Yes, it’s true. It’s my anniversary. And for the first time in years, it’s actually a happy one. Today marks the one year point in my online journey to help single dads change their lives for the better.

I wrote my first post, The Absolute Best Thing You Can Do For Yourself, exactly one year ago today and The Fit Dad Nation has become much more than a blog to me since then.

It’s become my life, my business, and the start of budding empire to help single dads worldwide (and potentially take over the world!)

In the past year I’ve made new friends, worked with some awesome people, and seen the lives of a number of single dads changed forever.

And it’s the brotherhood that we’ve been able to forge over the last year that’s made such an impact in my life. Getting emails from dads I’ve never met telling me how much my work and our community has helped them has been amazing and I feel truly honored to have your attention, respect, and confidence.

Band of Brothers

BOBOur tribe here which I call the #FitDadNation has been a place for us to share our stories, our struggles, our fears, and our victories. There is no judgement here as we all have the same goal; to be the best dads we can be and live life to its fullest as healthy and happy men.

I kind of feel like Lt. Winters from Band of Brothers leading a group of like minded and motivated men into uncharted territory, ready to face anything. And it’s a great feeling.

Many of us have been through hell and back with nasty divorces, bitter custody battles, and the constant stress and heartbreak that comes with splitting a family apart.

And because we’ve come together in a community to help and support one another, I am proud to put my name on it. This has grown into something that inspires me every day and I know this will continue to grow in the coming months and years.

Here’s a quick snapshot of our growth in the last 12 months:

  • Website visitors: 43,661
  • Published posts: 75
  • Email subscribers: 1,500+
  • Facebook likes: 4,643
  • Instagram followers: 6,688
  • Twitter followers: 1,141

I’ve also launched three products, all of which have been released in just the last few months:

  • My online fitness coaching program
  • My 12 week custom training program service. This is only open for a few more days at the time of this writing.
  • The Fit Dads Guide To Pre-Workout Supplements

But the thing I’m most excited about is not the past but rather the future. There are millions of single dads who are struggling emotionally and physically and although there is no way I can help them all, I can do my best to touch as many lives as possible.

Yes, there is a lot of work to be done and it’s my mission to make it happen.

The future I envision is of an entire army of single dads coming together to become strong role models who live with passion and energy and with a healthy lifestyle that will give them an incredible quality of life.

Life is too short not to.

The Most Important Stuff

Far more important then the numbers we see here are the real peoples lives who have been impacted by my work and our community as a whole.

I’ve been reduced to tears on more than one occasion by emails from dads who have hit the wall, are near hopeless, or are struggling to keep their lives together.

I’ve also been incredibly inspired by so many of you who have written to me and shared your stories of turning your lives around and of having a brand new lease on life.

Here are just a few notes I’ve received:

“Keep doing what you do brother. I find your articles helpful and inspiring and because of your help I’ve been able to continue to better myself. I know many other men have gone through much worse and I can only be thankful that I’m alive, have a wondrous daughter and am kicking into great shape. Catch this digital high five brony cuz you helped me rediscover the reason I started getting fit.”

“Your videos and advice were and still are an invaluable source of my having moved on. You have a fan for life with me!”

“Thanks for all you do as most men going through this type of turmoil have no outlet or way to express their feelings. Again you are helping more people than you think.”

“Thanks for all that you do…I really enjoy the information you share, but more importantly you have helped me tap into a whole well of motivation in trying to get healthy for my kids.”

“I wanted to thank you for having the Facebook page. It has helped put things in perspective and motivated my workouts!”

The Future and Beyond

roadWhen I think about the future of this site and of the SDFD brand, I have to smile. To be responsible for starting the #FitDadNation movement and having so many dads unite is an indescribable feeling.

We owe it to ourselves to be fit, happy, and in love with our lives. And we owe it to our children to be present for them, to be a positive influence, and to be their rock. Being physically and mentally strong is where it all starts.

I also want to thank each of you because without your support, there would be no Fit Dad Nation. All I ask is that you continue to spread the word and keep our brotherhood strong!

Now over to you:

What would you like to see more of in the next year? What will help you the most?

Fit Dad Basecamp
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