How motivation and determination made one man's dream, a reality.

Based on a true story, this story takes place in the summer of 1976, and Vince Papale is a 30 year old bartender, who is down on his luck, and running out of options.

His wife leaves him, telling him that he'll never amount to anything, and that he will never make a name for himself.

The new coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, Dick Vermeil announces that he will hold open tryouts for the team, and at the urging of his friends, Vince reluctantly answers the call, having no college football experience, and having played football for only a year in high school.

Overcoming almost impossible odds, Vince makes the cut, and goes on to play three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.

While I watched this movie with my family, I thought about the many people in Real Estate and the mortgage industry, who are trying to make a living, and are making it, overcoming obstacles that look impossible to others.

What sets those people apart, from the ones that are leaving the industry, and looking for work elsewhere?

Is it determination? The drive to succeed against all odds?

When Vince Papale made the Philadelphia Eagles, he had an opportunity to achieve something that many have dreamed of, but have never achieved. When the big day arrived, and it was time for him to stand and deliver, he froze. He could have blown the opportunity of a lifetime, and could have been cut, but he wasn't.

Coach Vermeil believed that Vince Papale had something that he could build a team around. What was it that made Coach Vermeil decide to put his neck on the line for someone who didn't have the background, the experience, or the finesse of the finest athletes he could have chosen to play for the Philadelphia Eagles?

What Vince Papale had was guts, and heart. Despite the fact that the veterans on the team refused to accept him, despite the fact that he was told to quit numerous times, Vince Papale persevered.

Just like professional football, our industry is not for the faint at heart. It is one thing to take a hit, and get tackled in a friendly neighborhood game of touch football, but the hits get much harder at a higher level and standard. The talent, the skills, and the competition for the successful in any industry are at a higher standard than the average.

Are you performing at the very best that you can perform, giving it your all? Is your heart in it?

I highly recommend this movie, it will really make you think! Here is the movie trailer:

photo courtesy of idmb.com