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There is a reason why Pixar movies are one of my favorites. They just drive life lessons in a very cute way. One of the best movie that I use to teach my students about motivation is Monster’s University.
I have found a simple formula to success that my students to understand could understand and relate to in a very humorous and profound way. Mike Wazowski has shown us how to dream, what its like to fail and how to take redirections.
So let me share to you his method.
Phase 1: Make a Wish and Make a Way
Unlike the other childhood make believe stories, Mike did not teach us to just make a wish but also to make a way towards our dreams. There are no fairies to give us a golden carriage or magic dust to help us soar. He had a dream, and he made a way to reach those.
- Visualize your dream in your mind. Make a visual board.
- Believe in your dream and be amazed with it.
- Write down your vision.
- Study! Study! Be diligent in doing the necessary steps to achieve it.
- Get good grades in school to get into your desired university! (YUP! YUP! YUP! Extra factor!)
- Make a check list of the things you need to do to achieve your goals.
- Focus on the target. Make your goals time-bound. Mark your calendars.
Phase 2: Manage your Will
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In real life, things do not always turn out the way we planned them to. BUT achieving your dreams should not end when other people doubt you or even put a stop to your dream. Persevere but manage your will.
- Keep going and persevere even if it means you have to work with people that you don’t like or you think does not fit the team.
- Realize that reaching your dream is not an effort of one, of yourself alone, you need others to help you achieve your goals.
- Sometimes, you will get humiliated, insulted and belittled. Keep moving.
- Do not give up on others. Make everyone visualize their goal. Keep others motivated by showing them the end that you want to achieve.
- Train. Be disciplined. Encourage one another. Work together as a team. Know the strength of each one and plan how each skill will complement the skills of others.
Phase 3: a Moment to Wait
Sometimes, no matter how hard you will not achieve your original goal. It’s heartbreaking to face the reality that you don’t have what it takes to achieve the goals you have worked so hard on. It seems like it’s the end. BUT no, its not. For Mike, it was just a redirection because…”they always hire in the mailroom”. Just wait until the redirection reaches its end.
Phase 4: Make it Work with Excellence
Be open to redirection and do everything with excellence.
Mike never really gave up in his goal to work at Monster’s Inc. He just had to realize that he did not have what it takes to be a scarer. (Yah! How can an adorable monster be a scarer??) And so, he worked as a mailman, a janitor, soup server and a can wrangler. And he did not just work for the sake of working, he EXCELLED in everything thing that he did. He was the best in whatever job he chose. He also did not give up until he became a coach. So what can we learn from him? Do your best and keep the enthusiasm no matter how trivial your job is. It will take you to where you should be.
Mike never became a Scarer but because of his diligence and perseverance, he became one of the best coaches in Monster Inc.
In every step of the way, realize that there will be people who will push you, both in good and in bad ways. There will be people who will doubt and even ridicule you – make them a motivation to prove what you can do. There will also be those who will encourage, support and believe in what you can do . Keep them and make them your inspiration. Inspire them too.
Mike, thanks for the inspiration.