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The Inspiration for Fast Growth
I work very hard to ensure that this blog focuses on the issues facing fast growth businesses. To that end, I stay away from personal issues and thoughts. Today, I’m making an exception.
This morning, my dad, Philip Gardner Davidoff, passed away. I love my dad. And I owe my mom and my dad for giving me the inspiration to believe that a kid from Bowie, MD could change the world.
My dad wasn’t a role model to me in the traditional sense. He taught me, through word and deed, that I should follow my own path – not his. My dad instilled in me that anything was possible, that one person could fight city hall, and that it didn’t matter how much money you made unless you went to sleep that night comfortable with who you are and excited about what you are going to do the next morning.
Dad showed me that you should follow your dreams – even if that means risk. My parents started a travel agency before most people knew what a travel agency was. He left a comfortable, secure job with the government to work at the agency; and he did this when the world was in a recession that, in my opinion, was worse than what we’re dealing with today.
Dad also taught me the value of original, contrarian ideas. Dad wasn’t easy to get excited (though when he got excited there was no stopping him). He was understated and really smart. To get him engaged in a conversation meant you really had to bring something to the table. Dad showed me that when you have a powerful idea, you owe it to the world to do what it takes to bring it to life – even if that means some people will not treat you well in the process (Mom taught me this too).
I wasn’t the easiest kid to deal with. As an average student with a micro attention span and a little bit of attitude, Dad did for me the most important thing any parent could – he gave me the confidence that no matter how badly I screwed something up, no matter how badly I failed; Dad and Mom would be there accepting me for who I was.
Dad was instrumental in giving me the confidence to doubt the world, set a course, and pursue it. Every post you read here is the result of what Mom and Dad do for me.
I wrote about Dan Sullivan’s advice yesterday. He has another piece of advice that I work everyday to live by. Dan says that “you should always make your future bigger than your past.” I remember the evening I talked to my Dad about this. We discussed that always meant always – that on the day of your death you future can be bigger than your past, if; IF, you inspire enough people to advance your journey.
Dad, your future is bigger than your past. I miss you.
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10 Responses to “The Inspiration for Fast Growth”
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[...] readers of this blog know, my father passed away on Thursday, March 19th. I’ve gotten so many wonderful responses to the post about my dad – both online and [...]
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Resources
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Third Wave Selling Blog
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts. We love you, let us know if there is anything that we can do for you!
Doug, sorry for your loss and thank you for your message. Your dad’s advice is as pertinent today to anyone raising children as it was when they were spoken. You were blessed…
Doug, Thank you for being so open and sharing this personal story. I am now aware that you and I have something in common..a father that taught us about the ‘possible’ and not the ‘impossible’. You are truly blessed and I know your Dad is very proud of you! I am sure he watched as you wrote these words in this personal note and smiled with a tear thinking, “That’s my boy!” Doug, please also remember that even the strongest and most steadfast require the assistance from others from time to time and I hope you will reach out to your friends and family to allow us to come alongside you, just as you would for them.
I am very sorry to hear of your loss Doug. It is never easy to lose someone so close. In typical fashion you are able to articulate your feelings for your dad in a special way. I’m sad I never got to meet your father, however, take comfort that his legacy will live on in a very special person – YOU. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Doug, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you, your mom and the rest of your family. This was a beautiful tribute to your Dad. I did not know him well, but what I do know is that he would be very proud to read this.
Doug–your comments were touching. I passed it on to my children because I hope that my life and example are also creating the backdrop for this to happen in each of their lives. Thanks for sharing.
Doug: I just learned of your father’s passing and know how hard it is to lose such an important part of your life. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I know that you will miss him terribly. Again, my deepest sympathy.
doug , I am sorry to hear about yur father.he sounds like he was a great human being who left a great mark on this world , namely you.
I hope that you are well.
David Klein
Doug, Sorry to hear about your Dad. You are fortunate to have a Dad who let you make your own decisions based on what you wanted not what everyone else thought you should do. He sounded pretty cool.
Mine died 4 years ago. He was a rough guy at 6’4″ built like a freight rain he was hard on us kids. Just like what your’s taght you about being contrarian, mine taught me how to be a Real Rebel by being myself and learn to survive life. That’s how I remember my Dad. The good stuff. For without his Rebel attitude I would probably be..yuk…normal.
Hang in there and remember, It is good to let the tears flow.
MK