This week’s movie that inspired change in me and I’m sure many others who experienced it is “Dead Poet’s Society”. I say experienced instead of saw because I believe there are some movies out there that are really more of an experience then just an hour and a half of entertainment. Experience meaning you come out of the movie feeling, thinking and wanting to act differently once the movie is over. “Dead Poet’s Society” is definitely one of those movies and I learn something new every time I watch it.
There are some major lessons in the movie 1) Seize the Day 2) What you do in life matters so much more than where you come from 3) Anything is possible when you try 4) Be an independent thinker 5) Success that equals happiness is defined by you and your passions.
Life is too short not to say yes to opportunities that come your way. Make each day count and don’t concern yourself with wrong decisions. In my mind and in my experience, there are no wrong decisions. There are decisions that take you in the direction that you want to go and decisions that teach you a lesson.
Who you are as a person and how you affect the lives of those around you is how you will be remembered. Don’t be afraid to be the person that you long to be on the inside. Inspire, motivate, support and instill confidence not only in yourself but in others.
If you never try you will never know. Fear holds us back from achieving our potential and most times that fear is exaggerated and comes from a place of our own self doubt. Learn not to be your biggest enemy but your strongest supporter. Know that if you never try you will never win. Don’t be so afraid to try something new, different, scary, and challenging. It is through doing what you fear that you become stronger and more confident.
Don’t let the people or society around you dictate what you should think. Be your own person and learn to think on your own. Let your passions unlock your curiosity, let you heart fuel your desire to be creative and live the life of someone who is not pressured by those around them, but inspired by their own beliefs to think independently.
Success that leads to happiness is individually defined. When you allow your success to be defined by someone else you will never live in a world filled with your passions. Never allow someone else to dictate success to you. Define what makes you happy and in turn you will be successful.
These are just a few of the life lessons from “Dead Poet’s Society”. I try to live each day using these lessons to make the most of my life. We only have one shot at this life and there is no dress rehearsal. Go forth living life to the fullest. Try what scares you, learn from your experiences, be who you desire to be, think for yourself, and you and the world will be better for it.