Remember when you were a kid? Your parents always had “the best advice” to give, but you wouldn’t listen…

I mean, come on… if we listen then we submitted to the parental authority and lost our autonomy right? We surrendered our independent way of thinking and could no longer form our own opinions, if we agreed.

But then, we would get to that party, or date that boy or girl, and then here came “The Voice” of reasoning (insert dramatic trombone of sad realization). They were right! Well, almost all the time…

Now that Jacky and I have been parents for over 9 years, it is starting to settle in; the idea that Mom and Dad had valuable experiences to gleam from. It didn’t mean that they were always right, but their perspective could have been valuable if we had listened and learned the powerful trait of Discernment. See, even if someone is wrong, you can still learn from them and keep your opinions.

Try telling that to a 9 year old girl 👆 .

We have coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in the successes, and avoidance of failures, towards their businesses. And we have found it to be the same as parenting kids. Naturally, with that comes children that listen and those who do not.

Here are some of the lessons we have learned. But let’s try it this time in the voice of Mom and Dad… and see if the kids will listen.

The Voice of Dad: Easy-Going, Fun-Loving, Yet Direct and Firm

Hey there, champ! Life’s a wild ride, isn’t it? One moment you’re coasting downhill with the wind in your hair, and the next, you’re stuck in mud up to your knees. But that’s the beauty of it! Those muddy moments? They make the downhill sprints all the sweeter. Now, let me share a few nuggets of wisdom from my well of experience.

1. Stay Positive, Even When Life Stinks: Look, bad stuff happens. It’s like stepping in gum—you can either curse your luck or laugh it off and keep walking. When adversity strikes, maintain a positive attitude. It won’t change the situation immediately, but it changes how you handle it. You’d be surprised how much a good chuckle can lighten a heavy load.
2. Set Small, Achievable Goals: Climbing a mountain starts with small steps. Set little goals that inch you closer to your big dreams. Celebrate those small wins; they’re the breadcrumbs leading you to the treasure chest of success.
3. Learn from Failure: Failure isn’t the end—it’s just a plot twist. Every setback teaches you something. Analyze what went wrong, tweak your approach, and come back stronger. Remember, even superheroes have their off days.
4. Seek Support: Don’t be a lone ranger. Reach out to friends, family, mentors—anyone who can offer support or advice. Sometimes, just talking things out can provide clarity. Plus, it’s a great excuse to catch up over a coffee or a cold one.
5. Stay Adaptable: Life throws curveballs. Be ready to duck, dive, and adapt. Flexibility is your secret weapon. When plans go awry, don’t panic. Instead, pivot and find a new way forward.

So, kiddo, when life gets tough, remember these tips. Keep your head up, your spirit high, and your sense of humor intact. You’ll navigate through the muck and emerge even stronger. Trust me; I’ve been there, done that, and got the t-shirt!

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Mama’s Voice: Extremely Loving, Loud, and Passionate

Hola, mi amor! You know, life is like a telenovela—full of drama, passion, and unexpected turns. As a mama of four little tornadoes, I’ve learned a thing or two about dealing with chaos and coming out on top. Let me share my heart with you.

1. Embrace Your Roots and Culture: Our heritage is rich with stories of resilience and triumph. Draw strength from our ancestors’ struggles and victories. Their spirit flows in your veins. When times get tough, remember where you come from and the strength that’s been passed down to you.
2. Love Fiercely and Support Each Other: Family is everything. Lean on us, and let us lean on you. In the darkest times, love is the light that guides us through. Don’t hesitate to call or come over when you need a boost or a good meal—we’ll be here with open arms and a feast ready.
3. Be Passionate and Loud About Your Dreams: Scream your dreams from the rooftops! Be proud of what you want to achieve and chase it with all your heart. Passion fuels perseverance. When you’re passionate, obstacles shrink because your drive is so powerful.
4. Find Joy in Small Moments: Life’s beauty lies in its little moments. Take time to enjoy a good meal, dance to your favorite song, or simply laugh with loved ones. These joys refuel your spirit and keep you grounded.
5. Persevere Through Challenges: You’re stronger than any adversity you face. When life tests you, rise up and show it what you’re made of. Remember how we handled that time the kids were all sick at once? Chaos, yes, but we pulled through because we didn’t give up.
6. Teach and Learn Continuously: Life is a constant learning journey. Teach what you know and be open to learning new things. Each lesson, whether from a triumph or a setback, adds to your wisdom. Share your experiences; you never know who might need your story to fuel their own journey.

Mi querido, life may be tough, but you’re tougher. With passion, love, and the strength of our family behind you, there’s no mountain too high to climb. Go out there, shine bright, and make us proud!

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So, there you have it—a blend of Dad’s easy-going wisdom and Mom’s passionate love.

Together, they create a roadmap for navigating adversity and achieving success. Embrace both approaches, and you’ll find your way through any storm life throws your way.

¡Adelante! Go forward with courage and joy.

Which voice did you prefer to listen to when you were a kid?

Write in the Comments below.