In honor of Father’s Day coming up this weekend, I asked a few of my favorite bloggers and designers to share the best lessons they’ve learned from their fathers. But, of course, I have to start by sharing a little about my own dad.

A huge part of who I am comes from my dad, and we are so alike in so many ways. We are both very analytical, and love a color-coded spreadsheet. He’s taught me that if you’re going to do something, do it right. My love for music and football runs deep, and that’s all from my dad. I remember riding to middle school every day and we’d “jam out” to Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, and Bruce Springsteen. He patiently taught me the ins and outs of football (the greatest sport there is), and proved that there are some things worth planning your Saturday around.

My dad has a phrase that he uses a lot: “If it was easy, anybody could do it.” He’s probably told me this a hundred times. And it seems to apply to all facets of life. Trying to get in shape? That takes work. Trying to get through a grueling masters program? That takes work too. Trying to restore a 114 year old house, find a new career path, or do something completely out of your comfort zone? You guessed it…all of those take work. But my dad has always reminded me, “If it was easy, anybody could do it.” Because of this, I’ve learned the great sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from working hard through an obstacle and coming out better for it on the other side.

Here’s what 6 other bloggers and designers had to say…

Lauren from Lauren Nicole Designs

My dad has taught me so much! Everything from fishing, tennis, basketball, football…I was like the son he never had watching sports all along side of him growing up. We listened to music together and every morning on the way to school he would try to guess which band was playing on my favorite radio station. My dad has two very favorite phrases that will stay with me forever: ‘Attitude is Everything’ and ‘Think Positive’ and both embody his outlook on life. Combined with his perseverance and faith that ‘this too shall pass’ has all contributed to my drive to run my own business and do so while being a mom and a wife. Oh and his famous Benjamin Franklin method–I am one for change, I get bored easily but I like BIG changes so Dad always tells me to get out my pen and paper, draw the line down the middle and write out the pros and cons of the decision. And I swear, every time I listen the decision is staring right back at me. He is one smart, funny and caring man, my Dad, Mick! Love you Dad!

Sarah from Sarah Sarna

I lost my father to a difficult battle when I was a teen. I remember him everyday and it is his simplest teaching that resonates most. My Dad was a HS history teacher and he would tell his students, as well as my 3 siblings and me, over and over again: “Peace. Love. Understanding.” Every time he said this, he would make a peace symbol with his left hand. These three words that seemed so simple when I was kid, now recalibrate and soothe me in my daily thoughts. As conceptually basic as peace, love, and understanding are, they are at the heart of my relationship with my self and everyone and everything around me. Thanks, Dad!

Cathy from The Grit & Polish

My father has taught me a lot about renovating old houses over the years. A few lessons that have stuck with me: Do it right the first time; Why pay someone else to do something when you can do it yourself; and my personal favorite, right righty, lefty loosey. 

Bridget from The DIY Playbook

Jaime from A Well Dressed Life

PS – If you’d like to see some favorite lessons from our mothers, click here!