My father was a brilliant architect and entrepreneur.

He passed away over a decade ago, but I still remember the conversations we had about his work in the last years of his life.

He talked about how he always tried to do his best as an architect, despite budget and time constraints.

He said the closest he got to designing something almost 100% the way he wanted was when designed the United Artists theater (now a Regal theater) one block south of Union Square in Manhattan.

These conversations remain a reminder to me that, while conditions often aren’t perfect, we should always strive to do our best.

I keep this in mind as a writer and a creator, as I often feel there’s room for improvement in my work.

The fact that my father didn’t feel he’d done his best work until almost two decades into his career reminds me that the process doesn’t need to be rushed, though, and that we should simply aim to do the best we can in our creative efforts, while offering ourselves some grace, especially when circumstances aren’t ideal.

Because of what he taught me, I believe that, if you keep at it, you’ll create your masterpiece in due time, and this keeps me going.

I’m immensely grateful for this lesson I learned from him today, on Father’s Day, and always.

I love you, Dad.