In this episode we break down the three critical mental shifts that separate dads who thrive from those who spend years trying to recreate their old life - and why your kids pay the price when you resist the transformation.

The 3 Mental Shifts:

1. Stop romanticizing your pre-kid life - It probably wasn't as great as you remember
2. Embrace that it's supposed to be hard - The struggle is the point, not something to escape
3. Become what you want to leave behind - Your kids will become who you are, not who you tell them to be

In this episode, we get real about:

• How the hardest parts of early parenthood forge you into the dad your kids need
• Why "me time" and old hobbies might be holding you back from real fulfillment
• The difference between being selfish and becoming the example your kids need
• How to start becoming the father you want your kids to see (even if you feel like a beginner)

This isn't about perfection - it's about evolution. Your kids are watching everything you do, and they'll become a reflection of who you are right now. The question is: are you becoming someone worth following?

Key takeaways: ✓ Your pre-kid life was probably more self-centered than you remember ✓ Early parenting struggles exist to transform you, not torment you ✓ Kids model behavior, not advice - become what you want them to be ✓ You can start changing who you are today, regardless of your past ✓ The best gift you can give your kids is becoming a better version of yourself

Perfect for new dads, expecting fathers, and anyone who's still trying to fit kids into their old life instead of growing into their new one.

Keywords: New dad advice, fatherhood transformation, parenting mindset, dad psychology, becoming a father, parenting struggles, dad development, family leadership