5 Life Lessons You Could Learn From Creed

It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 40 years since Rocky Balboa first graced the screen. And now the Italian Stallion is passing his boxing gloves to a new generation, with the hard-hitting (and surprisingly poignant) reboot Creed. To be clear, this isn’t your daddy’s Rocky flick. Gone are the Mr. T references and “Eye of the Tiger” verses. But in their place are some memorable life lessons, which can be carried with you well beyond the theater.

Don’t Give Up on the Underdog

This lesson is a no-brainer for Rocky fans and, truth be told, it’s the unifying theme of the film series. One of the reasons this franchise is so successful is because it carries the underdog message so well. Life hasn’t been easy for Apollo Creed’s son, Adonis aka Donnie; and he’s fighting an uphill battle as he tries to claim his championship. In life, many of us can feel the same way – especially as we try to climb the ladder of success. But the “never-give-up” attitude of this and the other Rocky movies can be a major motivator, especially during trying times.

Success Doesn’t Come Easy

Too many times, blockbuster movies forget the struggle behind reaching your dreams. Creed, on the other hand, highlights blue-collar themes and disappointment; making us root for the hero that much more. Before Adonis becomes a household name, he’s being bounced around juvenile detention centers and fighting a mountain of self-doubt. While that may not exactly mirror most of our lives, it does showcase a realistic and imperfect leading man. With time and training, Adonis Creed overcomes his demons and proves that every goal can be attainable…but you gotta put in the work.

Build Your Own Legacy

Adonis has some big and powerful shoes to fill as he fights for glory and his family legacy. But as his mentor, Rocky Balboa, explains; it’s not Apollo’s name that he’s boxing for, it’s his own. Carrying a successful legacy can be a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it can open doors. But on the other, it can brand you and keep you in the shadow of those who came before. Creed skillfully illustrates how to carve your own legacy, both with the movie’s main character and with the story itself; which is able to easily escape the shadow of previous Rocky movies.

Respect and Learn From Your Elders

It’s pretty surprising to see Sylvester Stallone play a supporting role in a Rocky film. His performance, however, is one the movie’s most powerful (and already garnering early Oscar buzz). Much like Mickey in the original film, Balboa is now a mentor of sorts and the driving force behind Adonis’ rise to the top. Dropping words of wisdom, such as “no one ever learned anything while talking, because they ain’t listening” and you win “one step at a time, one punch at a time and one round at a time.” In our lives, there are countless mentors we can glean knowledge from…if we make the time. Take it from Creed: stop talking, start listening, put down the cell phone, sit with an older, accomplished vet and soak up everything you can.

You’re Your Own Toughest Opponent

In perhaps one of the most memorable moments from the movie, Rocky shows Adonis that he’s his own worst enemy. This rings true whether you’re a championship boxer or a 9-to-5’er in the corporate world. As we face life’s daily challenges, never forget the importance of the mind game. You could be in pristine fighting condition; but if your wits aren’t intact, don’t expect a long-lasting victory. Always condition yourself physically AND mentally before any major challenge.