From Smashing Heads on TV to Oprah.com
Posted in Fitness Tips on December 4th by Dan.
From Smashing Heads on TV to Oprah.com. We all go through some kind of transformational journey in life to figure out what our gift is — to figure out what our expertise to share with the world is.
Take me for example. I went from the blustery world of Red, White and Blue spandex starring as “Nitro” on the American Gladiators for 7 years to reading Oprah.com.
And yep, I take a lot of flak for it from my buddies. It usually sounds something like: "What happened to you? You used to be a man."
The truth is, I’m still a man. Just a better man.
Once I let go of the old ideology of what it meant to be a man – the transformation began. When I was young I believed a man was the toughest guy in the room with the icy stare who was impervious to feeling anything.
In the past, I often led with my ego and my fists, because violence or at least the threat of it was just easier. But then I realized I was isolated. I was a prisoner locked inside my meat-suit.
It wasn’t until I made the transformation from “man” to “human being” that I was free live as a:
Father, teacher, student, writer, friend, and a fully conscious being who could feel. My mind set went from "what's in it for me?" to "how can I help you?"
The point I’m trying to make as the end of the year rapidly approaches is:
Are you living your best life? Are you walking toward a place you want to go?
Or is there some type of transformation you need to make to become the better version of yourself?
If so, now it the time to act.
There will never be another moment like this.
There will never be a better time.
There will never be another now.
Time flees so fast it’s hard to fathom. Hopes, dreams, great ideas, become time-worn relics in the chest of “what could have been.”
Take in a stiff breath of courage. Take those first few steps. Start making that transformation. Start on that path to a happier and healthier life. Start walking toward a place you want to go.
You deserve to be happy. You really do.
Here are a couple question that may help you along the journey:
- What do you love to do?
- What makes time disappear?
- What makes you smile when you think about doing it?
- What do people say you’re good at and have a knack for?
- What comes easy to you that other people find challenging?
- What have been some of your most rewarding experiences in the past?
- How would you finish this question: "If only I could make a living at… "
Good luck along the way. Be brilliant!
Dan Clark
Pic of Me and Kid Rock goofin' around.
BTW – about Oprah.com. I’ll take good information from anyplace I can get it! Including GQ, Men's Health, NY Times, Esquire, Best Life, and Shape.
Technorati Tags: Dan Clark, Nitro, American Gladiator Nitro, Best life, Fitness tips, Life Transformation, Shape, GQ, Men's Health, Oprah.com, Oprah, how to live a better life, how to become a better man, living your best life, how to be happier, how to be healthier, what is a real man?
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As always, a provocative and thoughtful post. You continue to inspire. Happy Holidays to you and yours…
Thats Good, Dan!! Happy Holidays to you, Too.
One of the many gifts you bring in this holiday season is your willingness to be transparent and courageous about your personal journey from a man who lived within the confines of cultural stereotyping, to a human being free to love himself and others. And celebrating that freedom of being with a spirit of gratitude. Thank you!
It's funny… as I was writing the post… I realized how much I needed to hear it again… how much I needed to answer the list of questions…
I think we all do…if there's anything positive to come out of the financial disaster of the last year, it's that paring back to basics, rebooting your life so that it's about the important things and recognizing what's NOT important can be a good thing. That wasting your time is as bad as wasting money and wasting a life is worse.
Love your blog…insightful, refreshing and inspiring.
You do such a good job inspiring people…..one of your many gifts I'm sure! It's definitely a good time to be introspective and questioning what really matters in life and how life can be better. Transformation is a good thing! Thanks, and Happy Holidays!
You are such a blessing Dan. After devouring your book, Gladiator – A True Story of 'Roids, Rage and Redemption, I am able to fill my days of waiting for the next book with your incredible blogs. They never disappoint. I've laughed, I've cried and I've even questioned myself on many levels. Although I've never been in the Red, White & Blue Spandex, I am poised to make a transition in my life…and I have you to thank for giving me the courage to face it. Many blessings!
For what it's worth, I think Oprah was a big Gladiators fan back in the day…although she was more into Zap. Great list to ruminate over though…I think everyone can benefit from answering the questions you laid out for us!!
Dan- Wow!! I really enjoyed your post / blog !! Thank you for sharing a part of you with us!! It's very profound and thought provoking…..It actually made me think about a lot of different self issues from all different angles…. It's motivating and inspiring.
Happy Holidays and Blessings to you and your family!!
Lauren
Great post! I liked it so much that I stole a line and used it as my Facebook status to inspire others!
