The magic word is not “Please”
When I was a child, every time I wanted something, my parents were asking me:
What’s the magic word?
By that time I was well trained…
“Pleeeeaassseee!!!”
And I usually got what I asked for.
Then, I grew up.
And I did the same with my son.
He is three years old now, with honest, big eyes and quite a rebel.
Every time he asks me to do something, I do the right thing:
“What’s the Magic Word?”
“Please!!”
“Good boy!”
But two days ago something happened, that made me see how wrong I am acting.
I traveled to the south of Portugal and, while being in the hotel, I happened to meet a guy.
He looked casual, wearing sporty clothes and sneakers.
What I didn’t know, is that he happened to be a billionaire.
We discussed family and business, and how differently entrepreneurs teach their children.
His 15-year-old son asked him for something.
“What’s the magic word?”
I smiled, I knew the answer.
“Because,” his son said, and continued by explaining the reasons.
I froze.
“Because.”
How different our world would be if we were teaching this way our children?
How different would we be if we were trained since the beginning of our lives to explain the “Why” behind our demands every time we had one?
It made me think.
What excellent advice other entrepreneurs give to their children that I have no idea about?
How differently could I raise my son?
This little detail resonated with me for one more reason.
When I was watching Nisandeh’s course Living by Design, I got inspired to write a book with advice for my son.
And that little conversation I just shared with you, was one of the best examples of entrepreneurial parenthood I have come across.
So, I thought to myself:
We probably have so many great advice hidden inside us. How more beautiful the entrepreneurial journey would be if we could share them?
So, I am asking you:
If you have children, how do you advise them to live life? Would it be too much to ask to share it with me? Do you have a story or conversation that taught you something?
If you don’t have children, would you mind sharing your advice either way?
Which choice will bring better problems?
Dimitris Bronowski
CEO Open Circles Academy
That was a great one! I feel it is the perfect continuation of your previous post.
I have this little routine I do with my son.
Every time he does something wrong, I take him to the couch and we sit together. I tell him that this is his “punishment” but I also stay with him. A lot of times we stay there hugged. I feel this is a great way to show that wrong actions have consequences, but no matter the conditions, family is family and we are together in this.
I feel a lot of CEOs would be way kinder and their team would be a lot more motivated if they were educated this way and they could communicate the same to their team.
This is a great way to teach that values (in this case “Family”) are always present, during good or bad times. Thank you Andrew!
“Take good care of yourself”
My children were already adult when I discovered for myself that it is extremely important in life to not only take good care of your body, but also of your heart and soul.
If you don’t … on a certain day you will start to have a physical problems and always more and more, like I did for a long time.
Only if you do what your heart and soul need, you can be happy and become the happiest person, healthy, free of stress and filled with joy.
Whenever I see my children, I remind them: “Take good care of yourself. You are the most important person in your life. 🙂 “
Thank you Lieve! That is indeed a wonderful message.
The moment I realized that being happy, healthy and in piece with myself is beneficial for others was the moment I got more inspired to really take care of me. Soon, people around me became happier.
I wonder, have you ever seen your children giving your advice to others?
P.S. I just downloaded the 5 steps action plan to reduce stress from your website. Great content!
Thank you Dimitris. This is an eye-opener for me.
You are welcome Saskia!
But may I ask… Why?