When I was a child, I thought that everything was my fault. My dad was a big part of that.
I always could have done something differently. Worked harder. Gone slower. Been more proactive. It was a frustrating lesson to learn at the time.
But, it’s 100% why I was able to retire at 35.
And, I know now that my dad was not just teaching me that everything was “my fault”. Instead, he was teaching me responsibility. He was instilling within me the realization that blaming everyone around me might make me feel better, but it does not work.
He taught me that passing around blame is how you lose respect and kill your chances of accomplishing your goals. Because when external factors are to blame, you have lost before even starting.
Thanks, dad.