That before making Rocky, Sylvester Stallone was so poor he sold his dog for $25; the lowest day of his life Stallone confesses. Stallone, unwavering in his desire to inspire people through films, had turned down a 6 figure offer for the Rocky script because it did not include him playing Rocky. That’s determination for you.

Stallone would eventually turn down a $300,000 offer for the Rocky script because the producers did not see him playing the lead, and he refused to have it any other way. So poor he couldn’t pay his heating bills he refused to get a job because “once I took a job I’d get comfortable and lose my hunger.”

Before the big offers Stallone was turned down by dozens of producers who called the script predictable amongst other things. He wrote down all the negative comments he received and read them when Rocky won best picture in 1977. If you have an opportunity to re-watch this classic take note of his dog in the film: It is the same dog from the liquor store he eventually bought back for $15,000 after being offered just $30,000 and a percentage of profits if he was going to play the lead. To date movies starring Stallone have grossed over 3 billion dollars. Not bad for a guy rejected by 100s of agents before even getting a gig as an extra.

Everyone knows I am a huge Stallone fan and now you know why.  I can’t think of a better example of achieving your dreams against all odds through determination and belief…except maybe Arnold. Perhaps it wasn’t such a bad thing my dad let me watch all those action flicks when I was a kid.

The Secret To Success:

Embrace Failure

Richard Branson Has Built His Virgin Empire By Taking On Huge Challenges and Never Fearing Failure

Failure is not giving things a go in the first place. People who fail are those who don’t have a go and don’t make an effort. Failures can’t be bothered. There are few people who’ve tried something and fallen who didn’t get enormous satisfaction from trying, and I’ve learned more from people who have tried and faltered than from the few charmed people for whom success came easy.

-Elated News