Can Films Teach Us Ethics?
On Saturday night sat in front of the TV, my little man in his cot, my wife, and 13-year-old son sat beside me. Just your standard night in, watching some rubbish TV and then I saw a classic come up on the TV guide. A favourite of mine since I was a kid that I remember watching over, and over again. An iconic film that most know, even a lot of the younger millennial generation of today will recognise the famous scenes. Watching it again made me think, what can businesses learn from film? What was this film I hear you ask? A film that showed 2 men, compete. One using the latest tech and education, one using hard work, determination, and persistence and pure blooded passion…
Rocky 4 can teach great life skills if watched right.
My son Brad turns 14 next week and he’d never watched Rocky 4 before. I said to him, watch this and I know you will love it, and you will learn so much.
So, what can businesses learn from film and what are the key takeaways I got from Rocky 4 that can be applied to your career and life in general?
Lesson 1 – Persistence & Resilience
You will see the main man Sylvester Stallone, Aka Rocky, take some serious knocks both in and out the ring but pure resilience and persistence get him through the challenge, that not many think he can do. Not even his wife! These are essential in life and business as there will always be times when people tell you can’t do something and want to hold you back.
Failing is something you will do a lot but keep going as success is around the corner. Don’t give up and don’t let people tell you can’t do something. If you want to do it then do it but you will need a lesson to support you.
Lesson 2 – Motivation & Focus
You will see how Rocky has complete focus on his goal to win and beat his opponents. This makes him get up do more and keep moving closer to the goal no matter what it takes.
This is so essential in business, you need to motivate yourself and you need absolute focus on your goals. Choose something that motivates you when you feel like giving up, or when people want to pull you down.
I use the rocky soundtrack, I have it saved in my playlist, I use pictures of my sons and wife, as I have them all the time on my desk and on my phone. You can also find some fantastic motivational videos on YouTube. Find yours and make sure you keep them prominent.
Lesson 3 – Have Good People Around You
Rocky obviously succeeds in the film. He could only do this with great people around him. His trainer making sure he commits to training, his wife and Polly to keep him humble, grounded and focused, the Russian guards to keep him safe and make sure he can train with freedom.
In life and in business, you need people around you helping you, pushing you on, and keeping you going in the right direction. Clear your locker out from people that only want to either bring you down and hold you back or want to be around you because of your success.
I have always believed that you are an average of the 5 people you spend the most time with, so choose wisely!
In conclusion, what can businesses learn from film?
So there are my thoughts on this topic, films can be great to watch in terms of entertainment but can also teach you really important life skills. I think that the Rocky films are so motivating and uplifting and have taught me a lot.
I know that you will find them addictive, the story of rags to riches and the underdog, it shows you can achieve what you want, but you have to put all your effort in. I don’t think they make them like they used to!
Feel free to tell me the 3 lessons you’ve taken personally or what businesses learn from film on twitter @DannyMIDSimpson, I’d love to hear what your thoughts are.
If you missed my last blog on building relationships rather than sales in business then take a look here.
Good luck with what you’re doing and I’ll see you in the next blog!