8 Ways Our Dads Taught Us To Be Warriors

“What we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.” – Umberto Eco

As we were growing up, we watched our dads bring home the bacon and take care of the entire family, day after day. Sometimes he was the one we turned to for permission when moms told us “no”, other times, he gave us reality checks whenever we stepped out of line. Whether it’s showing us how to assemble Ikea furniture or use a shaver, there’s no doubt that our dads have taught us a lot, and played a significant role in shaping us to become who we are today.

Today, Evolve Daily shares 8 Ways Our Dads Taught Us To Be Warriors:

1) He Taught Us The Value Of Hard Work

ONE Superstar Shinya Aoki and his son.

There’s no doubt that your dad worked hard to provide for your family – he put a roof over your head and enabled you to lead a comfortable life. And his hard work doesn’t end in the office, because he also gave his 100% at home to split the chores with your mom, and look after you.

There might have been times when you noticed him looking a little tired because of a rough day at work, but he never once complained about it. Now that you understand the value of hard work, you’re willing to do whatever it takes to achieve your goals.

2) He Taught Us To Take Responsibility For Our Actions 

ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee has trained with her father, Ken Lee, ever since she was a little girl.

Your dad was probably there for you when you failed your first test. Although you could see the disappointment in his eyes, he didn’t take it out on you. Instead, he explained that things happen because of our actions – and you probably didn’t do well on that test because you didn’t study hard enough, or pay attention in class.

During those moments when you were disheartened, your dad probably told you to keep your chin up and learn from your mistakes, rather than let them define you. And that’s why you’re now able to keep going, even when life gets tough, and you feel like giving up.

3) He Taught Us To Be Independent

UFC Superstar Rafael Dos Anjos is also a BJJ Black Belt.

Although you started off depending on your parents, you’ve learned to rely on yourself more as you grew up. And chances are, it was your dad who encouraged you to spread your wings and expand your horizons – be it going on your first overseas trip without him, or trying that new activity you’ve been telling him about. Thanks to your independence, you’re now able to fight for what you believe in, even when it feels like the rest of the world is against you.

4) He Taught Us To Love Ourselves

BJJ World Champion and ONE Superstar Leandro “Brodinho” Issa has a teenage son named Leandro Thomas.

You might have dealt with insecurities and low self-esteem at some point, and hence, struggled to embrace yourself. Thank goodness your dad was there to remind you that it’s okay to be a work-in-progress, as long as you always work towards becoming the best version of yourself. Now, you’re able to take good care and be kind to yourself – even on days when you don’t feel 100%.

5) He Taught Us To Be Happy With What We Have

ONE Lightweight World Champion Christian Lee and his father, Ken Lee. 

Admit it – you probably had some bratty moments when you were a kid. Perhaps you threw tantrums when your parents refused to buy you that new toy, or let you have an extra lollipop. Maybe there were some moments when you compared yourself to your friends and wished that you had what they have. But it was your dad who patiently explained to you that the grass is always greener on the other side, even when you refused to believe him last time.

Over time, you’ve learned to appreciate everything that you have in life, and you now understand that where you’re standing, the grass is just as green – or maybe even greener – than the other side.

6) He Taught Us To Not Sweat The Small Stuff

Your dad might have been super chill even when things got chaotic around the house – be it a leak, or when something went missing. Instead of fretting and panicking, he always knew that it was better to use that energy to think of a solution or figure things out. Now, when things get a little crazy, you remember how your dad never fails to keep calm regardless of the situation – and you do what you can to not sweat the small stuff, too.

7) He Taught Us To Stay Humble

Multiple-time Muay Thai World Champion Sagetdao Petpayathai and his son.

There were probably moments when your dad bragged about your achievements, because he was really proud of you for making it to the cross country team, or getting an A on your final exam. But in the moments when you let your ego inflate, he would be there to give you a reality check and keep your feet on the ground. And it’s all thanks to him that you don’t get complacent even when you’re doing well – because you know that you can always do better and achieve more.

8) He Taught Us To Punch Fear In The Face 

Multiple-time Muay Thai World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao and his daughter.

Whether you realize it or not, your dad always found ways to push you out of your comfort zone – be it taking you to the deep end of the pool to learn to swim or signing you up for an adventure camp. Although at that point in time, you might have hated it, you now realize that all those moments helped you become braver, and that you’re able to conquer anything.

We believe every dad is awesome, and that we wouldn’t be where we are today without our dads. So go on, give your dad a hug and celebrate all that he’s done for you. So tell us, what lessons have you learned from your dad?