I’m sure many of you recognize the statue I am in front of in this photograph. The iconic Rocky statue stands at the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Several years ago, I went to a regatta nearby and couldn’t resist the temptation. It was my second time taking a picture with the statue. The first time was about thirty years earlier, with my sons in front of the Philadelphia Spectrum, where it originally was placed. I feel like millions of other fans; Rocky and his message never grow old.
I recently listened to an interview where Sylvester Stallone recounted how quickly he wrote the script for Rocky. He said it took him 3 1/2 days, but 90% of it was garbage! However, Sylvester felt it was essential to see the finish line and avoid getting bogged down by perfection. He continued speaking about how writers get stuck in their heads, worrying and telling themselves how stupid they are because they can’t finish or get something down on paper.
I’ve been in that situation myself when I want to write a letter or a brief email, and I’ve run out of words. Or I’m working on a project that others will view, and I’m afraid of the reaction I will receive if it is not perfect. So, what happens? I get paralysis by analysis, and little gets accomplished. When that begins, I remember an adage I heard years ago. “Perfection is the enemy of execution.”
Sylvester is right about seeing the finish line, getting out there, competing, adjusting, and reconfiguring. Put yourself out there if you’re an entrepreneur with a great idea. Test the market. If you’re thinking about a new career or an alternative income stream, do, as Rocky said, “Go for it!” FOPO (fear of others’ opinions) has stopped more great ideas and more actionable causes than any financial difficulties ever have.
There have been six Rocky movies and three Creeds based on the Rocky characters. So Sylvester Stallone must know what he is speaking about when he ends many of his Instagram posts with “Keep Punching!” Let’s all keep punching, competing, and going for our dreams. Until next time, “keep the main thing the main thing, and “GO FOR IT!
JM Fields “The Bucketlist Coach”
