Image by L.E. WilsonĀ fromĀ RedBubble based on work by Ralf DesignsĀ fromĀ Pixabay
Itās amazing how difficult it is to feel sympathetic toward a lazy person, and alternatively itās interesting how satisfying it is to watch the progress made by an industrious person. Perhaps the reason that it is hard to root for someone who is slothful is simply because their very inactivity means there is nothing to hope for, no way for goals to be reached, and nothing to expect. In contrast, movies that show characters who have a good work ethic, focus, discipline, and determination are not only satisfying, but also strangely empowering and motivating.
That gumption, that drive, that verve, is really life itself, isnāt it? A lazy person is in a very basic fundamental way not really livingājust existing in the most passive way possible. Itās very unappealing in the same way that death is unappealing. But unlike deathāthere is a cure for laziness, and itās to stop being lazy. Sure habits are hard to break, but getting the body moving and doing something, anything, even if itās just cleaning or tidying up, is surprisingly energizing.
So itās really no coincidence that many of the movies that portray the characteristics of an industrious person, that passionate, driven work ethic, tend to be sports movies or those set in competitive environments that push people to their physical limits and abilities, usually in music or entertainment. Moreover, a common theme through these films is overcoming limitations and barriers, particularly poverty, which in many cases serves as the main motivator to achieve, and thus proves the stoic philosopher Seneca correct, āDifficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.ā
Which really is the life lesson shown to us in these films, if we choose to learn from them. In fact, the underlying truth may be that humans need adversity and competition to thrive. Something needed has to be at stake, others must be trying to get it too, and one has to believe that there is a path to victory in order to try.
So if you need it, and are feeling lazy but want to change, imagine that you are in competition with one of the hard-working individuals listed below, some of whom are characters based on real persons, and some of whom are actual people portraying themselves in documentaries. Click on the āšæMovie Scene Linkā under each movie to find out who is who for yourself:
LifeĀ Lesson: Push yourself to reach your full potential.
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LifeĀ Lesson: Learn to defend yourself in a way that should gain the respect of your opponents.
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LifeĀ Lesson: Own the moment; seize the opportunity.Ā Donāt wait for someone to rescue you.
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LifeĀ Lesson: Know that you are valuable, so donāt settle for less, even if others are trying to keep you down.
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LifeĀ Lesson: Ignore those who judge you based on your age and not your ability. You can, you should, and you must pursue your goals no matter your stage of life.
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LifeĀ Lesson: Never stop learning.
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LifeĀ Lesson: To become the best, push yourself harder than the rest.
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LifeĀ Lesson: If you want to blaze your own trail, do what you really want and not answer to anybody ā you can do it, but it will likely be a long, hard road with a lot of sacrifice. If you succeed, the personal and financial rewards will be huge.
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LifeĀ Lesson: If you want to succeed in a field, you have to endure long hours of hard work for no or low pay whileĀ you hone the necessaryĀ skills.
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LifeĀ Lesson: Being good enough is not enough if you want to be great.
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Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.
Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.
So get going!
Visit theĀ moviewise catalogueāa searchable database of one sentence movie summaries, movie quotes, and movie wisdomāfor movie recommendations.
Also visit the moviewise store. Get a t-shirt, bag, or pillow with your favorite #LifeLesson from a movie. Reply to this or leave a comment below to make a request.
Well, I was going to read this but I'm too lazy.
The notification on my phone with the title "Hey, Stop Being Lazy!" really got me moved and working for the day