As the world sees the return of Han Solo and the Millennium Falcon, let us reflect on the wisdom of the Jedi, The Sith Lord and The Force to be able to garner 9 hidden lessons Star Wars teaches us about life.
1. Our thoughts and activities affect our future.
“Always remember, your focus determines your reality.” – Qui-Gon Jinn
That, which we spend many of our days pursuing and thinking about, directly impacts our future (for good or bad). With this in mind, we have to invest our time and energy into the people and things we are enthusiastic about, as well as our visions, instead of focusing on the negative or filling our lives with empty diversions.
2. Do not let your life be guided by fear.
“Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” – Yoda
We are crippled by fear from doing what must be done. It prevents us from becoming the person we are supposed to be. It makes us frightened of those we don’t understand and isolates us from others.
Historically speaking, fear has fuelled many genocides, wars, persecutions, and riots. Certainly, Yoda was onto something.
3. Believe in the life you want to live – and live it!
“Do or do not… there is no try.” – Yoda
We can spend our whole lives debating all sorts of things, be frozen in fear and fighting with doubt. Yet, in life, nothing is sure. We can make a determination and stay with it or waste valuable time wallowing in uncertainty.
4. Do not lie to yourself. We generally already know what the appropriate thing to do is.
“Already know you, that which you need.” – Yoda
Listen to your Gut Instinct, your heart, as well as your conscience. Listen to the nagging ideas that just will not go away, or that Yoda voice. The remedy is within, although the road ahead looks perilous.
5. At times, we simply need to let it go.
“Let go of your hate.” – Luke Skywalker
There’s absolutely no room for hate, fear, and sorrow in our lives. At times, we simply need to let it go so that we may finally be free.
6. Surround yourself with people that understand you and are supportive.
“I find your lack of faith disturbing.” – Darth Vader
There’s certainly no reason whatsoever to waste your time or energy on people that bring you down. Instead, fill your life with the believers and doers, those who inspire you to do well and those that bring positive energy into your life. Otherwise, you may recur to the dark side…
7. Do not let impractical odds hold you back.
“Sir, the possibility of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately 3,720 to 1.” – C-3PO:
Even if an asteroid field is launching towards you and your odds of being successful is 3,720 to 1, do not let this appalling ratio deter you from following your heart.
8. Oftentimes, success emanates from surmounting failures.
“Strike me down and I will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.” – Obi- Wan Kenobi
Success cannot thrive without hard work. It’s discovered exclusively through deep devotion, trial and error, as well as the ability to see drawbacks as stepping stones towards later success.
9. Humor goes a very long way.
“One thing’s for sure, we’re all gonna be a lot thinner.” – Han Solo (as the garbage crusher closes in)
It is natural to freak out when things get tough. Nevertheless, freaking out is not the most productive or efficient means to solve a problem. With humor, the mood lightens and gives everyone time to regroup and reassess the scenario. In addition, it keeps spirits high, empowering individuals to do what must be done. Not to mention girls like dudes that can throw in a joke or two occasionally.
