The Willingness to Endure

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In 1976, Hollywood introduced the world to Rocky Balboa, a struggling fighter from Philadelphia. Rocky was a journeyman boxer with marginal career earnings, forcing him to live in a one-bedroom apartment and struggle for meals. 

Fighting was his life, but because he couldn’t earn a sustainable living, he had to take other jobs as a debt collector for loan sharks. His big break came when heavyweight champion Apollo Creed needed a “fill-in” for his next fight.

Rocky gladly accepted the big pay day and began to train.

Apollo was a great boxer with fast hands, powerful punches and quick feet far superior to Rocky’s. Rocky began his training slowing, barely making it up the steps of the Art Museum. 

His trainer, Mick, knew Rocky didn’t have a great chance to win the fight, so he developed different training techniques to improve Rocky’s skills in hopes that he could last more than one round.

On New Year’s Day, the fight took place with Rocky in great shape, determined and unfazed by the overwhelming odds. Naturally, Creed wasn’t concerned, knowing he would win the fight. 

But in the first round, everything changed when Creed was knocked down for the first time in his career. Suddenly, he realized this isn’t a joke. Balboa was serious and determined, but most of all, he had a willingness to endure. 

The fight lasted 15 rounds, with both fighters taking great punishment. But unlike in most Hollywood movies, the rags-to-riches story didn’t fit the ending, as Creed won the fight on a split decision. 

Since that film, there have been six Rocky movies and three spin offs called Creed — each asking the one critical question: “What are you willing to endure?” 

We know what Rocky was willing to — but what about you?

Rocky’s life was never scripted with an easy solution or a clear pathway to success. Everything he attempted was difficult and obstacle-filled, but and his best skill was his willingness to keep going, to never accept defeat. 

Rocky wasn’t blessed with great intelligence or many skills; yet, he had a great heart. His life can be best summed up by the Latin phrase “Fortitudine Vincimus,” meaning through endurance, we conquer. 

We can only achieve endurance through a willingness to embrace hardship, to never let a setback destroy our day. We must be tenacious in our approach toward the things we want to achieve. We must use Rocky’s approach toward building tenacity to become a person who can endure. 

When we slightly alter our outlook, like Rocky did, we develop a tenacious mindset without regard for the outcome. Instead of believing the day will be easy, shift our mindset toward hoping for opportunities to practice self-control and patience. 

Instead of worrying about a lack of sleep, let’s embrace the early-morning sunshine, knowing the rewards to come are far greater than rest. 

Rocky never thought of winning, he only believed he needed to endure.

Through that same mindset, we will conquer all. 

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