Detroit native Josh Linkner believes the city of Detroit offers valuable lessons for all of us. He writes about his native city in a recent Inc. article. He likens Detroit’s story to both the American dream and Rocky Balboa: “fighting from behind for life and glory.”

Linkner tells us Detroit is an “unfinished book” and breaks its story into chapters for us. In Chapter One, Henry Ford and people like him bring prosperity to the Motor City with “entrepreneurial fire.” In Chapter Two, Detroit turns to “entitlement, arrogance and hubris,” says Linkner, winding up “spinning in hopelessness and despair.”

Now we all know that the world is watching as Detroit writes Chapter Three. Linkner calls on his city and its people to follow this game plan:

• “Creativity has become the currency of success.” Innovation is vital.
• “Get scrappy.” The fire and willpower that built the Motor City is necessary for its rebirth.
• Leaders need to share one “clear vision.”
• “Celebrate what we are.” There’s no need to compare Detroit to any other city.

Linkner tells us we all are an unfinished story. We can all take Detroit’s lesions for our own lives. He asks us to seize our own moments: “Envision your own 2.0 version of both your company and yourself.” Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. What are you and your company’s strengths? What can you build upon to create a new vision? Feel the fire within and begin. Finish your own story.