Kirstin Carey

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Crucial information on how to lead better and sell more in the new economy.

"Rudy Should Have Quit - And Maybe So Should You!"

The 1993 film Rudy tells the story of David “Rudy” Ruettiger, a 5 foot 6 inch steel mill worker who’s dream was to play football for the University of Notre Dame.  ESPN named it one of the Top 25 Sports Movies in 2005, and every man I know cried big football tears at the end of the movie.  

After an explosion at the steel mill killed his best friend, Rudy decided to pursue his dream. Low on funds, and without acceptable grades, Rudy is forced to apply to a local community college with the hope that he could later transfer to ND. 

Rudy showed up for practice every day offering to do anything to help the team.  He essentially became a human blocking dummy for the team as well as a locker room maid, water boy, and all around chump.  Rudy was the first one on the field and the last one to leave.  Regardless of his injuries, his heath, or his personal life Rudy showed up for practice.  It was his single focus. 

Rudy was finally able to transfer to Notre Dame, but didn’t make the team until his senior year.  Even though he made the final cut, the coach wouldn’t allow him to suit up for a game.  Hours before the final game, Rudy’s teammates threatened to quit the team if Rudy can’t suit up.  The coach gave in, but then refused to put Rudy in the game.  Just before the final play, the players chant “Rudy! Rudy! Rudy!” which caused the fans to join in.  The coach put Rudy in the game, and with his father and brothers watching, Rudy sacked the opposing team’s quarterback, sealing the Notre Dame win!  The players hoist Rudy on their shoulders and carry him off the field in the final scene of the movie. 

At the end of the movie, as my friends were wiping tears from their eyes saying how inspired they were, I couldn’t help but wonder if maybe Rudy should have quit.  Was one moment in time worth the years of disrespect Rudy got from his family, teammates, and friends?  Was it worth all the physical pain he endured (and would probably continue to endure from latent injuries) during practice even when he wasn’t actually on the team?  Was the financial struggle worth reaching a goal that only lasted about seven seconds?

Where is the line between when you should give up and when you should push forward towards your goal? 

I admit, if I had been presented with Rudy’s situation, I certainly would have quit.  There is no way I would have put up with the physical agony, the financial drama, and the lack of support the way Rudy did.  A moment of glory, to participate in a single play in a college football game, certainly wouldn’t have outweighed all the negatives attached to getting it.  It seemed like a ridiculous choice to pursue this specific dream to me, even knowing that Rudy reached his goal!

But that’s because my values are different from those of Rudy.  To me it was a silly game.  To Rudy, and the people who most influenced him (father, brothers, steel mill workers, and friends), playing even one moment for Notre Dame football was of incredibly high value. 

The line between quitting and continuing is a person’s individual values.  Know and understand your values, and you will know the answer to weather you should quit or continue pursuing your dreams and goals.  It really is that simple.

To uncover your values, answer the following questions with specific, honest answers.  The more specific your answers, the easier it will be for you to identify your values effectively.  Try not to write answers you think sound good, write answers that come from your heart, gut, and soul.  HINT: These are usually the answers that come to your mind instantly when you see the question.  Don’t judge your answers, just write them down.

þ     What’s important to you? 

þ     Why do you want that goal? 

þ     What makes that dream a priority for you? 

þ     Is the goal your priority or are you trying to satisfy someone else’s idea of what your goals should be?

þ     If you reach your goal, will it satisfy you? 

þ     What are you willing to give up to reach that goal?

þ     Is there anything you are not willing to give up to reach your goal?

þ     How long are you prepared to wait to reach your goal?

þ     Why is this goal valuable to you?

þ     How will your life be better as a result of reaching this goal?

BLOCKS TO REACHING YOUR GOALS

If you determine that the item is within your values, but are still unable to reach your goal, than you need to figure out what is specifically blocking you. 

Is it:

þ     A poor strategy?

þ     A lack of education?

þ     The wrong type of support or no support at all?

þ     Inefficient resources?

þ     Your own fears, issues, or lack of confidence?

þ     The inability to identify the block itself?

No matter what your answer, if you are stuck, than you need outside help to remove these blocks and enable you to reach your goals.  The answer is inside of you, you may just need an additional experience to remove it.  This help can come in the form of coaching, meditation, additional education, or a combination of those items.    

In Rudy’s case, his additional help came in the form of his teammates.  If they hadn’t refused to play unless Rudy was allowed to suit up, Rudy never would have reached his goal.  Just like Rudy, you may need someone else to help you break free of what is blocking you from reaching your goal.  Get the help you need and reach your true potential!

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