Mike McDaniel’s Dad: The Most Unforgettable Character in the History of Sports Writing
There’s no denying it, we dads are pretty much the coolest creatures on earth. We’re always down to go play sports, help our kids with their homework, and cook the family dinner. We can usually be found around the house working out, eating healthy, and hanging out with the family.
So it’s hard not to feel good about being a dad. But not only is there a lot of pressure to live up to our Dad Lifestyle, but dads aren’t getting any respect. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve heard someone say “you’re a Dad, not a Dad.” Why are we still being treated like second-class citizens? Well, it’s time to put an end to Dad Lifestyles and get some respect!
1. Mike McDaniel: The Father I Never Had
Introduction: I have always had two major desires: to be a professional baseball player, and to be a father. My quest to become a pro ballplayer led me to a number of sports agents, who all shared a common theme: if you want to be in the Major Leagues, you have to be in Major League Baseball.
So I decided to follow that path. In doing so, I soon found myself in a predicament: the team that drafted me didn’t have room for me in their minor league system, so they sent me back home to play for my college team.
2. Mike McDaniel: My Father’s Advice
In 1997, my father’s health began to decline. He passed away in 2000. He always told me, “If you don’t get a good night’s sleep, you’re not going to have a good day.” While it may seem like a simple piece of advice, he knew that I would try to apply it to my life. When he passed away, I realized how much his advice meant to me. I’d love to share some of his wisdom with you.
3. Mike McDaniel: Why I Started My Dad’s Blog
The story starts with a man named Mike McDaniel, a former NFL defensive back turned entrepreneur. One night he sat down in his study and wrote out his goal. He wanted to turn his dad’s old blog into a real business. He wasn’t looking for a get-rich-quick scheme or a miracle idea.
He was looking for the perfect business model. He decided to build his business around two pillars: customer service and customer retention.
4. Mike McDaniel: How I Moved To India With No Idea Of What I Was Getting Into
I don’t speak Indian languages. I don’t know anyone in India. And I had just bought a $50,000 house in the middle of nowhere, USA, without knowing how I was going to pay for it. But, hey, that’s the point of a journey right? I wasn’t just going to arrive at a destination,
I was going to make it. So, I moved to India with no idea what I was getting into, but ready to figure it out. In this book, I’m sharing with you my lessons learned along the way and my journey as an entrepreneur in India.
5. Mike McDaniel: How My Dad Helped Me Prepare For My Trip To India
As a kid, I dreamed about visiting the subcontinent of India. But I was no stranger to travel. My dad had taken me to Italy as a baby. Later, he took us to the Caribbean for our family vacation. In fact, my parents took turns taking us on family trips for the next 20 years.
I remember the first time my mother took me to Italy. She had been saving money to take a cruise, but she couldn’t wait until the summer. So, one day she announced she was going to Italy with me instead. I was in shock. We arrived at the train station, and my mom gave me $50 for an overnight stay. When I looked at the map on the wall of the train station, I realized where I was.
That night, the woman next to me shared a single bed. That was a first for me. I got a taste of what life would be like in the future.
6. Mike McDaniel: How I Got Ready To Leave Behind My Life In America
After graduating college, I moved back home to New Jersey with a lot of big dreams. I wanted to change my life and start living again, but I had no idea what to do with my days after being so disconnected for the past seven years. I spent my time doing a few different things, none of which felt particularly fulfilling.
That’s when my dad gave me some advice: if you want to change your life, you need to change your expectations. It’s amazing how far that simple tip can take you. Today, I’m sharing my story and giving you the exact steps you need to take to move your life to the next level.
The United States has become a nation where almost half of the population does not live the American Dream. In fact, one out of every six Americans today lives paycheck to paycheck.