My three-year-old boy is delighted with the way he looks.
He squeals with pleasure as he looks at pictures and videos of himself. He even enjoys staring at his own reflection in the mirror.
Obviously, he’s impressed with what he sees. He admires the way he looks, and I love that about him.
In truth, I could learn something from him.
In life, there are plenty of times you will be knocked flat on your face. You’ve got to find the strength from within to pick yourself up and always try, try again.
And I’ve learned if you are going to ever be successful, you’ve got to at least embrace who you see in the mirror, and accept your individuality and yourself.
So yes, I tell my boys all the time how handsome and smart they are. Not because I want them to have big heads, but because I want them to have faith in themselves. It’s my hope they will go out in the world with the confidence that even when things get difficult, they will be true to themselves and take on the challenge.
I’ve come to understand the grass is always greener on the other side. Yes, there will always be someone better looking than you, someone smarter than you, someone more successful (however you measure that – wealth, fame, etc.)
It’s only when you start comparing yourself to others that you seem to come up short.
So why compare? People are smart in different ways, and each person brings something to the table. It’s the differences between people that make them so interesting.
And there is only one you. That’s what I tell my boys all the time. Nobody and nothing could ever replace you. Value what makes you, you.
I want my kids to grow up and own who they are – their strengths, even their weaknesses. You only have one life to live. So I encourage them to make the most of their time, and make the most of their lives.
I’ve learned, from my little boy, life is too short to wish you walked in someone else’s shoes. So strap on your sneakers, push yourself to do the best you can, and just run with it.
