This story brings me back to my second year in high school. As a fairly responsible student (if I do say so myself), I was selected to represent my class in the school's Leadership Program. Each participant had to come with a signed consent form from their parents. I excitedly dashed home as recess ended, excited about the opportunity, and handed over the consent form to my father. His response taught me one of the most eye opening lessons of my life.

He gave the form a brief once-over, adjusted the glasses perched precariously on the bridge of his nose, and then shook his head. I was puzzled. Did he not want me to join the Leadership Program? My father was not the type to intervene in decisions I took concerning my personal growth.

"If I sign this, you're going to have to learn how to forge my signature. If you sign it from the start, you'll be able to sign whatever you want and no one will know" he said with a stern look, handing the form back.

What was he suggesting? Forge his signature? It sounded unethical, even illegal. My 15yo brains couldn't understand why Dad would propose such a thing. But then he explained it.

"No, son, I'm not asking you to forge my signature. I'm teaching you about responsibility and accountability," he said, as I stood bewildered, consent form in hand. "You're stepping into a role that requires you to make decisions, to lead, to be a role model. Sign your own consent. Own your choices."

And so, following his advice, I went back to school the next day and signed my own consent form. Surprisingly, nobody asked questions or suspected anything. This intentional act of self authority that I had taken remained unnoticed and unchallenged.

His advice started a journey of self empowerment that has echoed through all corners of my life. When I applied for my first job post college, overwhelming self doubt washed over me. But again, I remembered my father's words, signed my application, and submitted it to what is now my present workplace.

That advice molded my career, cultivated a sense of responsibility, and gave me the courage to own my decisions no matter how significant they were. I learned never to shy away from the calling of my ambitions, not waiting for someone else's approval but attaining them on my own accord, forging my path.

My career has had a lot of highs and lows since then. But each time I find myself doubting my capabilities, I remember that afternoon in high school when my dad taught me the power of signing your own name. Its a small act that encourages a lifetime of self assurance and accountability.

PS Don't forge other people's signatures without their cincent (duh)