"When a man stares into the abyss and sees nothing but darkness, 
this is the time that he finds his character.  And it is his 
character, that keeps him from falling into the abyss."

These movies will help keep you out of the abyss when times are 
tough and you need that extra push, extra excitement, extra 
drive, to get to the next level of success.    

    
"Rocky 3"

The "Eye of the Tiger" song and opening montage, will get you 
into the success mood.  Rocky is rich, but has lost his hunger 
to stay on top.  He loses his next match and then has to "train 
old" to get his mind and body back into shape to fight a real 
killer.  He then has to overcome his personal fear to get back 
into the ring.   


"Rollerball"

In the '75 version, James Cann is the champion rollerballer 
of the future.  This is the ultimate lone man against the
establishment that is forcing him to quit the sport he loves.
When you feel that you have to go it alone on your way to
success, the final game will have you up on your feet and
ready for action.


"Staying Alive"

John Travolta tries for success on Broadway.  He makes the 
rounds of casting agents, works odd jobs, gets a break, and 
then risks asking the director of the show for a chance at the 
lead.  The director's speech when Travolta wants to quit is 
right on. Listen to the words of all the success songs like, 
"You've got to work a little harder than the next guy and look 
out for number one.  Keep your eyes on the stars and the sun."   

  
"The Natural"

Over the hill baseball player Robert Redford tries for a 
comeback.  If you ever feel down and out, this will get you 
swinging at the ball again.  You'll like the mythic references 
in this film such as Redford carving his personal bat out of a 
tree that was stuck by lightning and then having to go to bat 
without it.  


"Grand Prix"

You might see parts of yourself in each character.  James 
Garner is dropped from his racing team and must turn to TV 
reporting to sustain himself.  But he takes advantage of a 
surprise offer.

There's lots of first class living and big business in this 
film.  A lot about being a professional and winning. At the 
end of the movie, you'll feel like you're the one walking 
triumphantly on the empty race track, knowing that you will 
persevere alone, and win alone, like the champion did.


"The Cincinnati Kid" 

"He's been "the man" (best poker player) for a long time and 
he's got a lot to protect," Shooter tells the Kid.  This is a 
story of image, competition, skill, financial survival, and 
life.  Shooter played by Karl Malden is the most important 
character in the story to watch.  He is "a percentage player".  
"I don't win much, don't lose much."

The Kid is serious about his opportunity to become "the man".  
Watch him go over the percentage tables to get his mind ready 
for the big game.  Watch him pack his bag with cards and cash.  
Watch his strategy as he shows up late for the game and plays 
word games with the champ.  

Lancy, is play by Edward G. Robinson, and is the old champ that 
everyone thinks will be defeated.  At times he seems tired and 
ready to crumble under the gambling pressure.  But he is not 
the long reigning champ for nothing.  "He'll use every trick 
in the book and some he's just made up, to beat you."  Notice 
Robinson's style and manners.  He's the James Bond of this 
group.

When the champ wins an important hand by betting big on "a 
lousy 3 card flush", he says, "Gets down to what it's all 
about, doesn't it?  Making the wrong move at the right time.  
Like life, I guess."  

There's a lot more life lessons in the movie, so keep your ears 
open.  And let your mind soak in all that cash that's bet out 
on the table. This is the best movie to see when you feel 
you've been under-estimated by others, who think that you're 
on your way out.    


"Any Given Sunday"

There's lots of energetic camera work, sound and music in this
football oddesy to wake you up and give you a natural shot of 
energy.  There are many scenes of big money deals to program 
your mind for  prosperity.  More importantly, it's loaded with 
success philosophy.  Al Pacino's four minute  "Life is a game 
of inches" talk to his team is the best motivational speech 
you'll ever hear.  Guaranteed to get anyone out of their slump.  

Check these movies out and find others that will help you 
persevere and give you "The eye of the Tiger".