Sylvester Stallone Tips on Success

You may know him as Rambo, Rocky or one of the numerous other heroic names and characters that he has been portraying in the movie blockbuster world since the 70’s. What a vast majority of people do not really understand is how Sylvester Stallone actually started out. What beginnings he came from and what personal and professional pain he had to undergo in order to crack the code into the big time. The Sylvester Stallone Success Story is more than the usual rags to riches story most people are familiar with, it is a testament on what hard work, perseverance and belief can do to change your life for the better.

Why then you ask, is this relevant you? It is relevant because of the abundant lessons you can gain from this story, as it is a sort of prototype if you will to success. Success in itself is a recipe and if you follow it, you too will be a well prepared dish of success. Here is some key insights that can be gained from Sylvester Stallone’s recipe for success:

Failure

He was repeatedly rejected by many players in the industry who said that he simply had “the face for radio” and the “voice for the deaf”. The first obstacle impeding his success was the fact that a part of his lower left jaw was paralyzed, which not only gave him an awkward expression but also slurred speech.

Agents laughed at him and he was rejected over 1,000 times because of his ‘disability’. Let me repeat that – rejected over 1,000 times!

But that didn’t stop a broke and struggling Sylvester Stallone. He was determined to achieve his goal.

Personal Pain

Stallone’s journey to success simply shows the price one has to be willing to pay for the sake of their dreams. For instance, his first wife ended up leaving him when they did not immediately see the fruits of his labor. He was left alone with his dog in a “heat-less” apartment throughout winter, with no electricity as he could not afford to pay for his utilities. He had also been served with an eviction notice to vacate the premises. He slept at the New York bus station for 3 days. Unable to pay rent or afford food. He even reached the point where he had to choose who would eat that day...him or the dog? Sadly, he was forced to sell his loyal friend Bhaktus to a man who lived nearby who he had met at a local liquor store for just $50. The man went by the name “Little Jimmy.”

Inspiration

It was in this stage of financial ruin, alone and discouraged, that his spirits were lifted on watching a massive boxing heavyweight title fight between Mohammed Ali and Chuck Wepner. The idea for the Rocky character, flashed before his eyes. He immediately began writing continuously for the next twenty four hours like a madman on the script. Afterwards, he hit the road running, marketing his script with the leading producers and directors of that time. Success does not just pay dividends because you have been inspired. It also has the requirement of perseverance.

Perseverance

Stallone went from offer to offer with the proposal being scooped up by the film producers and directors but with one condition–they would hire ‘name’ star to play the lead character. There was no room for Stallone in his own movie. The offers to buy the script increased from $100,000 to $400,000 but without Stallone in it. Stallone would not relent. This was his script, his role and his big break.

They finally agreed on a fee of $25,000 upfront and shared the risk and reward. They would not pay him the big bucks because they feared a result whereby the movie failed to attract viewers due to the lack of a well-known star in the film. What if the movie failed?

Success

With $25,000 in his pocket Stallone subsequently bought back his dog Bhaktus for a whopping $3,000. That’s a great return on investment, ask any financial advisor. Little Jimmy and Bhaktus were both cast in the blockbuster movie, Rocky. The movie went on to win the Academy Award, for best picture in 1976.

The rest as they would say is history, along with multiple blockbusting sequels that followed. It also launched Stallone's career as an action hero, starring in many other titles; Rambo, Game Over, The Expendables etc.

Not only did he make it and prove his critics wrong but he also cemented his place in cinematic history. He was not a one hit wonder. He replicated the success he had in Rocky, again and again and again. He had immense staying power. Throughout the decades, you, your parents and your children, have experienced the Stallone brand and have voted with your feet at cinemas, T.V, movie rentals and DVD purchases.

Lastly...

Here is a lesser known fact: As a leading actor in 34 films, Stallone has raked in $3 billion in worldwide aggregate box office takings. Not too shabby for a 30+ year career for a guy who was not categorized as a potential star or blockbuster quality.

“You must fail 100 times to succeed once.”

 –Sylvester Stallone

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ABOUT MICHAEL FLYNN

Mentor, educator, leader, author, entrepreneur, father, philanthropist, master persuader, sales trainer and musician who has traveled to over 22 countries addressing and advising various leading businesses and CEOs globally. Michael has taken failing companies and transformed them into hugely profitable business. Michael gives you the tools and gives you the how.