6. Closing Out the Year as a Dad

 



Closing Out the Year as a Dad

Hey dads, as the year wraps up, let’s take a moment to reflect. For my family, it’s been a pretty good year. Not perfect, but full of growth. I’ve learned a lot—like how to give my daughter space to be herself while still setting boundaries. Or how to loosen the reins on my 10-year-old son, who’s earned more trust and independence. And as a husband, I’m working on listening more and solving less. None of this is perfect, but hey, I’m celebrating the small steps forward.

I’d encourage you to do the same. Think of it as defragging your year. Look back and relish the best moments—the laughs, the milestones, the wins. Celebrate how your kids have grown, not just in height but emotionally and mentally. And don’t forget to reflect on your own growth.

Now, here’s the tricky part—take a look at the things that didn’t go so well. Not to beat yourself up or dwell on them, but to see if hindsight has gifted you any clarity. Maybe a tough period, like an illness or a challenge at work, was just life being hard. But even in those moments, how did you show up? How did you react?

Sometimes you’ll find a reason to pat yourself on the back—you were there for your family when they needed you. Other times, maybe not so much. And that’s okay. We’re not reflecting to stew in regret; we’re doing it to prepare for the road ahead.

Think of it like driving—if you hit a pothole on your commute one day, you’d want to remember where it was so you can avoid it tomorrow. Reflection helps us spot those potholes and steer clear next time.

So, as this year closes, take some time to celebrate your wins, learn from the losses, and set your sights on the year ahead. Progress, not perfection—that’s what it’s all about.

What do you think? Ready to defrag the year?

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