That is what Fortune (Charles S. Dutton) asks of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger near the end of the movie “Rudy”. This is after Rudy has been denied the opportunity to dress (be on the sideline in uniform) for the final game of his senior season at Notre Dame. Rudy was never good enough to be a member of the team, but he spent two years working harder than anyone as a member of the practice squad. At the end of his junior year, Notre Dame head coach Ara Parseghian promised to let Rudy dress for a game during his senior season due to his hard work and dedication.
But after Rudy’s junior season, Parseghian decided to retire.
The new coach, Dan Devine, did not know about this promise, nor did he intend to let Rudy dress for a game. Rudy went through the entire season checking the weekly dress schedule and never saw his name on it. After the schedule for the final game was posted and his name was not on it, Rudy decided to quit. He walked out of the locker room determined to miss his final practice.
Then he ran into Fortune, who had been a mentor to Rudy. And Fortune reminded him of who he was.
Rudy returned to practice. The seniors rallied to his side and convinced the coach to let him dress. He even got into the game for the final couple of plays. The movie ends with Rudy being carried off the field by his teammates. But it almost never happened!
What if he had not gone back to that practice? What if the example he had set had not resonated with his teammates? What if he had actually given up? Then he would never have known victory.
And he was only moments away from it.
I have to admit that even me, the master motivator, sometimes wonders if I am going to truly make it as a professional speaker. As an artist, if you go for even a short period of time without an engagement, you can get discouraged. You think you will never get booked again. But, you cannot think like that because victory is right around the corner!
Just as I was in a low point, I had a big victory the other day. My blog & video posted at CampusTalkBlog called “Building Leaders Through Community Service” that I referenced above had been viewed by over 250 people on the very first day!
But what if I had given up before writing that blog?
I believe the blog will result in some speaking engagements for me, however, the most important thing is that more students will become involved in community service because I am able to share my experiences and knowledge about servant leadership.
Press on! Don’t give up! Pursue your dreams!
Victory is right around the corner!
Do you need a great inspirational speaker for your next event? No matter what you call it, I am available for your next conference, convention, conclave, convocation, reunion, rally, workshop, ed session, orientation, meeting, before/during/after breakfast/lunch/dinner, gathering, commencement, groundbreaking, team building, staff development, leadership retreat, continuing education, ceremony, assembly, congress, council, confab, forum, roundtable, symposium, opening session, closing session, or any session in between. My career story is also a feature here at Professional Speaking—Turning a Hobby Into a Career. I am available for speaking engagements either through my website or by emailing Kevin at OutOfYourRut
I’m ashamed to admit, but I’ve never seen the movie Rudy! But, I still like the post about motivation – I’ve experienced this in my own career, just as I was at my lowest point and about to quit – boom – things started happening. I’m glad I stuck around! Thanks for the motivation to keep on!
Jason @ Redeeming Riches´s last blog ..This Week in Personal Finance – March 12, 2010
Jason – quitting is like one of those permanent solutions to a temporary problem issue. It’s one thing to quit if you’re not keen on what you’re doing anyway, but if it’s something you feel passionate about–a life’s calling–quitting is never the answer. Regrouping certainly, but not quitting.
Congratulations! Good for you, Kevin!
I also like what you said in the comments: “Quitting is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.” I’d never heard that before, but it really struck a chord with me.
Christina – sadly, I have heard that saying before, but it’s often used in connection with suicides. You can see the obvious relevance in that, but there are other aspects of life where it applies as well, and quitting is one.
Oh I love this post. It’s so true, many of us give up right as we are on the cusp of success. We just don’t know it. I’m determined to keep going though!
Jackie´s last blog ..Now is Exactly the Right Time
It’s always darkest just before the dawn…that seems to be some sort of cosmic rule of life, as if life is throwing one more nasty obstacle in our path when we’re within walking distance of victory.
Dave is an outstanding motivational speaker if you know anyone who needs someone in that capacity.
Something tells me you would like the Jimmy Valvano ESPY speech!
Matt SF´s last blog ..High Income Consumers Love those Groupons
Matt, something tells me Dave is aware of that speech!
Thank you for the comments! I enjoyed writing the blog. The Jimmy V speech is awesome and if anyone had a right to quit, it was him. If you have never seen it, or not in awhile, click on http://www.jimmyv.org/remembering-jim/espy-awards-speech.html.
Keep posting stuff like this i really like it
Mmm. Having goals and ambitions as a motivational speaker? You have a way with literary motivation, to say the least. I wonder where you’d go verbally? Could be quite interesting to hear you, eh? ^_^
Hey, even the foundation has it’s soft spots. But keep at it. <3
Aury (Thunderdrake)´s last blog ..Hoarding Dragon Basics – Investing in Precious Metals
What I love about blogs is that they spark an idea in my brain. When that happens, I feel as I need to comment with the hope it may be interesting to some people. Because there are lots of blogs and forums with many points of view, they question your comprehension. It is at these moments when you have valuable insignt other people might not have had, together with the blogger him/herself. I find myself coming back to to your writings only because you have several very good insights and also you have been at this a very long time, that is very inspiring and tells me you know your stuff. Keep triggering imagination in others!
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