This past weekend, the fam pulled out the old DVD, Cool Runnings. My children and I love this classic wintry adventure of the original Jamaican bobsled team. Here are some lessons on dreams and leadership that I took away from this film:
- Any DREAM worth pursuing will be laughable to others.
- Count the cost. The lead member of the bobsled team was challenged to rightly consider the sacrifice it would require to fulfill the dream.
- People are afraid of change and things that are different. “They mock us because they are afraid of us,” said the Jamaicans when they were scoffed by the more traditional teams.
- It’s not enough to know you were made for something; you must work hard for it.
- Name your journey. ‘Cool Runnings’ meant peace be the journey. Giving your journey an identity will help you stay focused and at peace when the ride gets difficult. Have you considered a name for your personal faith journey?
- Without self-respect, it is impossible to stand against adversity.
- Be yourself, not an imitator. After Sanka rebuked Derice for trying too hard to be like the Swiss, the Jamaican team found their own identity… and LOVED it!
- Own your failure. Coach Blitzer had made some bad choices early in his career that continued to haunt him for many years. But he finally got over the hump when he faced those he hurt, apologized, and moved forward a better man.
- Integrity. “If you’re not enough without the gold medal, you’ll never be enough with it.” If you have to cheat or cut corners to WIN, you’re not enough.
- How will I know if I am enough? “When you cross that finish line,” says the coach. Limping painfully, the Jamaicans carry their broken sled across the finish line to the rousing applause of many; now they GET IT. It’s about perseverance, and finishing strong; finding peace within because you’ve given your best, even when things don’t go your way.
Are you enough?