How to Listen to Advice and Act Accordingly

Billy Schwer was a World Champion boxer who let his life go off the rails after losing his crown. It took a couple of years but Billy took responsibility for getting back on track and taking the action needed to turn things around.

Billy faced two fights. The first as the boxer, standing alone in the ring, with his corner shouting directions while he got jabbed time and again in the face. This fight provides a striking metaphor for his second battle, overcoming the challenges he faced adapting to life after his boxing career ended.

In both cases, the team Billy had in his corner were important but he was the one who was sticking their chin out and trying to avoid getting knocked down.

“A corner can win you the fight,” Billy said. “When they look at the fight from outside the ring, they can see opportunities you cannot see. But then, when you are in such an intense environment, it is very difficult to implement what they see and take action. You are the only person you can rely on. You have got a team around you but you go in there and you’re fighting on your own.”

Review, Reframe and Respond