People are always amazed at how enthralled I become when watching an excellent movie. I become oblivious to anything and everything going on around me--much like an escape artist. The really great ones are etched in my mind forever, and help me to view life with more introspection.
Dead Poets Society certainly qualifies as a movie that evokes contemplation. Robin Williams, the film's star, convincingly plays English teacher John Keating. His zest for life is met with opposition by the conservative school faculty, and creates the conflict needed for a good movie. With one statement he helped change my thoughts, the faculty's thoughts, and the thoughts of his students for the rest of time: "Carpe diem. Seize the day...make your lives extraordinary."
Today is the only day of the week that counts and you must act on it. Sure, we have appointments to schedule, work deadlines to commit to, and goals to forecast, but don't procrastinate if you seek results in life. Get done today what should be done today. That piano or French lesson you are supposed to be studying for, the business plan you are supposed to be writing, and the screenplay you are supposed to pen will not get done by osmosis. Procrastination is the one thing that jeopardizes your goals more than anything.
I won't tell you taking action toward the above mentioned to-do list items will be easy. Think back to the times in your life when you were proactive. What were the results, and how did getting the things done that you had been putting off for days, weeks or months make you feel? But how do you get to this action stage--doing what you say you want to get done? Breaking things down into bite-sized pieces is one of the most effective ways to do this. If you'd like to learn a foreign language as an example, and have been putting it off for whatever reason, I've got your fix: focus on learning little by little. The chances of putting off today's French lesson, goes down significantly when you only have to learn to say hello and good bye. Bite sized goal realized. Commit to taking action, and you will be able to order off the wine list in no time.
Now that you have taken action, how do you stay motivated to continue seizing the day? That part's simple, keep your bookshelf stocked with motivational books. You will learn several ways to stay encouraged on a daily basis. In addition to great movies that leave you reflecting on life, a great quote can have a similar effect. Denis Waitley sums up what procrastination is best: "Procrastination is the fear of success. People procrastinate because they are afraid of the success that they know will result if they move ahead now. Because success is heavy, carries responsibility with it, it is much easier to procrastinate and live on the 'someday I'll' philosophy."
Brett Thrailkill is a speaker and the author of, Do We Listen? and can be reached at Motivational Videos
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