Continuing the dynamic established in this series, we now turn to the inspiring story of Rocky to explore the importance of developing positive habits.
Though his name is known worldwide, Rocky Balboa is not a privileged athlete with exceptional innate abilities. His true strength lies in the discipline and consistency of his daily life—virtues that show how the right habits can completely transform our path, taking us from anonymity to greatness.

One of the most iconic moments in the first film comes at the start of his morning routine. Rocky gets up before dawn, cracks several raw eggs into a glass, and drinks them in one gulp. This detail, which may strike us as shocking or even unpleasant, symbolizes his determination to do “whatever it takes” to improve. It’s not an isolated act; it’s part of a ritual he repeats every day, highlighting the fundamental role of consistent practice in long-term success.

Shortly after, Rocky goes for a run through the deserted streets of Philadelphia, beating his personal records as the city slowly wakes. The run culminates in the famous climb up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where—gasping and sweating—he raises his arms in victory. The gesture represents not just a physical triumph, but a declaration of principles: to reach the top (be it a flight of stairs or a life goal), discipline must overcome laziness and doubt. Every early morning and every step of the run are small pieces that, joined over time, build the figure of a boxer ready to face greater challenges.

In a previous article, I referred to the 10,000-hour rule, which emphasizes deliberate and consistent practice as the path to mastery in any field. Rocky embodies this principle perfectly: instead of waiting for natural talent to lead him to success, he subjects himself to intensive training, day after day, perfecting each punch, improving his endurance, and boosting his confidence. His strength lies not only in his muscles, but in his ability to stand firm in the face of the temptation to delay effort or give up.

Why do positive habits play such a decisive role in this story? Because they are the cornerstone that allows us to move forward without relying on fleeting motivation or bursts of energy. When Rocky turns the routine of running, training, and eating well into a habit, he no longer asks himself each morning if he feels like doing it—he simply does it. In this way, he takes steady steps toward his goal, building the confidence that he is capable of more and better.

For those of us who want to apply this approach in our own lives, the first step is identifying which small daily actions could make a difference in our projects. Maybe it’s dedicating 20 minutes each morning to study a specific topic, spending extra time practicing a musical instrument, or exercising with discipline. Over time, these repetitive actions become almost automatic, freeing our minds from the inertia or laziness that so often holds us back. In this way, habits become our best allies in making progress—even on days when motivation is nowhere to be found.

Rocky’s climb up the museum stairs is, at its core, a metaphor for what happens each time we choose consistency over indecision. Once at the top, he raises his arms to celebrate not just the effort of that specific morning, but the victory over procrastination and self-pity. That scene reminds us that we don’t need a stroke of luck or supernatural talent: with a clear plan, sincere commitment, and the conscious repetition of our habits, we can move closer to our own goals—whether they’re big or small.

We, too, can take small steps in the right direction each day. There may not be a crowd waiting for us at the top of our personal “stairs,” but the satisfaction of knowing we’re building success brick by brick will make every effort worthwhile. And so, as artisans of our own habits, we can face our challenges with the same determination that Rocky brings into the ring.