The other night I was watching Rocky II on TV (I love the Rocky movies), and I noticed something interesting. In fact there were two things that really stood out to me. And as I thought about this, I realized that all champions have this in common. You will find these two things in anyone who achieves great success in any field.

First, Rocky was coachable! So many times, especially in sports, you will find someone who is talented and has “all the right stuff,” but they aren’t coachable. It is very hard to develop a great athlete to their potential unless they are willing to listen to and learn from a coach. Many managers, executives, and business owners could be so much better if they would get their pride out of the way and listen to others who can help them grow personally and professionally.

Second, Rocky had a great coach or mentor (in his case manager). Rocky’s manager, Mickey, always had Rocky’s best interest in mind. In Rocky II, Mickey changed Rocky’s whole fighting style. He knew Apollo was the best fighter in the world, so they had to do something that would throw him off. Mickey had Rocky fight right handed. For those of you who don’t know, Rocky was a southpaw or left handed fighter. The other reason Mickey had him do this is because Rocky had a cut over his right eye that could be easily opened, and end the fight, if he were fighting in his usual southpaw stance.

A great coach can do nothing with someone who is not coachable. Also, no matter how much talent you have, you will only have mild success at best if you are not coachable. If you plan on living a successful life (whatever that means to you), then I highly recommend you find a mentor. A mentor will help you avoid costly mistakes, and rise to a higher level than you ever could alone.