“Think of happy things. It’s the same as having wings.” -Walt Disney
I’m reasonably sure that Walt Disney never heard of The Law of Attraction, but he lived the principles brilliantly every day of his life.
Walt lived his life as one big adventure, dreaming big dreams, with no interest in being “sensible” or playing it safe. As a farm boy growing up in Missouri, his father insisted that he stop dreaming and get a “real job” in a factory. The world continues to be delighted that he ignored his father’s advice and followed his heart.
As a young man he arrived in Hollywood with little more than change, the clothes on his back and a dream. Always believing that anything was possible, he focused on dreams instead of obstacles. Even when his first creation, Oswald the Rabbit, was stolen, he remained true to his Dream – Believe – Dare – Do credo and soon produced that world-famous character, Mickey Mouse.
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM WALT DISNEY?
SLEEP
* Live with unwavering optimism. In 1923, after his first business went bankrupt, he left Kansas City for Hollywood. Without worrying about past failures or financial problems, Walt traveled first class.
* Unleash your imagination. Disney and its Imagineers tapped the limitless resources of the imagination to create what had never existed before, bringing joy and inspiration to the world in the process.
BELIEVE
* Believe that everything is possible. As Walt is quoted as saying, “Actually, it’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” Instead of seeing reality as it was, Walt saw it as it could be, as he wanted it to be.
* stay focused. Walt’s intense and passionate focus enabled him to turn his big, bold and beautiful dreams into even bigger, bolder and more beautiful reality.
DARE
* take risks. In 1937, Walt risked the studio to produce Snow White and the Seven Dwarves – the first full-length animated film. Everyone except Walt expected it to be a total flop. In 1955, Disneyland (the world’s first theme park) was considered a colossal corporate gamble.
DO
* do what you love. According to Dick Van Dyke, Disney always greeted his work with the enthusiasm of a ten-year-old.
* “More” everything you do. Disney made people feel special by giving them more than they paid for and delivering more than they expected. With his commitment to excellence and attention to detail, he would “add on” each experience, then “add on more.”
“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” -Walt Disney
WANT TO BE MORE LIKE WALT DISNEY?
Their dreams can also come true DREAM – BELIEVE – DARE – DO. Make a list right now.
* start with you SLEEP. What do you want? Why do you want it?
* write why BELIEVE you will do it. If you don’t fully believe it at this point, write down what you would like need believe to realize your dream.
*DARE. What risks are you willing to take based on your strong belief in your dream?
* DO. What are you willing to do to become a vibrational partner of your dream? What are you willing to do to keep your thoughts positive and focused on your dream? Are you willing to listen and take inspired action?
My favorite thing about Disney movies as a kid was that the good guys win and everyone lives happily ever after. These themes reflected Walt’s belief in a magical world where dreams really do come true.
Walt Disney had big dreams and pursued them with courage, optimism, and perseverance. And you? Remember: “If you can dream it you can do it.” -Walt Disney