“It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!” – Rocky Balboa
This is true in life, in relationships, in friendships and in business, sales in particular.
Take the hit and get back up
When I first started boxing 10 years ago, as well as when I first started my career in Business Development, I was awkward, clumsy, nervous and afraid to “take a hit” or a “no.”
I couldn’t take a hit and getting a no from a sales lead hurt just as much as a hook to the body. Over the years I have learned that sometimes you have to learn to take the hit and keep getting back up. Learn from your mistakes and try again. Dial the phone. No, not interested. Dial again! Send an email. No, not interested. Okay, send another!
Early to rise
Many fighters are out for a run at the crack of dawn while their opponents are sleeping. I am at my desk at seven AM preparing for the day while my competition may just well be hitting the snooze button.
Boxing has taught me to go outside of my comfort zone and that I am so much stronger physically than I ever thought. Three minutes moving around and punching is a long time. Try it if you never have. Not quitting until the bell rings isn’t always easy. Not quitting after a hard day of selling can be even more grueling (hitting the bag is also great for stress!)
Get out of your comfort zone
Boxing has taught me to step outside of my comfort zone. I used to take an all-girls class. No contact, just going through the motions for fitness. Now, I can hold me own against the men.
I was totally nervous and scared at first but I realized (and so did everyone else) that this 5’ 3” blonde can pack a pretty hard left hook. Same in business. Again, I used to panic at the thought of having a conversation with a CEO. After realizing they are just people and getting “knocked down” by a few (or at least a few of their assistants), I learned to keep going.
The people in your corner
Having good people “in your corner” is important to being successful. I have a great trainer who believes in me and pushes me to my physical limits. I have two of the best bosses who encourage me, trust me to do my thing and are my biggest fans. Having a great corner behind you can make all the difference in succeeding and winning.
No one wins every time (well, except Floyd Mayweather). It’s the ones who lose and keep their chins high (or, in boxing, keep it low) that eventually win and are victorious. Maybe not every time but with hard work, sweat, perseverance and courage there will be many victories in life and in business.
