Three Books that Changed my Life as a Young Man
Posted in Book, Favorite books on September 27th by Dan.
I wanted to share three books that changed my life when I was a young impressionable teenager. My parents split apart when I was 5 years-old and I bounced around from relatives to relative, parent to parent, making it really tough for me to find my way. The biggest problem was - I didn’t know how to feel good about myself. I hadn’t yet done anything in my life for me to be proud of. I hadn’t yet had any success which to build upon. I hadn’t yet formed an identity.
These 3 books pointed me in the right direction.
The first book Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz was the beginning of a new belief system for me. This book is one of the very first books on "creative visualization." It taught me to see a better future for myself that I never thought was possible or could even exist. My dad’s friend, a hypnotherapist, recommended the book when I was in the ninth grade. My life was a mess. I was on the verge of dropping out of school. I had very few friends and had just quit the football team because I wasn’t getting ANY playing time.
After reading Psycho-Cybernetics how dramatic was the change?
In one year I went from a quitter to MVP of my team. That’s right. I did a COMPLETE 360 by doing one simple thing on a daily basis. I VISUALIZED. I imagined in vivid detail the things I wanted to accomplish. It was that simple. I did this and my life changed.
I saw it. I believed it. I made it happen.
Since then, I’ve continued to visualize on a daily basis with great success. I encourage all to get Psycho-Cybernetics, practice what it says, and begin to create the life you’ve always wanted. If I can do it, any one can!
The second book that really helped shape my life was Unlimited Power by Tony Robbins. This powerful book picked up right where Psycho-Cybernetics left off and gave me an introduction into NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) which taught me to manage my emotional states through my physicality and many other tools too numerous to list. It really helped me take charge of my life and create a life that was worth living. If haven’t read Tony Robbins and think of him only as the giant, excitable guy from the informercials — you don’t know what you’re missing. Read this book. It will change your life.
The last book I want to share with you is The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman. This book is one of the first in a long line of books that helped me make the transition from athlete to human being. It helped me identify, connect and get in touch with the spiritual part of myself. It taught me to lead with my heart and intellect instead of fist and the threat of violence. It taught me how to find love and adulation in those closest to me instead of the roar of the crowd. (I highly recommend this book to young men who are open to having a spiritual experience)
There have been so many more books that have helped shape and better my life and continue to do so every day. I’m eternally grateful to all the authors for the their blood, sweat and tears, and their wisdom. I hope one day to enter the Pantheon of writers who change, impact, and empower peoples lives. My humble attempt is Gladiator – A True Story of Roids, Rage and Redemption.
Click on any of the links and it will take you to the books Amazon page. If you do read any of the books, circle back, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I hope you enjoy. And pay it forward!
Be Brilliant!
Dan Clark
[tag] Dan Clark, Dan Nitro Clark, American Gladiator, Nitro, Unlimited Power, Tony Robbins, Dan Millman, The Way of the Peaceful Warrior, Book, Change your life, NLP, Psycho- Cybernetics, Maxwell Maltz, visualization, Creative visualization [/tags]
Loading ...