BeAwesome: #332 4 Things I’ve Learned From Rocky
MrT&TheRock
Cause if you’re willing to go through all the battling you got to go through to get where you want to get, who’s got the right to stop you? I mean maybe some of you guys got something you never finished, something you really want to do, something you never said to someone, something… and you’re told no, even after you paid your dues? Who’s got the right to tell you that, who? Nobody! It’s your right to listen to your gut, it ain’t nobody’s right to say no after you earned the right to be where you want to be and do what you want to do!… You know, the older I get the more things I gotta leave behind, that’s life.
I am not a huge fan of movies. I try to catch a flick if the buzz is worthy. I try to look in on what the public is saying about a film. I also try to think for my overall interest and self when deciding what to watch or pay for. Ideally, I could care less about movies. But I do appreciate a good film that is well produced and directed.
Recently I’ve taken a time capsule into the 80’s-90’s, and found some of my all time favorite fighting movies. Now don’t get me wrong, I am far from a violent person, but do enjoy a good action film once in a while. I have to tell you the 80’s-90s are full of great films and actors.
Without any debate, I decided to watch Rocky II, which turned into Rocky III, which turned into Rocky IV (Sylvester Stallone). I was easily interested at the very beginning of Rocky II. The theme music and words of inspiration automatically hit my eyes and ears at first glance. I forgot about the hidden messages about love, heart ache and pain, the inspiration in following your dreams, working hard and being motivated. I forgot about a great film and production.
As I watched Rocky II, I started to think about the conversations he (Rocky) would have with the other co-stars during the film: Apollo Creed (Friend/Champion), Adrian (Girlfriend) & Mickey Goldmill (Trainer). These were individuals Rocky would always talk to/or about. If you really take in on the conversations and feelings that were played out during the film, you could start to think of the lessons to be learned from watching the film. I took in 3 Rocky films and this is what I learned from each relationship:
Creed&Rock
Rocky & Apollo Creed:
Rocky III: Nobody owes nobody nothin’. You owe yourself.
Besides from being the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World and given nicknames such as, The King of Sting, The Master of Disaster, The Prince of Punch, Mr. Creed played a vital role in Rocky’s success as a character (physically & mentally). If you watched the early years of Rocky, you know the underlining of these two characters. In short: Apollo beats Rocky in a spilt decision in Rocky I, and in Rocky II, Rocky win’s in knockout fashion. Through the two films (Particularly Rocky II) you start to see a sense of respect from each fighter. The hard work and dedication between two professional athletes show as they embrace in a fight that means so much more than a belt or a status.
Apollo retired from boxing after the fight, and credited Rocky for his work ethic and hard-fought battles. Balboa and Creed instantly became friends, and Creed decided to help Rocky win in Rocky III.
Friendships should never be taken for granted. You may fight with each other. You may knock each other down. You may even make each other bleed and feel really bad about one another, but even if these things happen, you must understand that friendships are built and created through fight and struggle. Friends hold together because of these experiences. Never lose a friend because of a silly fight. Always remember that the person, the human, the individual is more important.
Mickey&Rock
Rocky & Mickey Goldmill
Rocky IV: Going in one more round when you don’t think you can – that’s what makes all the difference in your life.
Mickey managed a gym. Rocky was a regular face in his open space at the time at a local boxing club. From the very beginning, when know one thought Rocky would be anything, Mickey knew all along. He eventually, approached Rocky about being his manager. From day one, Mickey was Rocky’s number one supporter. Motivating him when he never thought he could do something. Pushing him to levels everyone else in the world thought he would never reach.
In Rocky III, Mickey becomes ill from a fall. Rocky loses a fight, and loses his mentor and father figure in Mickey. Later Rocky defeats his former opponent in respects to Mickey’s death.
The importance of having a mentor or someone who can guide/help you through life is important. You may think you are super (man or woman) but you are not. Even those with who have the greatest talent need guidance and help with their craft or journey. The art of listening to others and allowing others to speak is becoming non-existent. We think we can do it all by ourselves. Listening to others and taking criticism is a part of life. It is how we learn and become better people. Having a mentor or someone you can talk to does not make you less of a person. It simply means you are open-minded and able to listen and apply suggestions from others.
Adrian&Rock
Rocky & Adrian
Rocky IV: I guess what I’m trying to say is, if I can change, and you can change, everybody can change.
Adrian was a close friend of Rocky who simply worked at a pet shop. In Rocky II, Adrian and Rocky would tie the knot and marry. They had a son name Rocky Jr. Over the course of their relationship, they manage to overcome struggles together; Adrian’s pregnancy, Rocky’s fights and lavish life and many other decisions made together between the two.
In Rocky IV, Adrian became a source of stability for Rocky though she never enjoyed the act of fighting. She continued to support and encourage him to do well during each and every fight.
A relationship can mean a lot to an individual. It does not have to be intimate to be a successful relationship. Throughout life we need individuals to keep us grounded. Individuals who will tell us the things our friends and family are scared to say. Everyone needs a boy they can talk to. Everyone needs a girl they can speak with. Relationships are what you make them into. You have the power to make all relationships successful. Having people you can sincerely trust and rely on is important. It gives the person a sense of comfort when speaking or exploring ideas. A good friend is something everyone needs. If you want one, you should start by being one.
Rocky is about facing your fears and pushing yourself to the limit. Creating long-lasting relationships and understanding what it takes to be successful.
Inspiration from the #Rock:
-BeAwesome
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