Ep. 112 – Never Limit Your Life: Old-School Rap + New-School Mindset – with Derek Clark AKA The Rapping Dad
Derek Clark, best known as The Rapping Dad from his viral YouTube videos, is an inspiring motivational speaker and the author of Never Limit Your Life.
Although you might see Derek having fun with his wonderful family online and think “this guy has it made,” things weren’t always going so well for him.
Derek spent 13 years of his life in the Alameda County foster care system, where he struggled with rejection, humiliation, abuse, emotional distress, and overwhelming anxiety.
The abuse and abandonment, naturally, felt like a curse – but it turned out to be one of Derek’s greatest blessings. Derek believes he thrives as a leader because of his painful past, compassion for others, and “No Excuse” attitude.
Now, Derek’s life mission is to help others find the mental strength to recognize and take advantage of their opportunities. His keynotes are based on true-life trials and triumphs, inspiring thousands to overcome adversity and fear.
Although it probably didn’t seem so important at the time, one of the most influential moments of Derek’s childhood was when he was first introduced to rap, and rap battles in particular. “I was always getting in trouble for fighting with my fists, but what if I could use my mouth and tongue as a weapon, instead of my fists?”
Rap helped Derek, for the first time, deal with his tumultuous inner world – and this was life-changing. When your inner world is a mess, your outer world is going to reflect that. But “rap was a taxi to my spirit, and it let me get the inside stuff, the crap, out.”
We all get to choose how we live, and we get to choose our attitude. You’re only ever one thought away from another positive thought, and that can make all the difference.
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Don’t be a podcast junkie…
Resources:
- Learn more at iwillnevergiveup.com
- Connect with Derek: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
- Never Limit Your Life by Derek Clark
- Listen: Hope Dealers Podcast
- Watch: “It’s not about your IQ, it’s about your I WILL: Derek Clark at TEDxGreenbrookSchool”
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