Sports movies motivate me. I do believe I could spend all my free time watching them and never be satisfied.
I asked for inspiration. My friend, Joe, suggested I watch Brian’s Song, which, of course, I have many times. (And, of course, I cry every time.) “I am third” is a daily mantra. It did get me thinking about the effect that these movies have on me—and, certainly, others.
In the last week, I have watched: Greater, American Wrestler, and Forever Strong. My workout mix is dominated by the soundtrack of the Rocky movies. I could watch Rudy and Facing the Giants almost every day. (Indeed, I watched parts of Facing the Giants several times a week when my business was struggling.) Even the so very cheesy Karate Kid pulls at my heart strings. The list is ginormous.
I am inspired by the underdog and the fighter. I am motivated by people who dream unrealistic dreams and achieve them. I see sports as a microcosm of society. I see the solution to society’s ills in the team of misfits who come together to win against all odds.
I am motivated by coaches who inspire—in real life, as well as, fiction. To some extent, I am jealous of the characters in the movies. My sports careers were far from inspiring. I have a few stories, but nothing worthy of the big screen. Nonetheless, I am inspired to be (extra)ordinary. I am inspired to help others achieve unreasonable goals. I am just inspired.
They may just be movies, but they stir our emotions. They give us something to believe in. They give us cause to believe in ourselves. Believe in the underdog story.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!