Dan,
Once again you write and your inspire! You provoke another's mind to dig a little deeper…to consider alternatives and solutions…you have a true gift. Thank you my friend! As this year is coming to close I realize that I have a few questions to ask myself :O)
Wow!!!…It's wonderfully refreshing to hear a "real" Man be transparent, truthful, and the courage to tell as it is!!! : ) …No doubt, your walk in life has taken you on different paths – but you've come back with humility (most people search a life time for) & brave enough to save others along the path of life!!!…Thank you again Dan for for the grace in sharing & inspiring to help others! : )
Danny,
love your blog!!! it's neat to see how you've "grown" since high school!!! can't wait for your next book!!! keep up the great work!!
hugs
Tara
Dan,
Your maturity, sensitivity and intelligence are what make you a man.
Keep up the good work.
It takes a REAL man to put thought to and actually communicate what he feels, what he is experiencing and what he is committed to in life. You're setting a good example for the young bucks out there. *:) Can't wait to read your next book, Dan!
Awesome write Dan, truly inspirational. Questions all should ponder through life to live life to the fullest and be happy.
Thanks Dan : )
Great blog! Very interesting read!!
Thanks a lot for this Dan. I have been thinking the same thing recently and have made an effort to better myself. This gives me inspiration and helps me keep my head up. Thanks again bro you're awesome. Keep doing what you do.
Move over Dr.(?) Phil, here's a guy who 'really' tells like it is !!
Hi Danny, thank you for your engaging and thought provoking message. It's a great time of the year to reflect on the things we've done, and the wonderful things we can do! I am so proud of the man you are, and the man you aspire to be. Love to you xoxo
Awesome as always! Thank you for sharing the tips into starting our own life transformation. I love the list of questions. The desire is always there to want to change, but we forget the little things we can do and the questions to ask to get started moving forward. You pretty much nailed it!
Have a great holiday season and may the new year bring you much success and favor!
Enjoyed the first book. Would like to get it autographed one day. Being comfortable with who you are is a wonderful feeling. Look forward to the next book. Good luck with it. Happy Holidays from a fellow Roadrunner.
The world is becoming more and more complicated every day… it's healthy and just plain smart to stop and take a breath… Find out where you are, where you want to go and what you want out of life. I salute your journey.
I agree. "Just breathe" is always great advice. Was reading about Clint Eastwood in GQ this month. The iconic tough guy MEDITATES twice a day. There you have it.
J — Email me and I'll give you and address to send to cover of the book to me so I can sign it for you.
Great blog….very interesting! The part that really stood out to me was how your mind set changed from "what's in it for me?" to "how can I help you?" We all should live by that…
Thats Good, Dan!! Happy Holidays to you, Too.
Dan i enjoy the things you write it makes me think about my life and the direction im taking it. The questions you pose help me look deep within myself, So when its all said and done I can truly look back and say I had people like you to help me walk and stay in the Light. Much love and Peace to you.
I couldn't agree more, Dan. I've always felt that the mantra of "be a man" was such a facade. I'm happy that you're letting yourself just feel, and do what you need to do. Also, I like your motivational "end of year" message of making a change in your life to be truly happy. Luckily for me, I came to that realization myself this year too, and I'm making life-changing decisions as well, and 2010 looks to be an interesting year for me. Thanks for "vocalizing" these ideas!
Dan, I am so grateful to you for sharing your life openly with us. My son, Michael and I loved your book. (By the way, would be a "must see" movie if you shared your story on screen!) You have helped us appreciate our lives even more…You are certainly a blessing from God to us, Dan! You are an inspiration for so many of us! Thank you so much for posting your blog…it's as if you knew I needed the pick-me up…I've always tried to be happy…yet you seem to hit the mark for me. Taking in my breath, looking forward to each step along the way to be a better me! Thank you for being such an inspiring friend! Best wishes and continued success in everything you do!! p.s. would love to have our book cover autographed too!!!…Thank you, God bless!
Thank you for this inspiring blog Dan. I loved your book and I look forward to the next one.
What an inspiration you are with your jock, Nitro, image and the brilliance behind the reveal in your book "Roids, Rage and Redemption"! The way your wrote your book was fascinating and cathartic to say the least. Once I picked up the book and started to read it, I could not put it down. I devoured it in less than two days! I would love to see it as a movie…..I hope too you could give Tiger Woods some words of wisdom :)
Thanks Dan! Really good blog entry… I always love to read what you write!!!!
You're so right. There's never a better time to start things then now. If not now, then when? Time is short and organizing it is respecting it. Respecting and accepting what time and life offfer.
I try to live up to what I think is the right thing, but unfortunately it's not as easy as it sounds. But you'd say that in trying lies the key, right? And I'll keep moving on… :)
thx dan!
Hey Dan, great blog..very compelling. Words of wisdom that could help many.
Thats Good, Dan!! Happy Holidays to you, Too.
this was sweet