Steps In A New Direction

Posted on April 27, 2009 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

Rocky Marciano loved playing baseball and was a stellar player in high school. With high hopes, he tried out for the Chicago Cubs in 1947, but did not make the team. Though disappointed in not making the Cubs, Rocky decided to take a few steps in a new direction, pursuing the sport of boxing which, along with baseball, held a special place in his heart.

Rocky trained hard for five years, fighting his way up through the ranks. Finally, on September 23, 1952, Marciano earned the opportunity to challenge “Jersey Joe” for heavyweight champion of the world. The fight started badly for Rocky, and then got worse. He was knocked down in the first round; and after the seventh round, was clearly behind in points. But Rocky continued to fight with courage, and persisted against an opponent that most people believed was much superior to him.

Then suddenly, in the thirteenth round, Rocky threw his powerful right hook and knocked out “Jersey Joe.” The fight was over, and Marciano was elevated to the heavy weight champion of the world! Rocky went on to a stellar career, defending his title six times, winning five titles by knockouts. Overall, he won forty-nine straight fights – forty-three by knockouts.

** Though Rocky did not make it in professional baseball, he had the courage to take steps in a new direction toward his dream of a boxing career – to only later become one of the best boxers the sport has ever had.

Rocky Marciano displayed the three elements needed to live a successful life. These are: To have a clear picture of what one wants to do; courage to move in that direction; and persistent faith that their dream can be realized. ** No matter how you choose to personally define success – these three elements are critical for that success to be realized.