Lifestyle

The People's Champ: 8 Life Lessons We Learned From Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson

by Julian Sonny

Today, we celebrate the life of the great one. At 42 years old, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is still the most electrifying man in sports entertainment, not to mention the next Chuck Norris, and soon to be the greatest action movie star of all time.

The success story that he's paved can be credited to nothing but his hard work and all the things he enjoys today are what any young man should aspire for.

From the women, to the box office bangers, his fitness and, of course, the WWE titles, you'd be lying if you said he wasn't your hero.

Not many people can carry themselves with the kind of charisma that The Rock has, and to be honest no one ever will. He's one of a kind and if you were lucky enough to grow up in the era in which he dominated airwaves, then you know exactly what he's cooking.

He's our jabroni-beating, pie-eating, trailblazing, eyebrow-raising, the best in the present, future and past hero -- and if you don’t like him, he will tell you to kiss the people’s ass.

He's an inspiration to all of us and if you follow his story closely enough, you'll learn a damn thing or two!

"In 1995 I had $7 bucks in my pocket and knew two things: I’m broke as hell and one day I won’t be."

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When Dwayne Johnson was 23, he made a decision to leave the game of football and follow his father's footsteps in pro wrestling.

But while his storied lineage almost guaranteed him a path to the top, he was never given any handouts in his career, only his God-given ability.

Rock started out as a broke entertainer, was forced to reinvent his character in the ring, kept on persisting through the hate and the man smack talked his way to the top.

Once you have that focus and drive in whatever you're doing from the beginning, the only thing stopping you from getting it is yourself.

"Just bring it!"

The Rock never backed down from a challenge in his career, whether it was in the WWE going up against Vince McMahon or in Hollywood, doing a huge movie role.

His mantra "Just Bring It" started the movement #TeamBringIt, which is a lifestyle millions (and millions) of Rock's fans live by today.

Just follow him on Instagram and you'll see just how hectic his schedule can be between traveling the world, shooting blockbusters and inspiring lives.

He always finds the time to get his workouts in, even if it's at 3am, and just goes out there and kills sh*t. Always attack any challenge with fearlessness and you'll go beyond your own expectations.

"Know your role and shut your mouth."

Being respectful is something our parents always taught us, but when you're gunning your way for the top, there's no room for making friends and being nice.

Your attitude and approach to things will always be the determining factor in success and if you really want it, then you have to be willing to kill for it.

Never let the small stuff get to you, but if somebody ever throws you some shade, then you have to be able to son that person. Once you can gain that confidence to basically tell anyone to know their role and shut the f*ck up, then there won't be much in your way.

"Blood, sweat and respect. First two you give, last one you earn."

Greatness is all about consistency and consistency breeds greatness. But if you're really out there in the trenches, then you better have the battle scars to prove it.

The Rock knows too many jabronis out there who were trying to take his spot, but until they proved it to him, no respect was given.

The measure of a man can be counted by how many times he falls, gets back up and keeps persisting. Nothing's going to be given to you in this life, and just like The Rock, you have to be the one who takes it. Once you reach that level of greatness, nobody will be able to deny you.

"When you walk up to opportunity's door -- don't knock it. Kick that bitch in, smile and introduce yourself."

Nice guys finish last, and while The Rock is one of the nicest guys around, he has a mean streak to him too that'll make you feel like a real roody-poo.

Life is full of opportunities to climb up the ladder and get better, but it's just all a matter of seizing that moment and taking control.

The Rock is a very special case; he took every opportunity presented to him and laid the smackdown, but anyone knows that the biggest regrets are the chances you never take. Kick that door open and make opportunity your bitch.

"The Rock's going to take you down to Know Your Role Boulevard, which is on the corner of Jabroni Drive, and check you directly into Smackdown Hotel!"

When it comes down to it, you should believe in yourself so damn much that you'll fight for what you believe in. That means kicking ass, taking names and making sure everyone remembers why you came while you're doing it.

Talking sh*t is one of the many gifts that The Rock possesses and, to be honest, you need to mouth off sometimes.

Of course that means you should be able walk the walk too, but make sure your intentions are clear to yourself and everyone else around you.

"I love chicks with tats, I love chicks without tats. Basically I just love chicks."

The Rock never discriminated against the ladies and was a lady killer always. The same fearlessness that you apply to your goals in life should be the same attitude you have with the opposite sex.

If you want it, go ahead and take it. And if she's not with it, well then there's at least a thousand more fish like her in the sea. But if you have swag like The Rock, it should hardly be a problem.

"The road to success and greatness is always paved with consistent hard work. Outwork your competitors, be authentic and above all else chase your greatness."

The key to success is no secret and The Rock will keep it short and simple for you: hard work. There are people who say they want to work hard, and there are others who go out there, put their head in the dirt and make that sh*t happen.

Being great isn't an option, it's a commitment and if you really want to reach your way to the top, just like The Rock did, then prove it to yourself.

At the same time, Rock kept it real and always did what he wanted until people respected him for it. No one can say anything to you when you're the most consistent worker in the room. Always chase after the bigger picture and chase your greatness to the top.