RUDY'S LESSONS FOR YOUNG CHAMPIONS
Lessons For
Discussion
LIFE SUCCESS PRINCIPLES:
CHARACTER -
A person of character makes the choice
to do the right thing. They are responsible
for their actions. They maintain a positive
attitude. They encourage others to be
their best. They live by a strong value
system and a solid unwavering belief
system. They show care and respect for
other people and have high integrity. They
are fair, trustworthy, and a good citizen.
Examples
from the movie: (1) When Rudy made the decision to follow
his Dream, he took responsibility
and handled the consequences for
that decision.
He didn't go back
and ask others to bail him out. Instead
he found out what he had to do to
make his Dream happen and took action.
He
focused on the positives instead
of the problems and kept moving closer
to his Dream. (2) In the tunnel
scene, the janitor reminds Rudy of
his character.
He teaches him that
he could lose everything that he
stands for by quitting on his Dream
because he feels sorry for himself. Rudy
lost sight of what he did accomplish
and how much work he had to do to
get there. The janitor wanted Rudy
to know that he is an example to
all who know him and he must now
live up to that.
His example will
also inspire others to stand up and
fight with character for their Dream.
Examples
from Rudy's Lessons: (1)
Yupper
teaches Rudy about character.
He
tells him not to give in to the crows' Àcan't” way
of life. Yupper teaches Rudy the ÀYes
I Can” attitude so he can realize
his true potential to be an eagle
and not a crow. (2) The golden
eagle is a great example of character
because he takes the time to help
Rudy when he is in need of strength
and self confidence and asks for
nothing in return.
The golden eagle
gives Rudy great words of wisdom
and builds Rudy up by showing him
how to prepare for his Dream.
COURAGE -
A person of courage is humble yet shows
the strength, fortitude, and discipline
to stand by their convictions especially
when under pressure to compromise their
values. They focus on the positive side
of life and have the faith and determination
to persevere when things get tough. When
they get knocked down they get back up.
Examples
from the movie: (1) Rudy was rejected from Notre Dame
several times.
After each rejection
Rudy got more determined. He kept
his spirits up and tried again and
again until he was finally accepted. (2) It
took a lot of courage for Rudy to
step out on Faith and make the decision
to go to Notre Dame with all odds
against him.
Rudy took action then
developed his plan as he moved closer
to his Dream.
Examples
from Rudy's Lessons: (1)
Rudy
left the comfort of belonging to
a group of crows and went out on
his own to find out the truth about
himself.
It took a lot of courage
for Rudy to step out alone. (2) Needles
had the courage to stand up to the
awful vulture, Bones, and defend
his friend Rudy.
CONTRIBUTION -
Giving back.
Using your talents in a
positive manner to make a difference
(no matter how big or small) for a particular
purpose, which ultimately is of benefit
to the whole. Teamwork.
Examples
from the movie: (1) Rudy went to practice everyday giving
his whole heart and effort even though
he didn't play in the games.
By
doing his best everyday, Rudy helped
the players to prepare for the big
games by making them perform and
work hard at practice instead of
just giving them an easy ride. Remember
the parking lot scene when Rudy's
teammate told him to cool it and
stop making them all look bad. (2) The
team respected Rudy because of his
hard work and commitment. They contributed
to Rudy's Dream by giving up their
jerseys so Rudy could dress for the
final game.
Examples
from Rudy's Lessons: (1)
Needles
made a contribution to Rudy's Dream
by helping him see himself as a strong
eagle with a lot of self confidence
instead of an awkward crow with no
Dreams. (2) Bellows contributed
to Rudy's Dream also by helping him
believe in himself and his Dream
of becoming a Wind Dancer. (3) Rudy
wanted to contribute to the Dreams
of all of his friends in the forest.
By
never quitting on his own Dream,
Rudy inspired the other animals to
be their best.
COMMITMENT -
Making the decision to follow through
on a Dream, goal, idea, or mission regardless
of the challenges and obstacles. Staying
on Track.
Examples
from the movie: (1)
When
Rudy made the commitment, new opportunities
opened up for him - first Notre Dame,
then football, then the famous tackle,
the Àcarry off” - and today the movie,
books, motivational speaking, and
the Rudy Foundation - all came from
a commitment to a Dream!
Rudy didn't
let the challenges stop him. He
kept moving forward until his Dream
happened. (2) Rudy made a commitment
to get help with his studies from
the tutor in order to get his grades
up to get accepted to Notre Dame
and reach his Dream.
Examples
from Rudy's Lessons: (1)
Bellows
made a commitment to save the fawn
during the storm even though he had
to make a huge jump, with an injured
leg, twice the size of his Dream
of jumping Monarch Canyon. (2) Rudy
made a commitment to go for his Dream
when his friend Bellows died.
He
tore off his crow colors and made
a decision to become a Wind Dancer.
LESSONS
FROM RUDY'S LESSONS FOR YOUNG CHAMPIONS: "Setting
goals and staying on track to reach your
Dreams”
Discussion
questions for Rudy's Lessons are
found at the end of each chapter. The
following principles are Rudy's Lessons
developed through his own experiences
on the journey to reach his Dream.
Use
them to help you set goals, overcome
obstacles and stay on track to reach
your Dreams.
1. Develop
Your Dream and Set Realistic Goals 2. Get
Advice and Good Information from
Mentors who Believe in Your Dream 3. Listen
to Good Positive Music, Read Positive
Books, and Watch Positive Movies 4. Hang
Out with Friends that Encourage
You, Not Friends that Put You Down 5. Always
Be a Good Example for Others 6. Inspire
Others to Be Their Best 7. Believe
in Yourself and Take Action 8. Prepare
for Your Dream, Focus,
and Achieve Your Goals Step by
Step 9. Use Anger in a
Positive Way to Help You Overcome
Your Struggles and Do
Something Good 10. Develop
Courage, Faith, and
Wisdom and Go For
Your Dream 11. Have
a Yes I Can Attitude 12. Never
Quit!
