I Never Want My Kids To Say “Dad Used To…”
Your loved ones take notice when you let you momentum get to zero.
NEVER ZERO // ISSUE N0. 037
“DAD USED TO…”
This is a phrase I hope to never hear from my kids.
Whether it’s "Dad used to take us camping," "Dad used to lift weights," or "Dad used to run with me," each of those sentences would feel like such a failure that the thought of it alone serves as a constant reminder of why I need to TRAIN HARD.
Or, even worse, what if my kid ever said, “Dad used to be happier,” “Dad used to have muscles,” or “Dad used to not have a belly like that?”
Kids can be brutally honest sometimes, and that honesty can hurt. But getting in front of it is completely in your control. Whether you are a dad, a mom, or you plan to be one someday, you can do the things today so that you will only get fitter, happier, and healthier as you get older.
You can make it so that your kid never says, “Dad used to ___”
This isn’t just about staying physically active; it’s about remaining a constant, engaged presence in the lives of those who matter most. It’s a commitment to ensuring that 'used to' never becomes part of how our kids remember us.
CONSISTENTLY SHOWING UP
Here at TRAIN HARD, we know life gets busy. Between deadlines and meetings, it’s easy to let once-cherished activities slip away. But when my kid wants to play catch after a long day or when a weekend clears up just enough for a spontaneous camping trip, I want to be the first to grab my glove or pack up the tent.
HERE’S HOW I ENSURE THE PHRASE “DAD USED TO” DOESN’T CREEP INTO OUR LIVES:
Prioritize Flexibility: Whether it’s a three-day hike in the backcountry or an impromptu bike ride around the neighborhood, being physically ready means I can say "yes" more often than "no."
Keep Evolving Interests: As my kids grow and their interests change, so do mine. It's about sharing the journey of discovery, not just reminiscing about the past or strongarming my kids to like what I like. My son has recently become obsessed with golf. So, what am I learning and doing a lot more of these days? Golf.
Model Resilience: Showing that I can always have the energy to spend time with them not only strengthens our bond but also teaches resilience. We all have tough days—I have them, and so do my kids—but I do things I need to do to feel the way I want to feel.
I TRAIN HARD, eat the right things, prioritize my sleep, work on my mental health, and use the sauna and cold plunge to show up when my family needs me, no matter what.
MY KIDS WILL NEVER SAY, “DAD USED TO” BECAUSE I WILL NEVER STOP WORKING ON MYSELF.
As long as you never let our momentum get to ZERO, your progress will always continue to move you forward. That is totally in your control, and it is something your kids and your family will notice.
The scary part is that if you DO let your momentum get to zero and start taking steps in the wrong direction, they will also notice and may call you out. Don’t ever let that happen.
YOU ARE THE AVERAGE OF THE PEOPLE YOU SURROUND YOURSELF WITH.
Share this knowledge with those in your life who are also driven to TRAIN, PROTECT, PROVIDE.
Together, we can build a brighter future by helping each other become the best version of ourselves.
