The Power of Realistic Expectations

Lessons from Rudy and Rocky

When we set out to achieve something new—whether it’s starting a business, learning a new skill, or embarking on a fitness journey—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the goal. Especially when facing a major life transition, the question, “What’s next for me?” looms large. The challenge? The goals that come to mind often seem too big and out of reach, making it harder to even start.

But what if the key to getting started is as simple as setting more realistic, manageable expectations?

Two iconic underdog stories, Rudy and Rocky, offer powerful lessons about this.

Both characters, Rudy Ruettiger and Rocky Balboa — and yes, I know Rudy is based on a real life person — pursued big dreams, but neither of them set out with the expectation of becoming the best or the star from the beginning.

Instead, they chose goals that, while still improbable, were achievable enough to be believable—both for themselves and the audience.

Rudy just wanted to play one dress in uniform for Notre Dame, and Rocky just wanted to last all 15 rounds with the heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed. Here they are, speaking in their own words.

From Rudy (1993):

RUDY: I have this wish to let my father watch one of his sons play football for the Irish and I was wondering if I could possibly dress for one game next season?

And from Rocky (1976):

ROCKY: It really don't matter if I lose this fight … 'Cause all I wanna do is go the distance. Nobody's ever gone the distance with Creed, and if I can go that distance, you see, and that bell rings and I'm still standin', I'm gonna know for the first time in my life, see, that I weren't just another bum from the neighborhood.

See how this works? These more modest goals not only kept them motivated but also made their journeys relatable.

Why We Don’t Start

 The problem many of us face when tackling a new goal is the feeling that we have to achieve something monumental right from the start.

This "all or nothing" mindset can paralyze us, making the path forward seem too daunting.

If you feel like you must achieve a huge result right away, it can be tempting to not even start.

 Imagine if Rudy had set his sights on being the star player at Notre Dame, scoring touchdowns, and making headlines. Or if Rocky had gone into the fight with Apollo Creed expecting to knock him out. The audience would have dismissed their stories as unrealistic.

But instead, Rudy focused on a simple goal: to dress in uniform for one game, to show his father he was “somebody.” Rocky didn’t expect to win the fight—he just wanted to “go the distance” with the champ.

Rudy (1993) TriStar Pictures

Setting Realistic Expectations Makes Goals Achievable

 What makes these stories so inspiring is how relatable the characters’ objectives were.

Rudy’s dream wasn’t to be the best player on the team; it was to simply be on the field, to stand alongside his peers at Notre Dame.

He wanted to prove he belonged there. And when he finally made it into a game and made a single tackle, it felt like a victory to him—and to the audience—because it was achievable.

In Rocky, the title character didn’t expect to knock out the reigning champion, Apollo Creed.

Rocky’s goal was to “go the distance,” meaning he wanted to last all 15 rounds without being knocked out. It wasn’t about winning in the traditional sense, but about proving that he could hold his own. And when he did, the audience celebrated with him, not because he won the match but because he achieved his realistic goal.

The Importance of Believable Goals

Setting realistic, believable goals is key to staying motivated and actually taking action.

If Rudy had aimed for something grander—like being the star player—it would have been hard to stay motivated when faced with the challenges he encountered. But his goal of simply making the team and getting on the field was something he could focus on, even when things were tough.

Rocky’s goal, too, was something the audience could believe in. He wasn’t expected to win, but his determination to just survive the fight was enough to keep him going. And because these goals were achievable, the characters were able to start their journeys with confidence, even when the odds were against them.

That’s part of what makes these films so memorable. Let’s be honest—Rudy and Rocky are classic “guys crying” movies. There’s just something about ordinary people doing improbable things that hits hard, especially for men. Pair these two films with Field of Dreams for a triple bill, and there wouldn’t be a dry eye in the house!

These stories resonate because they tap into the universal desire to prove we belong, to chase a dream—even if that dream seems wildly out of reach.

How to Apply This to Your Own Goals

 So, how can we take the lessons from Rudy and Rocky and apply them to our own lives?

 The key is to start with goals that feel manageable but still stretch you a little.

If your goal is to start a new career, don’t focus on becoming the CEO right away. Instead, think about what the first step might be. Maybe it’s taking a course, connecting with someone in the industry, or working on a small project that builds your skills.

If your goal is fitness-related, you don’t need to run a marathon immediately. Maybe you start with a 5K or even just a commitment to regular walks.

By focusing on goals that are realistic, you’re more likely to start and keep going. And once you take that first step, you’ll build momentum, which will carry you through the rest of the journey.

Get started by taking one step at a time.

Getting Started: Break It Down

 The key to getting started, then, is to break down the bigger goal into smaller, more achievable steps.

For Rudy, his first goal wasn’t even to get into Notre Dame—it was to improve his grades in junior college so he could apply. Rocky’s first step wasn’t to knock out Apollo; it was to train hard enough to last in the ring with him.

In your own life, what is the equivalent of "getting on the field" or "going the distance"?

What’s the first step you can take toward your big goal? Maybe it’s as simple as signing up for a course, joining a group, or setting aside time each day to work on your project. The point is to make the first step believable and achievable so that you’re not overwhelmed by the bigger picture.

 The Power of Starting with Believable Goals

The lesson from Rudy and Rocky is clear: realistic expectations pave the way for action.

When we set objectives that are within reach—even if they still feel challenging—we’re more likely to start, stay motivated, and ultimately succeed. The real victory isn’t in achieving the biggest dream right away; it’s in taking that first step, proving to yourself that you belong in the game, and then building from there.

This is why I believe in the idea of setting a Two Month Purpose. By choosing something achievable but still challenging, you can prove to yourself that you belong in the pursuit of your goal.

It’s not about transforming your entire life overnight—it’s about taking manageable steps and seeing the progress that can unfold in just two months.

So what field or ring are you going to step onto? And when are you going to take that first step?