As an 18 year old kid I wrote my college essay to get into Cornell University about the movie Rocky. Yes, the movie with Sylvester Stallone. I know what you might be thinking... either "Jon was a nutty kid" or "I would have loved to see the admissions person's face as she read the essay." She probably called up my lacrosse coach, Richie Moran, who recruited me to play there. "Hey Coach, Jon wrote his college essay on Rocky... Yea, the movie... I know... Ok, we'll let him anyway."

But seriously, I did write it. After all who could forget the iconic image of Rocky running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art? To this day the steps are one of the biggest attractions to tourists visiting Philadelphia and even now when I hear the Rocky theme song I want to bust out in a full sprint. My kids, fittingly, love Rocky too. They always want me to play "Eye of the Tiger" on the way to their soccer games. The other day I was racing my son around the block and noticed him talking to himself. When we reached the finish line he said, "Hey Dad, to make myself run faster I was saying "Eye of the Tiger. Eye of the Tiger." I guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. You can bet that we'll be first in line when the new Rocky movie opens December 20th.

While some shake their head and laugh at the prospect of a new Rocky movie being made 30 years after the original, I am thrilled. What many of these people don't realize is that this final Rocky movie has gone back to its original roots, as a real, iconic story similar to Rocky 1. And if anyone argues that it's unreal to think that an old guy will come out of retirement to fight again, I want to say two words. George Foreman.

But I'm not going to see this movie just for a great storyline and I'm not going just to be entertained or to listen to inspirational music. I'm going because Rocky is weaved into our culture and me. I'm going because Rocky inspired millions of kids just like me to believe we can overcome our situation and obstacles to accomplish great feats. I'm taking my kids because I want them to feel the inspiration I grew up with. I'm going to see Rocky because Rocky matters.

Rocky is more than some guy running up steps while inspirational music plays in the background. Rocky is more than a story about a down and out fighter who got a one in a million shot at the heavy weight championship of the world. Rocky is our story. The struggle with self doubt; the desire to be "somebody" in our own eyes and in the eyes of others; the search for courage to face our biggest fears; the need for strength to get back up when life knocks us down; the dedication to fight the good fight and go the distance; and the perseverance to stand stall when the bell rings to start the 15th round. We know many real life Rocky's; Abraham Lincoln, Lance Armstrong, Moses, Martin Luther King Jr., Oprah, and the list goes on. The fact is, every great biblical or modern day hero has had to overcome negativity, self doubt and adversity to create their success. Inside each one of them and each one of us there is a Rocky who is ready to face their challenges and be triumphant. There is hope for a brighter and better future and a desire to be more than what we are right now.

Rocky mattered to me as an 18 year old kid and he matters to me as an father, husband and author who not surprisingly speaks and writes books about overcoming adversity and challenges to bring out the best in yourself and your team. I honestly don't know if I would be doing the work I do today if it wasn't for Rocky. I don't know if I would have had the strength and positive energy to overcome my own self doubt, fear, and failures to inspire all those I have reached. But I do know that if you are reading this it is because many years ago I watched the movie Rocky and through God's grace, somewhere along my journey I made a decision to be, do and share more.

Watch the Rocky Balboa movie trailer on YouTube.

Sending Positive Energy Your Way,
- Jon

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by Erwin McManus

Erwin is a writer, speaker and innovator whom I admire. His books, sermons and message have brought new inspiration into my life and I believe his latest book "Soul Cravings" will help you too.

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Book Description:
"Soul Cravings" is a powerful, down-to-earth exposition that interprets our need for intimacy, meaning, and destiny as common sense apologetics pointing to the existence of and our need for God. The book will deeply stir the reader to consider and chase after the spiritual implications of their soul's deepest longings... our soul cravings.

Question:
"I often feel tired and run down at the end of the day. I am pretty healthy and I think I eat right. Is being run down normal or are there ways to increase my evening energy? "

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This newsletters article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Jon Gordon is a leading authority on developing positive, engaged people, leaders, schools, businesses and teams. He is the author of The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel your Work, Live and Team with Positive Energy, The 10 Minute Energy Solution and Energy Addict: 101 Ways to Energize Your Life. Jon's proven solutions are being put to use by people and organizations worldwide and his tips have been featured on CNN, the NBC Today Show, Men's Health, Forbes, Positive Thinking Magazine, and more. He is also the co-founder of PEP- The Positive Energy Program, which creates and funds programs that develop healthy, positive children around the world. Learn more and sign up for Jon's free weekly energy tip newsletter at www.JonGordon.com

(Reprinted with Permission © Copyright 2006 The Jon Gordon Companies)