Going the Distance: Inspiration and Determination from Rocky

"That was unbelievable!"

I shouted out these three words over and over, shadow boxing my way from my seat in the movie theatre to the parking lot.

My Dad and Mom watched me with what I now hope was a sense of quiet amusement. But it's hard to remember. Except that I'll never forget shadow boxing the night away both physically and emotionally twenty-five years ago.

I, and millions of other men in their thirties, will never forget the feeling of watching Rocky II for the first time in 1979, Sylvester Stallone's sequel to his Oscar-winning screenplay, Rocky. While Rocky won three Academy awards for best picture, director, and film editing, Rocky II left hundreds of life lessons on me I still lean on. A quarter century later.

Here's why.

The Rocky movies are an absolute tribute to our need for inspiration and determination. On the surface, it seems the Rocky movies are only about boxing. This isn't true at all.

Did you know that when Sylvester Stallone lived in sheer squalor almost thirty years ago, with $106.00 in the bank, he was offered $75,000.00 for his screenplay Rocky? And that he turned this fortune - down? He turned the $75,000.00 down because he wanted to be Rocky. The part belonged to him, not Burt Reynolds or Paul Newman. So, decades ago Sylvester Stallone stood

his ground because the Rocky movies are about - going the distance.

Think just for a second about how much good has come from Sly's determination to be - Rocky. His whole life changed, and the entire world is all the better for Rocky movies. Think about how many people have pushed themselves a little bit harder at what they do, how many health clubs have opened up, how many millions of lives around the world have benefited from the emotional and physical powerhouse that is - Rocky.

Take a good look around you. At your children. At yourself. Play the Rocky theme song in your head once again and ask yourself:

How can so many children be obese?

Why are so many children on antidepressants?

What do children these days think "going the distance" means besides contemplating the distance between the fridge and their own television?

The Rocky movies can help children immeasurably. Rocky "shows by example" victory over tough emotional and physical challenges. Rocky movies remain rock solid in an age where we're defined more by our alleged mental disorders than we are by our own heart and character.

If you truly love your children, go out tonight and rent a Rocky movie. Even if it's just Rocky II. I

mean, if after watching hours of Rocky movies you and your children cannot even visualize making life changes and goals, than you've really got to question your heart and character. And that of your children. The Rocky music alone is enough to get hearts beating in the right direction.

"That was unbelievable!"

It sure was, is, and shall forever remain so. My Dad and Mom tell me they saw something click in me watching Rocky II twenty-five years ago. I believe it. So should you. Go for it.