john nitti what would dad say self help book

What Would Dad Say?
Practical Life Advice & Motivation from a Father Who Has Seen It All

Author John Nitti

What would you tell your children if you had to bottle up a lifetime of wisdom on the spur of the moment? Following the tragic losses of 9/11, former NFL player and Wall Street executive John Nitti did just that.

In this straightforward, conversational guide, you’ll explore practical rules of life supported by stories and lessons learned from college professors, high-powered executives, sports figures, and ancient philosophers alike.

About John Nitti
About the Book

A Practical Guide from a Dad Navigating Family, Career, and Life’s Crossroads

Lessons from an NFL, Wall Street, and Yale father while exploring integrity, success and happiness

Here are just a few rules that are found inside the book.

Want a rule? Here’s one…

Take Action Over Inaction: meaning if you're undecided on whether or not to do something or go somewhere do it or go!

You've Got to Get Down Before You can Get Hight: from the Yoruba Tribe in West Africa.  Meaning you need to suffer through the bad before you can truly appreciate the good (or success)

IF YOU DON’T THINK YOU CAN, YOU WON’T meaning that confidence is the most important determinant of success

LIVE FOR TODAY meaning live in the present vs. longing for the past or fretting about the future

HE WHO HAS MUCH, MUCH IS EXPECTED meaning those who are successful and have influence should use that to benefit society

Someday you will be family: watch how the person you may marry treats their family; eventually that's how they will treat you

Sow your wild oats before you get married: meaning don't marry the first person you date.  Experience the full benefits of being single etc. first
Try hard and have fun: winning at all costs doesn't make sense, but trying to win and having fun is what athletics are all about
Don't be afraid to make a mistake: or as Wayne Gretzky said, "I missed 100% of the shots I didn't take".  Leave it all out there and don't worry about mistakes
Play hard, work hard and sleep hard: you need balance
Get Admitted to Your College of Choice - again read the book to see how to do this
Without Your Health You Have Nothing - just ask deceased billionaire, Steve Jobs

You've Got To Get Down Before You Get High: from the Yoruba Tribe in West Africa.  Meaning you need to suffer through the bad before you can truly appreciate the good (or success)

DO WHAT YOU LOVE, AND YOU WILL NEVER WORK A DAY IN YOUR LIFE - it's hard to work 50-60 hours a week if you don't like it
FOLLOW EVERY RAINBOW TILL YOU FIND YOUR DREAM - pursue even if you need to start at the very bottom
The Triangle and Funnel Theories - read the book!
LUCK IS WHERE PREPARATION MEETS OPPORTUNITY (AGAIN) - be prepared in order to succeed
PEOPLE BUY FROM PEOPLE THEY TRUST - not the old adage from people they like.  But they must like you in order to spend time with you and learn to trust you
LIVE EACH DAY AS IF IT WERE YOUR LAST - not as straightforward as it sounds - read the book!
UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU’RE WILLING TO DIE FOR - only then will you know what matters most to you
There Is a God, But He Doesn't Care About Your Big Game - so please don't think he chose you over your opponent and thank him for that.
RELIGION IS NOT JUST ON SUNDAYS - it's much more important to live honorably than attend services
THE MAN IN THE GLASS - no one knows you better than yourself.  You're the one that should be satisfied with yourself not the ones who don't know you.  
THE HIGHER YOU GO UP THE LADDER, THE MORE YOUR BUTT IS EXPOSED - culminating with the President a country, whom have the population hates. When you’re on top, jealously prevails and you will need thick skin to withstand criticism.  So again, it's the man (person) in the glass that matters.
LIST YOUR TOP 10 LIFE MOMENTS - that will tell you what's most important to you
"The best and most beautiful things in the world can not been seen nor touched, but are felt in the heart "-Helen Keller..  Possessions or wealth don't matter.  Time and distance don't matter as much as what you feel in your heart.

Author

John Nitti

Author

John Nitti

John and his wife, Patricia, wed in 1985 and have remained happily married. They currently reside in Dix Hills, Long Island. Pat is a personal trainer and instructor who helps John maintain a consistent exercise regimen. Pat and John raised four children, all who attended elite educational institutions: John Michael (Cornell University), Annmarie (NYU), Cailyn (Penn State University), and RJ (Bucknell University).

My Story
John Nitti advice for fathers with family
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Loved the style and substance.  John writes like he speaks, which is great.  I felt like I was right wing to him.  What a cool thing for him to do.  I sincerely appreciated it.  I kept thinking “What a great thing for his kids to have. Tremendous advice!

– Tom Mendoza

Former Vice Chairman of NetApp and Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame