by Anid Kasmodu

Created on: August 17, 2010   Last Updated: August 21, 2010

There's no doubt that fathers play a major role in the development of their children and I'd say hands-down my dad had the most influence on me regarding motivation, ethics, and leadership. Some dads are great. Some dads aren't. Some just do the best they can with what they've been dealt. Hey dads are human; and positive or otherwise, all of them have had some influence on us, and I am so grateful for the positive influence my father had on me.

A former rock-band guitarist turned jet-engine mechanic my dad served his country in the Air Force during the Viet Nam war. Later in life he held the number one sales position (for 11 years) with a major sales company and was acknowledged for his expertise with recognition, awards, and travel trips. My dad taught me everything I know about motivation, sacrifice, excellence, and ethics. Dad also taught me if I want something badly enough and have some capacity to do it- then I better work my arse off to get it.

I grew up overhearing the Jack Canfield success tapes (cassettes! ahaha gotta love those 80s!) that dad would bring home from the conventions his company would send him to. After dinner we'd listen to them together and discuss how the same principles applied not only to his endeavors but also to my 13-year-old world of angst.

Phrases like "Oh what the heck, go for it anyway" and "Fear is fake experiences appearing real" and "I am enough" were the mantras of my childhood. He would stick post-it notes on my mirror that said things like: "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence therefore is not an act but a HABIT." and "Focus on PROGRESS not Perfection."

Now imagine spouting THAT stuff off to your friends when you're in ninth grade. Hilarious. But it worked. I, like many adolescents, had a rough go at it during those teenage years. I found a lot of strength in the words my father gave me to reflect upon.Dad also taught me about love and sacrifice by the way he cared for my mom, my brother, and me. My dad is the one who set the bar for the kind of person I wanted to be... and for the kind of person I would eventually share my life with.

My dad is an extraordinary man. He's not perfect but he continuously strives to do better. To be better. And isn't that what LIFE really is about? It's not about power, money, the accumulation of things, and keeping up with the neighbors. It's about evolution. It's about becoming. It's about transcending the shallow needs and wants that we are brainwashed to believe will fulfill us and

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