Big Think

Why Steve-O risked his life over, and over, and over again


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**šŸ”„ ā€œI’ve Been in Pain for a Livingā€ — Steve-O’s Brutally Honest Truth šŸŽ­**

From sixth-grade outcast to stuntman legend, Steve-O has lived a life built on chaos—and deep inner wounds.

šŸ‘¶ As a kid, he craved attention so badly, it pushed people away. His report card said it all:

*"Steve desperately wants praise… but the way he seeks it backfires."*

šŸŽ¬ Fast forward to *Jackass* fame, where he found a twisted kind of acceptance—by turning pain into performance.

*ā€œI document myself being in pain, and I’ve become successful as a result.ā€*

But the spotlight didn’t fix the hurt.

He dropped out of college, convinced he’d die young, and filmed his stunts *just to prove he existed.*

All he wanted was to be seen. To be liked. To feel *enough.*

šŸ¾ Alcoholism deepened the cracks—but recovery opened the door to honesty.

He once wrote a secret list titled **ā€œTo the grave.ā€**

But sharing it with someone he trusted… helped free him.

Still, he’s *not* sharing it with the world. Some scars stay sacred.

🧠 And deep down? He *still* doesn’t feel good enough.

But here’s the twist:

> ā€œIf I felt I was good enough, I’d probably be content.

> And if I was content, I’d probably be lazy.

> So maybe I don’t want to feel good enough.ā€

Steve-O turned pain into purpose—but the hustle?

That’s fueled by never feeling *done.* šŸ’”šŸ”„

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