Happy Father’s Day and the Power of Never Settling for OK

Jono Blodgett
Jun 15
5 min read

Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the dads, father figures, and mentors who have shaped our lives, often in ways we only come to fully appreciate with time. Beyond the brunches, phone calls, and maybe the socks no one really needs, Father’s Day gives us an annual nudge to reflect on the values they’ve instilled in us.

For me, one of the most vivid lessons I ever learned from my dad wasn’t about managing finances or fixing a leaky faucet (though, to his credit, he did teach me those things). Instead, it came in the form of a pair of hiking boots, a trail, and a relentless commitment to keep moving, even when the going got tough.

The Power of One Trail and Two Tired Kids

When I was a kid, weekends often meant one thing in our household: the beach or hiking. If we were hitting the mountains, my dad had a knack for finding trails and roping my sister and me into them under the guise of "quality family time." We’d leave the comfort of our couch, reluctantly don our mismatched outdoor gear, and set off. To a casual observer, it might have seemed idyllic. For my sister and me, though, it often felt like a grueling exercise in endurance.

I still remember one hike in particular. The incline was relentless, the afternoon sun poured over us like a heated blanket, and our young legs ached with every step. About halfway up, we hit our collective breaking point and my sister moaned out in the typical pouty child's voice "Daddy, my legs are tired!"

My dad’s response was straightforward, almost maddening in its simplicity: "Keep going."

"But our legs hurt!” we protested, fanning the flames of our suffering for sympathy that would never come. To that, he simply said something along the lines of, "Sure, it hurts. But you don’t quit just because it’s uncomfortable."

Grueling as it was, we kept moving. Step by step, sweat beading down our foreheads, fueled by sheer willpower (and the promise of ice cream at the trailhead). And you know what? The view from the summit made every ache worth it. Looking back, I realize that day wasn’t just about conquering a hill but a metaphorical mountain we’d face in the years to come.

Overcoming Fear, One Wave at a Time

Then comes fear and my dad had a remarkable knack for ignoring it—especially mine. Take waves, for example. When we weren't on the trails, we'd be at the beach and I was terrified of any wave bigger than a ripple, and yet there he was, dragging me out into surf that felt like it could swallow me whole. I’d scream bloody murder, begging him not to push me into the monstrous walls of water, but he’d just grin and do it anyway. Terrifying? Absolutely. But somewhere along the way, that relentless shove into discomfort became my comfort zone. Fast forward a few years, and there I was, surfing Pipeline on days that could make grown men cry. Turns out, Dad knew exactly what he was doing.

Overcoming Obstacles, One Step at a Time

Fast forward to today, and my dad has turned 80. To say his life philosophy of perseverance has stuck with him would be an understatement. Despite the inevitable physical challenges that come with aging, he strength trains three times a week and walks 3-5 miles on his “rest” days, hills included.

My Dad's VERY steep hill repeat victory!

His motivation? Stay strong, stay independent. “Aging doesn’t mean rolling over and letting life happen to you. It means figuring out how to adapt, even when things aren’t the same as they used to be.”

My dad’s commitment to never giving up—to keep moving, no matter how small the steps or how steep the hill—is something I’ve carried into my own life. It’s a reminder that obstacles are just speed bumps, not stop signs.

Lessons from Dad’s Trail

Here’s what my dad’s philosophy has taught me about life, discomfort, and determination.

1. Discomfort is Not a Dealbreaker.

Just because something isn’t easy, or scary, doesn’t mean it’s not worth pursuing. Whether you’re navigating a rough uphill trail or pushing through a challenging project at work, the ability to endure discomfort is usually what separates success from stagnation.

2. Progress Can Be Tiny and Still Count.

Climbing a hill doesn’t require sprinting to the summit; it just requires putting one foot in front of the other. The same goes for tackling life’s problems. Small, consistent actions compound over time.

3. Adaptability is a Superpower.

The world changes, your body changes, circumstances change. The question isn’t whether challenges will arise (because they will), but how you’ll adjust to keep moving forward.

4. The Payoff is Often Worth the Pain.

Whether it’s the literal view from a mountaintop or the figurative sense of achievement, there’s no greater reward than knowing you pushed through when it mattered most.

Never Settle for Just "OK"

On this Father’s Day, I want to share a simple yet powerful message inspired by my dad: Never Settle for Just OK. At first glance, it might seem like a straightforward piece of advice, but it holds so much depth. Life constantly presents us with decisions—some small, others life-changing. In those moments, we often face a choice: to accept what’s good enough or to push ourselves to aim higher, to dream bigger, to go beyond the bare minimum.

My dad’s motto was always, "Never settle for just OK. Always push yourself to be or find the best option possible." He lived by this principle in everything he did, whether it was in his work, his relationships, or even the simplest of tasks. He believed that “just OK” wasn’t enough, not when there’s an opportunity to create something better.

This mindset has resonated with me throughout my life. It’s a reminder to never let complacency or fear of failure hold us back. It’s about striving for excellence, even when it’s uncomfortable. Whether it’s pursuing a career goal, building meaningful connections, or taking on new challenges, my dad’s words continue to remind me that effort and determination can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

So this Father’s Day, I encourage you to reflect on the choices you make each day. Are you settling for “just OK”? Or are you pushing yourself to uncover the best possibilities? Let this be a reminder to honor the people in our lives who inspire us to aim higher and motivate us to never stop trying. Thank you, Dad, for teaching me to always strive for the best. Your wisdom continues to shape the way I live and the way I approach every opportunity. Let’s all carry that spirit forward.

Take inspiration from your father or a father figure in your life. Whether they’ve taught you how to throw a football, change a tire, or keep going when it feels easier to stop, their wisdom is a gift that keeps on giving. Sometimes, strength doesn’t come from sprinting past obstacles but from putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how tired you feel.

Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there—not just for being fathers but for being trailblazers in life and in persistence.

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