Welcome to the Daily Dad podcast, where we provide one lesson every single day to help you with your most important job, being a parent.

I'm Ryan Holiday, and I draw these lessons from ancient philosophy, modern psychology, practical wisdom, and insights from

parents just like you all over the world. Thank you for listening, and we hope this helps.

We are all complicated. Naturally, we want to be perfect for our kids, and since we're not,

we feel guilty or inadequate. So much so that sometimes we hide or lie about it or worse,

act like hypocrites. You might think it was devastating for the comedian Pete Davidson, who lost

his father on September 11th, to learn that his father was

far from perfect. But as he grew older, Pete discovered more and more about his heroic father,

who died saving people in the collapse of the Twin Towers. With time, Pete began to understand that

his parents' marriage had not been perfect, which is why his parents were separated and divorced,

not long before that fateful day. He also came to learn that his father had done drugs and gotten in trouble

in his life. But instead of disappointing his son, it actually humanized him. It made me realize

that he had his own issues, Pete explained to Jud Apatow and Sicker in the Head. He had problems

just like everybody else.

But it also made me realize that even with all that, his morals were still intact, and none of that

prevented him from being a hero. No one is perfect. Least of all you. We are all complicated. You

don't need to hide it. You don't need to feel guilty.

It won't prevent you from being great at this job, nor from being a hero if the moment calls for it.

Hey, thank you for listening to the Daily Dad podcast.

Leave us a review in iTunes.

It helps a great deal. Really appreciate it.

And of course, if you know any other dads who could benefit from these messages, please let them know.

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