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When You Give It Your All

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The only way to win and get ahead in today’s world is to simply give it your all.

There’s a lot of buzz around the movie The Wrestler with Mickey Rourke. What few people may not realize is that even though the outcome of professional wrestling matches are pre-determined, what goes on in the ring is very real. Don’t believe me? Try jumping off the top rope of a boxing ring and landing flat on your back (not easy, not fun and not comfortable). Ric Flair was one of the best. Tonight, he was featured on CBS News as the sort of "real story" behind The Wrestler as The Oscars take over the tube this weekend.

Passion, determination, dedication can’t be faked.

You can watch the full twelve-minute, unedited interview below. At close to ten minutes, the typical story-telling and back-and-forth between celebrity and journalist gives way to a very intimate moment where Flair reflects back on his 36-year career that ended in 2008. We should all feel this way about our careers – not just in terms of how it might end, but right now. If you’re not loving what you’re doing (and even if you are), this is what following your dreams and making it happen is all about:

Watch CBS Videos Online

Talk about blood, sweat and tears.

6 comments

  1. Thanks for this, Mitch. I’m definitely fwding it along to my students at Art School, because it really is what living your dreams is about. 🙂

  2. Mitch,
    What a candid and enjoyable interview that helps remind us all that life is too short to take for granted and not being doing stuff we’re passionate about.
    And for that matter spending it with people we care about.
    It was a good change of pace on Twist Image.

  4. Thank you for sharing this interview and setting the perfect context. I saw The Wrestler and also read Mick Foley’s book (which dispelled any myth about the goings-on in the ring being fake!).
    I was touched to see the emotion Ric displayed when reflecting on his career and retirement. It helped me understand the ending to The Wrestler; I see beauty where I previously saw sadness and stubbornness.
    To anyone searching to love what they do, I highly recommend Po Bronson’s “What Should I Do With My Life”.
    Thanks for another excellent post,
    @AmandaFenton

  5. I would love to know the percentage of people who feel like Ric Flair does about his retirement versus the percentage of people who are thrilled that their careers/work is done, so that they can “enjoy life.”
    That would be fascinating.
    Even better, what percentage of people feel this passionate about the job they’re in right now.

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