(Editor’s note: On this Labor Day – Monday, Sept. 2 – Westfair reintroduces some of our columnists who are also small business owners. Here meet Giovanni Roselli, whose career in wrestling, TV and health coaching has not stopped him from being a devoted dad: )
“The best thing a father can give his daughter is his time.” – Unknown
Another year, another reflection. As I author this fatherhood article for the eighth consecutive year, and we approach another school year, I realize that all the clichés about early parenthood hold true. With that said, let me share some lessons I’ve been instilling in my daughter, Juliet, through her various activities and interests. These lessons echo the life and business skills we learn through sports and play.
Softball
- Striking out is part of the game.
- Never take your eye off the ball.
- When you are in the field before a pitch is thrown, ask yourself this question: “What am I going to do if the ball comes to me?” Also figure out what to do if it doesn’t.
- Sometimes you’ll hit the ball hard and make an out, and sometimes you’ll hit it softly and get a hit.
- Small errors can lead to big innings.
- You are part of a team. Be a good teammate and support everyone.
- Accept victory without gloating and accept defeat with poise.
- Have fun.
Gymnastics
- This is a skill-based practice. The only true way to improve is to be consistent and come ready to work every week.
- You may fall and fail at certain drills many times, especially when first learning them. We all have to start somewhere. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try again until you nail it.
- An easy way to keep yourself safe is to stay focused on the task at hand and don’t get distracted.
- There will always be someone with more experience than you. Learn from them and let it motivate you to reach their level.
- Have fun.
Piano
- If it doesn’t sound right, you probably missed a note.
- Listen. Sometimes all you need to do is listen.
- Pay attention to where you place your hands.
- Tempo is important to the rhythm of a song. Some songs are meant to be played faster, some slower. Make sure you play the differences.
- Have fun.
Ballet
- Be on time. Early is on time.
- If you don’t understand something, speak up.
- Be graceful and elegant in all that you do.
- Pay attention to the details.
- Have fun.
Instilling these qualities in my precious Juliet at the sweet age of 7 will, I hope, set her up to continue embracing these lessons throughout her life. As she matures, we’re discussing where her interests lie and where they don’t. If something isn’t fun for her at this age, we’re exploring other options. We’re also distinguishing between discouragement due to difficulty and genuine disinterest.
On a personal note, my approach to battling the dad bod has become much more flexible. I used to work out at 5 a.m. and eat six times a day during my wrestling days. Now I eat once or twice a day and often work out at 10 p.m. after my daughter goes to sleep. It’s been interesting to evolve and adapt, understanding that change is necessary for growth and maturation.
My baby girl isn’t much of a baby anymore. She’s starting to remind me of that as she enters second grade. Time rolls on. So do the lessons. And so do the memories.
Giovanni Roselli, owner of Roselli Health & Fitness LLC is a sought-after health coach who promotes corporate well-being locally and across the country. He is a Master Instructor for the health and human performance company Institute Of Motion and is a nationally certified Precision Nutrition Coach. He has a lengthy history creating content and consulting for major fitness brands such as Nike, 24 Hour Fitness, SCW Mania and Equinox and during the pandemic was voted Virtual Live Stream Best Male Presenter. As a man of many talents, this former WWE Wrestling Superstar has also acted professionally alongside some of the world’s top actors, and his TV appearances include NBC’s “Today” show and “Saturday Night Live” as well as National Geographic Channel’s “Brain Games.”
