A short one this week, but a typically motivational one from our friend Mr The Rock.
In a video he posted to his 113 Instagram followers this week, The Rock made a powerful point about playing the cards that life deals you.
In precis: The Rock talks about his period as an aspiring American footballer, and the fact that he was dropped while playing in the Canadian Football League, thus doomed never to reach the National Football League itself.
This – among other things – set him on the path to wrestling fame, movie stardom, and all the rest. His take-away message is that “Sometimes, your biggest dreams that don’t come true are the best things that never happen.”
While delivering the speech, The Rock doesn’t do what lesser mortals might: slag off the man who dropped him from the team, or belittle anyone who doubted him in any way. This is what separates him from the majority of the people on this planet. If that were me, I might have shouted “Right, let’s make this video!” then said to camera, “Drop me from the team eh? Look at me now, you son of a bitch. I’ve got all the money in the world. I wouldn’t be on your team now if you begged me.” Not The Rock. Dwayne Rock The Johnson is too much of a gentleman for such uncouth statements of resentment. He’s a pro, and he realises that he was dropped from the team because of his ability and nothing else.
And his central point is a sound one. I have certainly experienced something similar. Failing to get a job you might think is your ideal, all-time dream position might be exactly what needs to happen to you. Without it, you might never have been able to accept another, far better opportunity on the horizon. Or – in the case of The Rock – a rejection might prove to you that you aren’t cut out for the job of your dreams, and you might need to tailor your dreams accordingly.
As The Rock proves, your plan B might end up sending you to one of the most wonderful, privileged positions imaginable. Your ‘failures’ are as important as your successes, and will often teach you far more about what you need to do in order to achieve your goals.
So yes, a little twee this week. A touch sentimental. But it was my birthday yesterday, so cut me some slack. I’m feeling soppy and I don’t care who knows it.
Stay hungry, stay humble.
(Illustration: Dan Evans)
