How Riding a Bucking Bull Helped Me Become an Author
Posted in Inspiration on January 26th by Dan.
Raise you hand if you have a fear.
Now, raise your hand if you have tried to conquer that fear.
If your hand isn't raised, it should be. Now is the time to pick your biggest fear and kick it to the curb, beat it to a pulp, and slap into submission.
Riding a bull was one of my greatest fears. The very thought of scared the crap out me. Not anymore.
I faced my fear and jumped on the back of 2000 pounds of bucking, twisting, fury. This act of bravery, stupidity, or whatever you want to call it… helped me become an author.
How?
Because it was a building block. When you, pardon my French, kick the frigging ass of your biggest fear, everything else after becomes a cake-walk in comparison.
You've have earned that certain "je ne sais quoi." It's called confidence.
Think about it:
After you've swam with the sharks – is it really that hard to make a cold call?
After you've jumped out of a plane – how tough is it to ask that cute girl or guy in the next cubicle out?
After you've run a 100 mile marathon – is it really that rough to spend the weekend with the in-laws?
The fact is, these things all become easier because you are now an individual who's slain the dragon, stormed the castle, climbed your mountain that couldn't be climbed.
Writing a book was something that I never dreamed I could do. Either was riding a bull. But once I rode that bull writing my book "Gladiator – A True Story of Roids, Rage and Redemption" didn't seem so impossible.
And it sure as heck hurt a lot less!
This is your life, and it's ending one minute at a time.
Don't get stuck standing still. Take action. Do something. Kick the crap out of one of your fears and see where it leads you.
Be brilliant!
Dan Clark
Btw — love to hear stories of people conquering their fears and the person they became because of it.
Technorati Tags: Dan Clark, Dan Clark Nitro, Dan Clark Gladiator, Nitro American Gladiator, Bull Riding, Ty Murray Bull Riding, Celebrity Bull Riding, Conquer your fears, How to conquer your fears, American Gladiator, how to build self confidence
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By far my favorite post so far.
Dan…
You certainly practice what you preach.
Sorry Dan, love animals too much to watch this.
I agree Dan! Swimming with sharks last year really put things into perspective for me. How's that second book coming along?
I can’t believe you rooe a bull!! I know you are not crazy but riding a bull is crazy and yor book was EXCELLENT!!
I got over my fear of hights by skydiving. Life is too short. I have done things that others think are crazy (like getting tattooed at age 44) but they realize that is just me living my life to the fullest. It's nice to know you do too.
Yeah? What you do Griselda?
Jan – Yes! I applaud you. Life is too short!!
Nice video, crazy – crazy – nuts
Wonder what I need to do to finally get this second book out of me?
Many Kudus to you, Dan. Guess I'll never write a book or ride a bull !! I'll have to be content with reading books and 'Throwing the Bull !!!
Your Pal
Mully
You are truly larger than life Dan. Riding a bull, swimming with sharks, being on tv throughout the world, on the Big Screen and writing books, all things that would make me turn around and run in the opposite direction. But I do love what you are saying in this blog. Everyone of us has something inside of us that we have been longing to do. Something that we may never even have put into words and spoken outload. You are asking us to open up, own up to it and realize that we are the only ones holding ourselves back from achieving that goal and conquering our fear. Love it!
Damn Melinda – I should've had you write this blog. Very well put. We are all capable of greater things then we ever imagined. I like you, long to tap into that reservoir and make an impact on the lives of others.
Dan, you have truly touched my life through your blogs and through your book, Gladiator. Sometimes very difficult to read, but I found myself in the pages of your written word. Strange, but I felt better about myself after each time I read it (3x). I'll let you stick to doing what you do best and that is writing and if you don't mind, I'll continue to do what I do well…read and comment! Write On !!!
What I set my mind to, I will succeed. I conquered one of my greatest fears without even realizing it.
Love your stuff…especially when you write "kicking the crap out of your fears." That's a good way of looking at it. Pound it to the ground, stomp on it and throw it out with the garbage! You're very inspirational and you have a great way of expressing it on paper. Thanks!
You are truly inspirational…
I do it every day. The biggest fears are the toughest Karen. When you "kick the crap out of them" everything else seems a little easier!
Melinda three times?? I better finish my other book so you have something else to read!
I believe the first time I read Gladiator, there were specific things I wanted to rush over. As indicated in my prior post, I found parts of this autopsy of your life to be painful to read. But like a train wreck, I felt an urge to look, but to also shy away while the cars, and your life collided into a bloody mess . The call of your incredible life story brought me back with my hands covering my eyes during the first several times I quickly turned the pages. It wasn't until the third time I read Gladitor, that I allowed myself to feel your pain, to cry and to admit to myself that I too had a type of syringe in my closet at one time. Thank you for taking the bull by the horns and meeting your fear head on and allowing me to admit mine with the aide of Gladiator. And yes Dan, another book, please!!!
