Smart Women and The Academy Awards

Like millions of people all over the world, my family watched the Academy Awards on Sunday night. People watch “the Oscars” for different reasons. Some people watch because they enjoy the fashion show and like to see the costume choices. Some people watch because they can’t wait to see who won which category. I watch for one reason: I like to listen to the acceptance speeches. You learn a lot about people by listening to what they say in their acceptance speech. This is a moment that may or may not ever come again and it is one of the most watched events of the year, so you have a big audience in which to share your message.

Although I don’t often go to the movies, I was fortunate enough to see the movie that won best picture, “Slum Dog Millionaire.” As I listened to the acceptance speech for this amazing film, there were some really valuable “golden nuggets” that were shared that reminded me of my work with Smart Women who are ready to re-invent themselves and take their lives to the next level:

During the acceptance speech, the director used a few key words to describe their journey to realizing their dream of making this important film:

nPassion – He described how everyone involved with the film had a “passion” to see it come to life. The passion for making this film was full of life even before it seemed possible that it would actually take its first breath—before they had actors or even money to make it happen. The excitement and gratitude in their faces was penetrating. The tears of joy were real and in some of the faces, you could see shock or disbelief as if they could not believe it was truly happening.

How about you? Do you have a burning passion, a burning desire to bring an idea or a dream to reality? Can you visualize it? Can you see it happening, coming to life?

nCommitment – He talked about the commitment that each person had for this dream, this project. From the beginning to the end, having a commitment to the film (even when it appeared likely that it would not be made) was essential to the process.

How about you? Do you have a commitment to a Big Idea, Dream, or Goal? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen? Are you intentional in your daily action steps to move closer to realizing your goal?

nHope – He spoke of hope being a part of the daily thought process. Despair or doubt was not an emotion that entered their minds even when they had absolutely no money to make this film, when doors were closed to their idea—their dream.

How about you? Do you live in hope and possibility? Do you surround yourself with an environment of people who speak the language of hope, possibility, and belief that Big ideas, dreams, and goals can become a reality?

Oprah referred to the film, “Slum Dog Millionaire” as “The Little Movie That Would.” I love the story “The Little Engine That Could” and have read this to my children for years. It brings forth a positive message about the power of confidence, hope, persistence, and the feelings of accomplishment.

I’m going to leave you today with a quote that seems perfect right at this moment:

n “Never believe that a small group of people could not change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

What are you passionate about? What are you committed to? What do you hope for? What are you going to change in your life so that you can live your dreams?

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

n*****