Sylvester Stallone starred as “Rocky Balboa” a.k.a “The Italian Stallion” in this film. But it’s not only the movie that captured the hearts of many, but also the story behind the making of “Rocky”.

Before “Rocky” was even shown in cinemas, Sylvester Stallone was a nobody who wrote his heart out in a script and believed in it that he accepted no less than to be the star of that film. He literally had nothing but a script in his hands.

I’ve got to say, before the world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao even existed, there was Rocky.

Yet, Rocky got a shot to fame and stardom. Just one last shot. And he grabbed it. How the wheels turned in his favor.

A nobody. An underdog. A small local boxer who waited long enough for a chance to prove his worth. Rocky gave it his all. That’s just what makes this film great and a “classic”. Wait, but there’s more to this movie.

As mentioned in the movie, “America is a land of opportunity” where everything is possible. Now, what’s one thing in common between Rocky and startups?

Startups want to be at the top of their game, just like Rocky who worked long and hard to became a world- class boxer. Also, Rocky who was pitted with an undefeated and famous boxer, boldly took that chance to became a World Heavyweight Titleholder. For startups, who have passion and enthusiasm for their craft and business, Rocky also had the burning spirit in him amidst negativity and discouragement. Not to mention that he was a nobody, but eventually, became somebody.

Among all sports, boxing is the most cruel and grueling. To become a world boxing title holder, like Manny Pacquiao, it takes not just talent but dedication, patience, and lots of sacrifice.

Like in business, you have to take risks, sacrifice, and work hard to take your business to the top. Don’t settle for mediocrity, take that chance, and work hard to become a world- class business.

What I learned from Rocky Balboa:

1. Go the distance.

As Rocky Balboa said, “All I wanna do is go the distance. If I can go that distance, you see, and that bell rings and I’m still standin’, I’m gonna know for the first time in my life, see, that I weren’t just another bum from the neighborhood.”

Rocky didn’t mind being famous or rich; he just wanted to be a boxer. He just wanted to go the distance and be the one standing when the last bell rings. His life came at a turning point, and when the opportunity came, he was ready. His life and his future depended on it.

2. Stand up.

Just like in boxing, when life and competitors knocks you down a couple of times, you got to stand up and fight! You got to stay up and hold your head high when tough times roll in.

3. Have the heart of a CHAMPION.

It took Rocky 10 gruelling years of training and hardwork to get that chance of a lifetime. Who was he to think he’ll win? Because he is a winner. Long before that last bell was struck, he trained like a winner, fought like a winner, and had the heart of a champion. His journey was not an easy one, but it was all worth it in the end.

4. Choose the crowd you’re with.

There’s truth to the old saying, “Birds of the same feather, flock together”. It’s much easier to destroy your image, but takes time to build it again. When you want to be smart, hang out and be close to smart people. In business, be with business- minded people as often as you can.

5. Don’t forget the people who believed in you.

When your startup business hit it big, money and fame is just within reach. There will be people who would want to take advantage of you. But, remember, to step back and take a look on the long way you trudged, and how far you came in this journey. Most importantly, remember the people who were behind your back when you needed them, and who believed in you long before you became a success.