Have you ever felt like you’re running away from something?
Like there’s a storm in your life—problems, challenges, setbacks—and it just keeps chasing you down, no matter how fast or far you go?
I’ve been there.
And the more I’ve thought about it, the more I’ve realized that life’s storms aren’t meant to be avoided.
They’re meant to be faced head-on.
This is one of my most popular concepts, and it’s one I’ve shared in keynotes, coaching sessions, and conversations for years: the idea of facing your storms the way buffalo do.
Recently I realized there’s no better way to teach this idea than through a children’s book—something simple, beautiful, and deeply meaningful that parents can share with their kids and pass down through generations.
That’s how Be the Buffalo was born.
If you’re curious about the story or want to experience it with your family, you can watch a short video clip of the book, or dive into the full video and order your physical copy at thebuffalobook.com.
Why Buffalo Are Different
The heart of this story is a simple truth I learned years ago: buffalo and cows respond to storms very differently.
When cows see a storm coming, they turn and run the other way, trying to escape it.
But eventually the storm catches up to them, and because they’re running alongside it, they stay in it longer.
Buffalo, however, do something incredible.
They turn and run directly into the storm.
By facing it head-on, they pass through the storm faster and minimize the amount of time they’re in the rain.
When I first heard this, it hit me like lightning: this isn’t just a lesson about animals.
This is a metaphor for life.
Because we all have storms.
They’re part of being human.
Challenges, fears, and failures will show up whether we like it or not.
The way we respond to them is what determines how long we stay in the rain and how much we grow because of it.
That’s the lesson I wanted to teach with this book—not just to kids, but to parents, leaders, and anyone who’s ever felt the weight of life’s storms.
The Story Behind the Story
Be the Buffalo starts with a little boy asking his dad a big question: “Daddy, I want to be successful like you, but I’m not really sure I’ll know what to do.”
The father, like so many of us, pauses to figure out how to explain something that can’t be summed up in a quick answer.
And then he tells his son the story of the buffalo and the storm.
As the father explains, the buffalo’s way of facing storms mirrors how we should approach life’s challenges.
Instead of running away from mistakes, fears, or failures, we can turn toward them, face them, and grow through them.
Throughout the book, I weave in real-life scenarios your child will face—messing up, losing something important, or feeling overwhelmed by hard work.
And in every one of those moments, the father reminds his son: “Be like the buffalo.
Charge into the storm.”
A Lesson for the Next Generation
One of the reasons I wanted to write Be the Buffalo as a children’s book is because this message isn’t just for adults.
In fact, it’s even more important for kids.
The earlier we can teach kids that storms are part of life—and that they have the courage to face them—the stronger, more resilient, and more confident they’ll grow up to be.
But let’s be honest: we need this reminder even as adults! I’ve had to learn it in my own life over and over again.
And what I’ve realized is that being “successful” isn’t about what you earn or achieve.
It’s about the character you build by facing challenges head-on.
Watch, Read, and Share This Lesson
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who loves a great story with a powerful message, Be the Buffalo is for you.
You can watch a short video clip of the book and experience its magic for yourself.
And if you’re ready to go deeper, the full video book is available at thebuffalobook.com, where you can also order a physical copy to read with your kids.
When you order the physical book, you’ll unlock a special package of bonuses designed to help your family apply the buffalo mindset in real, tangible ways.
These tools will make the lesson come alive, long after the story ends.
Let’s Teach the World to Be the Buffalo
At its core, this book is a way of thinking, a way of teaching, and a way of living that can shape how we face life’s toughest moments.
So whether you’re sharing this story with your child, gifting it to someone you love, or simply reflecting on its message for yourself, I hope it inspires you to run toward life’s storms, not away from them.
Ready to join the herd? Watch the video, get your copy, and let’s teach the next generation to be the buffalo.
