I love the movie “Rocky Balboa”. OK so maybe Sly is not the best actor in the world and the final boxing fight scene is pure Hollywood dribble BUT – the script writers really shine.
In one scene Rocky is talking to his old trainer about getting into the ring again – “just at a local level” – his old mentor is doing his best to convince Rocky that it’s a pretty stupid idea and asks him why the hell he would want to fight again.
Rocky’s reply: “It’s in the basement” – pointing to his gut.
It’s the same thing for me and I know for millions of other business leaders. We love the business fight. We are addicted to figuring out a new strategy, putting it in place, getting knocked down, figuring out another new strategy, getting it right, getting more happy clients, seeing the bank balance go up, trying something new, getting knocked down …
It’s in the basement: it’s a feeling in the gut – you get addicted to the game/fight/battle of business. The scoreboard is market share and new clients and retention of current clients. Sell your business and you will miss the game and you’ll want to get back into the ring again – cos it’s in the basement.