Pixar movies. Somehow, someway these computer-animated films with bright colors and ridiculous children's characters draw in hundreds of millions of adult fans. What is about these films that is so engrossing, mesmerizing, heart-touching, and inspiring?
One thing. That's it. One, simple thing.
Clay Scroggins in his book, How to Lead in a World of Distraction, describes an interview with one of Pixar's best filmmaker's Andrew Stanton. Stanton believes a truly compelling character in a Pixar movie as having 'an inner motor', a singular purpose that drives them to act. Think about the great Pixar movies...
In Monster's Inc. the movie takes off when the two main characters whole-heartedly pursue the recovery and safety of the little girl lost in the Monster factory.
Woody and Buzz Lightyear, of Toy Story, do whatever it takes to gain the affection of their owner, Andy.
Finding Nemo is a story of a father (who happens to be a fish) relentlessly trying to, well, find his son Nemo.
The most celebrated movies have a central cast of characters that have their one thing.
Tunnel vision on a purpose, or clarity on one thing is inspiring. Mostly, it is inspiring to the person who knows their one thing. Decision-making is easy. You know exactly what to say 'yes' to and what to say 'no' to. Comfort is not a factor. Risks seem to be reasonable. The problem is that many people don't take the time to really think about their one thing.
Here's a couple of questions to help you find or remind you of your one thing...
What moves you to tears? This is likely where a significant passion in your life hides. In the book of Nehemiah in the Bible, Nehemiah finds out that his home-country Israel is in ruins and you know what he does? He sits down and weeps. He then got up and did something about it. Read the book, it's really cool. Nehemiah's tears clued him into his one thing.
What is a reoccurring thought? What is it that fills you mind repeatedly when you are loading the dishwasher, folding laundry, or sitting quietly on your porch (does anyone actually do that?). The thoughts that consistently invade our mind when it isn't occupied with the busyness of life may be the things that you should be acting on.
What are you willing to set aside discomfort for? We live in a society that is built on comfort. Most of the decisions I make subconciously factor in my comfort level. The things that you engage in regardless of your comfort level are an indication of your one thing.
Drew Dyck's book, Your Future Self Will Thank You, uses an old Friedrich Nietzche quote to really pin down how important one thing can be to our lives (and in his book, one of the keys to self-discipline). 'He who has a "why" to live for can bear almost any "how."
Your one thing is simple and singular in focus. Finding it is not quite as simple but well worth the time and effort. In today's high-speed society full of the distraction of so many things, we need to know our one thing to keep us steady.
‘Bite Down and Don’t Let Go’ is a collection of writings on being intentional about life in a way that produces great persistence. Read about it more here.
One thing. That's it. One, simple thing.
Clay Scroggins in his book, How to Lead in a World of Distraction, describes an interview with one of Pixar's best filmmaker's Andrew Stanton. Stanton believes a truly compelling character in a Pixar movie as having 'an inner motor', a singular purpose that drives them to act. Think about the great Pixar movies...
In Monster's Inc. the movie takes off when the two main characters whole-heartedly pursue the recovery and safety of the little girl lost in the Monster factory.
Woody and Buzz Lightyear, of Toy Story, do whatever it takes to gain the affection of their owner, Andy.
Finding Nemo is a story of a father (who happens to be a fish) relentlessly trying to, well, find his son Nemo.
The most celebrated movies have a central cast of characters that have their one thing.
Tunnel vision on a purpose, or clarity on one thing is inspiring. Mostly, it is inspiring to the person who knows their one thing. Decision-making is easy. You know exactly what to say 'yes' to and what to say 'no' to. Comfort is not a factor. Risks seem to be reasonable. The problem is that many people don't take the time to really think about their one thing.
Here's a couple of questions to help you find or remind you of your one thing...
What moves you to tears? This is likely where a significant passion in your life hides. In the book of Nehemiah in the Bible, Nehemiah finds out that his home-country Israel is in ruins and you know what he does? He sits down and weeps. He then got up and did something about it. Read the book, it's really cool. Nehemiah's tears clued him into his one thing.
What is a reoccurring thought? What is it that fills you mind repeatedly when you are loading the dishwasher, folding laundry, or sitting quietly on your porch (does anyone actually do that?). The thoughts that consistently invade our mind when it isn't occupied with the busyness of life may be the things that you should be acting on.
What are you willing to set aside discomfort for? We live in a society that is built on comfort. Most of the decisions I make subconciously factor in my comfort level. The things that you engage in regardless of your comfort level are an indication of your one thing.
Drew Dyck's book, Your Future Self Will Thank You, uses an old Friedrich Nietzche quote to really pin down how important one thing can be to our lives (and in his book, one of the keys to self-discipline). 'He who has a "why" to live for can bear almost any "how."
Your one thing is simple and singular in focus. Finding it is not quite as simple but well worth the time and effort. In today's high-speed society full of the distraction of so many things, we need to know our one thing to keep us steady.
‘Bite Down and Don’t Let Go’ is a collection of writings on being intentional about life in a way that produces great persistence. Read about it more here.
Dr. Chris Hobbs is an educational leader and Director
of Athletics at The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida. He’s earned a few
degrees and won some awards. He’s happily married to his high school
sweetheart and they have three teen age children. Life is messy and complicated
most of the time. You can follow him on Twitter
for all sorts of inspirational thoughts and good laughs.
Comments
Post a Comment