“Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.” – James Dean
I watched the movie Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole (IMDB) last weekend.
I’m not sure how to summarize the story, so if you want the plot, I think Wikipedia’s coverage of Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole is a good source.
I just liked the fact it was IMAX 3D. No matter how many 3D movies I see, I always enjoy when things pop out from the screen (and, yeah, every now and then I do reach out just to see if I can catch something … but if I ever did that would freak me out.)
Anyway, one of my favorite habits to make the most of any movie or any book is to find three take aways.
3 Insights from the Legend of the Guardians
Here are my three take aways from the Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole:
1. This is no time for half-measures.
I like this and it reminds me of the adage, “A stitch in time saves nine.” I’ve often found that some problems get out of control if you don’t overwhelm them. I’m a fan of overwhelming my problems up front … basically, nipping them in the bud.
2. Make strong the weak.
I like this a lot. You can depend on a few heroes or you can raise the bar for everyone. While not everybody will rise to the same caliber, there’s a lot to be said for equipping people with the skills to grow themselves and very often, people will surprise you, if you give them a chance.
The key is to know whether it’s a motivation issues or a skills issue.
If it’s a skills issue, then the key is to know whether it’s the teacher, the student, the feedback, or the approach. I’ve seen “lost causes” accelerate in the right situation or the right approach or the right mentor … and sometimes it’s just back to the old adage, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
3. Do your dreams make you strong?
Tell me that is not just a flat out great way to remind yourself that if your dreams aren’t lifting you up and getting your groove on, then you have to find better dreams.
There is plenty of inspiration around the world. You just have to find what works for you.
And that is actually the key.
It’s not about just following other people’s dreams. It’s finding a compelling vision that lights your fire and breathes life into your day.
One way to find a dream to make you strong is to help somebody you know reach their dreams.
What goes around comes around.