The magic window doesn't stay open forever
Featured Dad: Justin Moore​
My kids are nine and twelve, and I'm starting to realize something.
I'm in a magic window.
My oldest son is at the age where he's becoming his own person. And with that comes something I wasn't fully prepared for — he's becoming a lot more interested in hanging out with his friends than hanging out with me.
That's a sobering moment.
Because for basically his entire life, my kids have wanted to be wherever my wife and I are. They were down for whatever. They genuinely enjoyed our company. I was kind of a superhero in their eyes.
And now, as my oldest becomes an adolescent and becomes his own man, that's shifting.
I've always looked ahead and thought about what life would look like when the kids are out of the house. But the truth is, it starts sooner than that. At 13, 14, 15 — they're hanging out with friends. Once he gets his driver's license, he'll barely be home.
So I feel like I've got a window. Maybe two or three more years where both my boys still want to do stuff with me.
And that's changed how I think about my business.
Instead of chasing every opportunity, traveling for every speaking gig, and working breakneck hours, I've entered what I'm calling a season of no.
I don't want to travel as much. I don't want to work as much. Maybe that stunts the business growth in the short term — but I'll have the rest of my life to grind.
Why not spend the next three to five years just being present with them?
That's a decision I know I'll never regret.
QUOTABLE
"I never lose. I either win or learn."​
— Nelson Mandela
I really try to live this one. Whenever I'm fearful or apprehensive about a decision — in business or in family life — I come back to it.
Whatever happens, the outcome is favorable. Either I get what I wanted, or I learn something about myself, my family, my kids, my wife.
Both are great things. This quote has given me comfort, and honestly, it's pushed me to do things I might not have otherwise done.
JUSTIN RECOMMENDS
​Amélie (2001) — directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet
We recently had a rare movie night with just our oldest son. Our youngest was at a friend's birthday party, so it was just the three of us — which almost never happens.
Our son asked to watch something a little more complex. Something we probably wouldn't watch with his younger brother. He chose Amélie — a French indie film from the early 2000s, and one of my personal favorites. He's actually played some of the songs on piano, but had never seen the movie itself.
It's a beautiful film. It follows a young woman's quiet joy for life and the simple, thoughtful ways she impacts the people around her. The message is powerful: small actions can have a profound effect on others.
If you've never seen it, it's an oldie but a goodie. Highly recommend it — especially for dads looking for something meaningful to watch with their older kids.
SHAMELESS PLUGS
If you're building an audience — online or offline — and you've thought about monetizing it through brand partnerships, I'd love for you to check out my book and podcast. They're both called Sponsor Magnet.
Whether you want to offset the costs of running an event, or you just want to get paid to recommend a product you already love to your audience, Sponsor Magnet will show you how to make that happen.
Find both at sponsormagnet.com.
(KC: I actually worked with Justin on his book launch for Sponsor Magnet. And you can find my name in the back! If you check out Justin's stuff, tell him "KC sent me." 😉)
FROM KC:
Special thanks to Justin for today's issue!
And thank YOU for supporting the 30 Days of Dads series.
If you enjoyed this issue, please:
- Forward it to a friend, or
- Send them to 30DaysofDads.com.
And remember...
Move your body.
Clear your mind.
Repeat.
Keep up the good work!
-KC
DAD JOKE 🦆
Why do ducks have feathers?
To cover their butt quack.