Persistence Like Rocky

I’m in my home office fighting to keep moving forward and stay focused while downstairs I hear my oldest son watching one of my favorite movie series. . . . Rocky. Since we couldn’t take a Spring break trip this year, he ended up on a Rocky binge over the days of Spring break.

Recently I reflected on how each of the movies offers an encouragement for self-leadership while facing adversity. I hope you find this encouraging or maybe you will go on a Rocky binge yourself. Spoiler alert: Rocky always wins in the end, but the journey is what makes the movies great.

Go the Distance

In Rocky he was selected to fight the heavyweight champion in spite of having no experience at that level. This was to be an exhibition match, but Rocky had a different thought. The night before the fight he is in his apartment expressing his self-doubt to Adrian about being able to win, but in that moment decides he will go the distance and not quit.

When leading yourself and others are you going to allow an obstacle that seems unbeatable to prevent you from giving your absolute best?

Adapt for Victory

In spite of declaring there would be no rematch Apollo Creed demands a rematch in Rocky II. This time Rocky is faced with the reality that he has to change in order to not just go the distance but have a chance for victory. Rocky had two major weaknesses: slow feet and being limited with his right hand punching. Through hours of rigorous training and perseverance he adapts as a fighter and in combination with his persistence he comes out as the new heavyweight champion by the end.

As a leader how do you need to adapt in order to accomplish the goal you are pursuing?

Overcome Defeat

Some have said remaining successful is harder than achieving it which is the battle we see in Rocky III. Balboa has money and more wins under his belt, but an extremely hungry challenger, Clubber Lang (AKA Mr. T), comes along and dethrones Rocky in three rounds. To compound this professional loss, he also loses his friend and manager Mickey. In this time of loss and great confusion along comes former heavyweight champion Apollo Creed to encourage, empower, and train Rocky.

Before Rocky is able to even think of getting back in the ring he has to overcome his personal self-doubt and break through the barrier of personal disbelief. In a powerful discussion with Adrian on the beach he leaves disbelief behind and relentlessly grows and develops himself in order to ultimately regain the championship title.

What is the limiting belief you need to confront and overcome to get back on the path of success?

Fight for Something Bigger

Rocky IV brings forward both a physically and globally gigantic challenge. The Russians had brought their champion to America to fight an exhibition match which ended with death. Rocky at this point determines he must fight the towering giant not only for personal reasons, but as a representation for his country. Balboa didn’t need to keep fighting and was retired, but this was a mission of significance. He was compelled to represent his country before the world and fight.

How do you need to shift from success to significance in your leadership? What can you do to lead yourself and others toward a greater purpose?

Hold Your Ground

Rocky V was not necessarily one of my favorite Rocky movies, but it chronicles the story of an athlete struggling to redefine himself while straining the relationships with those he loves. After he learned from the doctors his career was over, he soon meets a rising star who ultimately loses his focus on what really matters. In a critical scene at the end the star challenges Rocky to what ultimately becomes a street fight. Rocky did not want to fight, but as a matter of respect for himself and honor for his family he wins a street fight proving himself.

Now I am not saying we go have street fights as leaders. At times though we hold our ground for what is right like Rocky did. Where do you need to hold your ground and fight, not out of self-centered arrogance, but a deep understanding of what is right?

Leave a Legacy

The series ends with Rocky Balboa. At this point his wife, Adrian, is gone, his son is an adult, and he is peacefully running an Italian restaurant. The media stirs up the idea of this old Rocky fighting the present world champion. After deciding to fight, Rocky and his son have a discussion where Rocky reminds his son “It’s not how many times you get knocked down in life, but how many times you get back up.”

During this final fight of Rocky’s career he gets knocked to the mat, but remembers his words to his son and you see him slowly stand to his feet to ultimately finish the fight. What gets him back up this time . . . the legacy he wants to leave for his son . . . he must live out what he speaks.

Dear friend, what is your legacy going to be as a leader professionally, but more importantly at home and with those closest to you? Will those closest to you at home and professionally say you fought with integrity and perseverance to the end living for something of significance? Life is a battle. Keep fighting and be the leader you were created to be. Lead well.