Prove It: Lessons to My Son
My son Kael just earned his second Man of the Match honor in his first five games of the season in Spain. As a dad, I’m proud — but what makes me even prouder is not the award, but the man he’s becoming.
Just a year ago, Kael had a lackluster freshman season in college soccer. He was talented, but he wasn’t doing the work. He wanted the next level, but his actions didn’t match his goals.
So I did what I would do with a young manager who tells me they’re ready for a promotion: I looked him in the eye and said, “Prove it.”
I shut off his credit card. I gave him a brutally honest assessment of his work ethic. And I stopped begging him to train.
As a parent, that was hard. Every instinct said to help him, to support him, to soften the blow. But growth doesn’t happen in comfort — so I let him go.
For two weeks, he barely spoke to me. He was angry, hurt, probably embarrassed.
Then I started noticing small changes. He was at the gym late at night after work. He started running 4–5 miles after training. And he started asking me questions about my own experience as a two-sport collegiate athlete.
I didn’t praise him. I didn’t coach him. I just watched.
Because this was the moment he needed to stop carrying my dream and start carrying his own.
And now? He’s thriving — not because of me, but because he decided to take full responsibility for his growth.
The Lesson for Young Professionals
If you want the next promotion, the next role, or the next opportunity — stop waiting for someone to hand it to you.
Be brutally honest about where you are right now.
Stop expecting others to carry your goals.
Start scheduling time with your boss — and your boss’s boss.
Find a mentor or coach who will tell you the truth, even when it stings.
Growth is your responsibility — and just like Kael, you have to own it.
- Tony
If you don’t have a mentor or coach to challenge you and keep you honest, reach out. I’ve been there — and I’d be happy to help you build your own blueprint for growth.
