Do you remember the most important lesson your dad ever taught you?

The most important lesson from my Dad is completely contained within two simple, yet powerful words: “YOU CAN.”

When I was a kid, I had no appreciation for his wisdom. I just didn’t get it. 

I remember a moment when I was 10 years old. My dad and I walked down to the middle school near my grandparents house to play basketball. It felt like I missed every single shot I took. I kept whining, “I can’t. I can’t, Dad.” Every time his response was the same: “You can.” I’d get so furious. Furious at his insistence that I could. Furious at his insistence that I was wrong. Clearly, I couldn’t. Was he insane?

In life, again and again, I’d say “I can’t” and he’d say— “YOU CAN. YOU CAN, SOREN.” Sometimes he'd even seem mad. Eventually, I stopped saying “I can’t”, at least out loud. Slowly, my...