about representing value. He still does to this day and I don't think he will ever stop, once you commit to this mindset you can't change.

Three. Always respect your elders. When my grandfather was alive he would visit us most Sundays. He lived walking distance from us and he would make the journey with his dog (Freddo) by his side. I loved it, my dad loved it. We’d sit out in the shed, I would listen to my “Pop” and dad talk, quite often about the same things as the week prior. When my Pop couldn’t make the journey any more we’d go to him. We also had elderly neighbours who would come and sit with my dad regularly, share a beer, and just chat. I watched and listened and learned.

Four. The power of silence. “You don’t need to speak just to make noise.” My dad has said this many times. He enjoys silence, perhaps because my mother has so much to say? :) Seriously though, my dad taught me to listen, sometimes to listen to the silence. We’d go fishing together and sit in silence for hours, those moments are some of my fondest. I learned to find peace in the stillness.

I am grateful for what I have, I am grateful for my upbringing and for my family. I didn’t have everything I wanted, but I had everything I needed. Once I hit “publish” on this I will call my dad, perhaps if you are lucky enough to still have yours around too you should call him?

Happy Father’s Day dad.

Have fun.