The last post centered around a great video on YouTube where Tony Robbins talks about how Sylvester Stallone relentlessly pursued his dreams to write and star in the Academy Award winning movie Rocky. The question I posed to subscribers and readers was:
“What can we take away from this inspirational story to help get past major obstacles?“
I had promised I would write 11 things that I learned. So here they are in no particular order:
1. He knew what he wanted. He didn’t just want to be an actor, he had a burning desire to be an actor who inspired people through great stories. Most people unfortunately get stuck here because they don’t know what they want. They are not clear. If you can relate and don’t know what you want in life the simple solution is to just decide on something and create it. It doesn’t have to be perfect. But at least start the process. (See my Plan for Potential Blog here – for a clear description on how to do this) If it turns out you don’t like it after all at least you know. Move on and create again.
2. He wasn’t willing to settle. Even in his darkest hour, having to sell his dog to eat, he never compromised what he truly wanted. How many times in your life have you settled for comfort? Would you sell your dog or wife’s jewelry to chase after a dream?
3. He didn’t care what other people thought of him. Most of us want to be liked by everyone. The reality is that not everyone will like you. Seek out those who are a positive influence on your life but who can also give you the best objective feedback. Because a true friend is one who will tell you what she thinks no matter the circumstance not just what she thinks you want to hear.
4. He didn’t accept NO as an answer. How many NO’s does it take before you give up? Would you keep trying after over 1500 rejections?
5. He changed his approach when he didn’t get the result he was looking for. Most people spend their time doing the same things over and over and expect different results. I believe there is a fine line between trying something once, then changing approach because it didn’t work the first time and completely giving up in search of new direction. I believe slight adjustments not drastic changes in your approach can most often make a world of difference.
6. He sacrificed everything, including his marriage and his dog. Most often we neglect the other side of achievement or success which is sacrifice. Nobody has ever achieved something great without sacrificing something else. While it’s nice to dream of easy and effortless Hollywood endings first time around the truth is that there will be some failures, rocky roads and disappointments along the way. That’s why it’s so important define “whatever it takes” before you go after something. (Click here to see blog on The Myth of Whatever it Takes).
7.He focused on others and got out of himself. Sometimes we get stuck in our head trying to make things about us instead of focusing on our heart – which in Stallone’s case was making great movies to inspire others. Once his focused shifted he started attracting the things he needed to help him.
8. He took action. Stallone didn’t sit around waiting for something to happen – he made it happen. One of my favorite quotes from Michael Jordan is, “Some people wish it would happen, some want it to happen, others make it happen”. If you really want it, make it happen.
9. Keep negative things people say about you and use them to motivate it you. I love this technique. It’s a great motivational tool to help you be at your best.
10. Greatest revenge for those who doubt you is massive success. Instead of getting wrapped up trying to explain yourself and convince others to support you in what you’re doing let your results speak for themselves. Lead by your actions.
11. Never sell your wife’s jewelry. This should need no explanation:)
(Photo: Radiospike)
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Category: Favorites, Leadership, The Ultimate Life
