6 Life Lessons from my father

Conversations with dad- I’d like to title this post. It’s a rare occurrence for my dad and I to sit down, having a conversation over a cup of coffee (his favourite) or warm tea. My father is a friendly man, sometimes too goofy to take him seriously— but when it is time to put his foot down, he would do so without flinch.

The earthy smell of grounded coffee beans wafted across the living room, “Melody, everyone needs a little bit of luck.” 

He sipped oh my coffee loudly, smacking his lips as if it made the milky brown concoction any tastier. He love his coffee with dollops of creamer.

I looked up at him a little confused, it seems as if he felt like that particular moment was a good time to share some of his wisdom— if so, I am all ears.

6 Life Lessons from my father

1. Everyone needs a stroke of luck

You can work your ass off— waking up at 5.00AM every day so you will be the first to rise, hustle 17 hours a day and yet without lady luck on your side, your efforts will not be rewarded fruitfully. Why do some people do the minimal yet receive more? Because of luck. As if sprinkled with magic dusts, a little bit of luck can be your guidance or aid. Build your luck and the rest will follow.

2. Put your heart into doing something

Not only in career path, we must always put our hearts into making something happen. If you’re enjoying a leisure activity of drawing, put your heart into completing it. The same applies for making friends— put your heart into getting to know the other person. Everything you do, put your heart into it. That is when you know you’ve done your best.

3. Be optimistic

While imagining the worst case scenario may provide you with a Plan B, C, or D to counter any issues, being pessimistic even before you try something is not how life should be lived. Think about the opportunities and possibilities. Reach for them and not hold yourself back with the negative beliefs and thoughts.

4. Never compare yourself to others

This is a tough lesson to swallow. I live my 26 years of life, easily comparing myself to others— but also as my father says, “If you compare yourself to others, you'll never be happy.” You’ll never learn gratitude if you compare yourself. Be content with what you have and where you are now.

5. There will be people better than you

Just live life by your own means. Define your own life. If you’re successful— working as a CXO in a huge company then it is yours to be, but if you are not, always know that there are people better and that is entirely okay. The importance in life is just to be you. Be your best self

6. We don’t know what others are going through

While we don’t know what others have gone through, we should not judge at all. If you’ve come across someone richer than you, don’t get jealous easily— what have they done to reach that point of their lives? Perhaps they wear dirt-stained, worn out hands while yours still gloss with clear, soft skin.


My father is an odd man. He carries so much wisdom yet why does he not succeed in life? I don’t see him riding an expensive Porche, nor do I see him wearing shirts from Ralph Lauren. He is always in his shabby-looking t-shirt bought from the morning market and slippers.


I ponder to myself a little too many times: Why isn't he successful? That is, until I finally understood when he shared his 6 life lessons, I learned that he might not have much monetary richness, but he is rich with happiness— that is what makes life worth living. And this is his definition of success.

I nodded at my father after he finished his “lecture”. It will take some time to digest his lessons.

Read more: Why Fathers Are Often Underrated in Contributing To Who We Become Today?

A life filled with wisdom is better than riches,

Melody