Oh… your way with words Melinda. You should write. And kind words they are. Appreciative.
I understand this very well. My biggest fear used to be, what would I do if I left my old life, who would I be. After I left I spent a year alone with no friends or family. I got back into Jiu Jitsu. I starting writing my blog and then a book. I never spoke in public or had my picture taken. Today I speak in front of people all the time. I even had my own 1 hour show on Discovery Channel.
it is easy when you face your fears!
Kenji oc
Dan, you are truly an inspiration. I cant wait to read your book, i will have a copy by the end of this week. Thank you for sharing this with me and everyone else. i am going to tak your advise, and face some of my fears and stomp them into the ground. I am truly ready to make some mayjor changes in my life. Thanks for your friendship!
These words really hit home: "This is your life, and it's ending one minute at a time….Kick the crap out of one of your fears and see where it leads you."
I intend to do just that!
Thanks!!!
These words really hit home:
"This is your life, and it's ending one minute at a time….Kick the crap out of one of your fears and see where it leads you."
I intend to do just that!
Thanks!!!
nice job Dan
Jamie – thanks for the kind words. I think you'll really like the book. Circle back.
Pia – life is quite an adventure for those who willing to take the journey. It's all within your grasp.
Thanks for the inspiration Danny. It's something I'm going through right now. I recently lost my Father who I miss very much. It was hard accepting his passing. I have seperated from my husband of twenty seven years. Something I thought I could never do. My life is changing everyday and it scares me. My fear? "Failure" in all different aspects of my life. But now I'm ready to ride the bull!!! Thanks again!
You and my Cousin Scott aka American Gladiator the "Viper" have turned your lives around and done amazing things that you would have never dreamed of doing and I am so glad yo see you both off the roids and rage free…Keep up the excellent work!!!
I was a under classmate and went to the same high school as you. I Remember how hard you worked on the football field. When I first watched you on American Gladiators I remember thinking if this kid from Santa Ana can make something of himself maybe I could to. I never made on TV or rode a bull, but your inspiration difinitly got me out of the hood, and I made somthing of myself. Thanks Danny I know a couple guys from the old neiborhood that would sat the same thing. You were a true inspiration to a lot of us….Mike
Dan,
I enjoy your posts and this one is again, thought provoking. Whether it's hot coals, fire eating or bull riding, facing personal fears and seeing we can overcome them has got to be a proof that we can take on the bigger challenges that keep us from achieving important goals.
Nicely done my friend. God bless.
Megan,
Haven't heard from Chuck in years. Have him hit me up.
MIke – being a good man, day in and day out, a father, a friend, is harder than writing a bull. I'm sure you've done that, and I salute you.
Danny! Nice blog man. I have heard great things about your book.
Big Rick Drasin — you were my hero as a wrestler – the "Equalizer."
Nick,
Face your fears. Read a book. Read my book. You'll be a better man by the time your done.
That is quite a feat. I think it might be a vacation compared to watching my three year old..lol.. just kidding.
Dan,
First of all, thank you for leaving this link on my facebook wall.I just went through a double hernia surgery and I have many complications that I was never told about.I was always in the best of shape but now I feel "will I ever be myself again".The way my children (3) look at me, their eyes filled with sadness or pitty. I just don't know which.I put on the false facade very fast of" I am fine". Nothing hurts or is bothering me and tell them I feel great but I don't know if they are going for it.I am going to get your book tomorrow because this just might be what I am looking for.I feel like I am being swallowed up in quicksand and I can't find a rope.I don't take painkillers because I will lose.The only thing that really helps much now when the pain gets too much is telling myself that I have nothing (problem wise) compared to those so very unfortunate people in Haiti. Amputations with nothing to sedate them. So much positive energy on this page!I can just imagine what this book is about.
Michael, If you are being watched by a physician, and haven't had problems in the past with popping too many painkillers, your body needs the rest the pain management will give it in order to heal. As long as your body's pain centers are sending out signals to your brain, your body will continue to have a difficult time healing. Please reconsider your thought process. Don't go it alone. The surgery you are recuperating from is two major surgeries with lot's of nerve endings. My prayers go out to you and your family. Sorry Dan, I didn't mean to jump onto Your blog…m
Megan,
Haven’t heard from Chuck in years. Have him hit me up.
Danny! Nice blog man. I have heard great things about your book.
MIke – being a good man, day in and day out, a father, a friend, is harder than writing a bull. I’m sure you’ve done that, and I salute you.
Dan
This is so true. I can feel exactly where you are coming from. I bounced around in Pro wrestling 43 years with numerous injuries that you know. It always gave me the confidence to tackle anything in life and be able to embrace it. Good job!!!!
Ric