“Preconceived ideas can sometimes become barriers.”—Rocky Bleier
I grew up in Pittsburgh in the 70s when Super Bowl rings were being handed out like Halloween candy to my beloved Steelers. Rocky Bleier was one of these champion Steelers.
Rocky Bleier’s story truly inspirational. He worked his way onto the Notre Dame Football team and a national championship (1966). After graduation, he was drafted twice—by the Pittsburgh Steelers (16th round, 417th overall) and then by the U.S. Army. Art Rooney, Sr. kept a place for him on the Steelers while he served his country in Vietnam. Despite receiving shrapnel in his lower right leg and losing part of his right foot, Bleier returned to the Steelers in 1970. The rest is history—Super Bowl Championships in 1975, 1976, 1979, and 1980.
One—including Bleier and Art Rooney, Sr.—could have believed Bleier’s football career was over when he returned from Vietnam. Bleier returned 180 lb and unable to walk without pain. Running, let alone playing professional football (as a running back), seemed out of the question. Bleier, however, did not allow such preconceived notions to become barriers. Rather he accepted the opportunity to overcome the odds.
Preconceived ideas create false limitations. Walt Disney challenged: “Don’t think outside the box! Once you say that, you’ve established that there is a box.” How often are our perceived barriers nothing more than false walls we have created for ourselves? The key to living outside of the box is in determining that there is no box. So, ask yourself: “What are the barriers we are creating?” Tear ‘em down.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!