I got a chance to see The Green Lantern this weekend. I liked it way more than I thought I would. I wasn’t really a Green Lantern fan, but after this, I have a change of heart.
Fear and will played a central role throughout the movie. The interplay of these twin powers gave me a new perspective and a new respect for both.
The real power of the Green Lantern is his ability to “will” his way forward, focus on a solution, and find the courage to act in the face of fear. As a result, he can overcome any limits imposed by himself or others. As you might expect, self-imposed limits are the toughest kind.
3 Take Aways from the Green Lantern
Here are my three main take aways:
- Fear is the enemy of will. This was a beautiful line in the movie, and so true: “Fear is the enemy of will. Will is what makes you take action.” Along these lines, another powerful message in the movie was that just because we are human, vulnerable, and afraid, it does not mean we are weak.
- It starts with what you see in your mind. Chalk one up to the power of focus. In the movie, The Green Lantern says, “Anything I can see in my mind, I can create. I just have to focus.”
- You can beat the fear. Don’t feed the fear. If you feed the fear, it gets stronger. Courage is the way you beat your fear. You can become courageous. You flex your courage when you take action in the face of fear.
A key message throughout the movie was this: Don’t let other people tell you what you’re capable of. At the same time, sometimes other people see the things in you that you don’t see yourself. At the end of the day, what really matters is what you believe.
Photo by Big C Harvey.
I wasn’t as excited to see the Green Latern and now you’ve got me intrigued. #2 is similar to another quote I love by Napoleon Hill: “What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” The first step to making anything happen starts within your own mind. Love the insight.
Hi JD,
These are important steps. I loved the second one about focusing. This is exactly how we create by focusing on “things.” Whatever we focus us, increases and shows up. Thanks for sharing my friend
Your recent focus on focus has altered my own focus. This post reinforces some of these valuable lessons—in succinct & inspiring fashion!
@ Nick — I saw the 3D version and the effects were great. I was nicely surprised, by the story-line too.
Napoleon really knows how to make a point pop.
@ Dia — That’s the power of our RAS (Reticular Activating System) in action. It’s powerful stuff!
@ Jimmy — Thank you. I have a refocus on focus, and I’m surprised by how much such a little topic can expand into so much.
I love that you find the gold nuggets in everything JD. I too make it a habit to constantly ask, “what does this have to do with me?” Even in silly sitcoms I like to find those universal truths.
Hi JD .. I endorse Rob’s comment .. but that you can distil and drill down to useful 3 pointers. I now look at the good in things rather than the negative aspects .. or relate to something that perhaps just hits me .. that I can use elsewhere.
Rule of three again .. and particularly point 2 .. once seen – do and focus.
Cheers Hilary
Wow, I had no idea the Green Lantern had such a profound message. But then, comic books have been popular for ages. They make kids (and adults) dream of the impossible. Actually, now that I think about it, it really makes sense!
Hugs,
Melody
@ Rob — I find the more I look the more I find. The saying, “Seek and ye shall find” rings true.
@ Hilary — I’m naturally good at finding the negative, but I’ve learned to find the positive, and it pays off way better.
@ Melody — I’m a fan of all things that help us dream big. My Mom hooked me on Disney early on.
Hi JD .. much more positive outlook too – turning the stone over and taking the opportunities or good points, and thus not dwelling on the negatives that take our energy away. Cheers Hilary
@ Hilary — So true. Today was a perfect example. My day started off wrong on so many levels. I first thought to myself, “This is going to be a bad day.” Then I asked myself a simple question, “How could today be a great day?”, and it turned right around.
Hi JD .. sometimes I have over the years of my mother and my uncle being terminally ill I have had to make a concerted effort to turn things around – my uncle used to say .. I don’t know how you do it – venting to him helped! Now it’s just Mum .. but I’m ok .. worked it out mainly. Sometimes I vent to the carers, but never to my mother.
Just thought you might appreciate the video of Korea’s got talent on my blog .. I’m sure there are some take aways there .. lots – and very relevant to us lucky ones in this western world. Hope you get a chance to have a look – it’s not a wasted 8 mins ..
Cheers Hilary
@ JD…..I took so much away from this movie. I had Read a few books that briefly mentioned “Will” and how it applies to humans. And thought nothing of it. But after I watched this movie, on the way home, I realized how incredibly weak my “Will” was to move forward with my life and apply serious effort to changing. Immeadiatley after my realizing this I went back to the book I found on Will “KI IN DAILY LIFE” And read up on how to strengthen it. I used cold water as my medium. Taking multiple cold showers throughout the day. Each day, growing stronger. Now I’m so much more focused and I can say the concept of “Will” is real. We either draw strength or weakness from this reservior of free energy around us based on how well we have conditioned our minds. I would imagine the same concepts apply to marines in bootcamp. Any way thanks for your comments on this and allowing me to share my thoughts. My life has changed FOREVER!!! 🙂
And Remember: “Fear is the enemy of Will”
FEAR KILLS
LOVE HEALS
Great site. Thanks for inspiration…on several levels.
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