It's Good For The Plot

I want you to imagine your favorite movie. For me, it's There Will Be Blood, where the protagonist, played by Daniel Day-Lewis, goes through hell and comes back transformed. Whatever your favorite film is, I promise you the main character, even if it's an anti-hero, goes through tremendous struggles. This journey through adversity is what makes the character compelling and relatable.

Think about it: would the story be as engaging if the protagonist didn't face any challenges? Whether it's Harry Potter, Frodo, or the heroes of Joseph Campbell's hero's journey, they all encounter obstacles that shape them. This is true for us as well. Our struggles, whether in our personal or professional lives, contribute significantly to our growth and development.

Right now, my life is a bit shaky and unpredictable. Yet, I've learned to tell myself that it's all good for the plot. Shout out to filmmaker Cam Cord for first introducing me to this perspective. Viewing our struggles as necessary for our personal growth is a powerful mindset shift.

My mentor, Dakota Meyer, often says that we face either obstacles or opportunities. As someone who loves stories, I prefer to see these challenges as opportunities. If you're the main character in your story, every challenge is a part of your journey. Think about how Peter Parker loses his powers in Spider-Man 2. He's not Spider-Man for much of the movie; he's just Peter Parker, dealing with everyday struggles. This vulnerability makes him more relatable and his journey more compelling.

I remember my first breakup. It felt like the end of the world at the time, but looking back, it was a critical part of my character development. It taught me resilience and the importance of moving forward. Just like Rocky in the first movie, who loses but gains something more profound – a sense of self and determination.

Pixar movies often teach us that a satisfying ending comes not from getting what we want but from gaining what we needed all along. This perspective is invaluable when we are in the thick of our struggles. It's hard to see it then, but these challenges are shaping us into stronger, more self-actualized individuals.

So, how can we apply this "good for the plot" mindset to our professional lives? Here are a few strategies:

1. Reframe Challenges: View every obstacle as an opportunity for growth. This mindset shift can transform how you approach problems, making you more resilient and adaptable.
2. Practice Mindfulness and Positive Self-Talk: During tough times, remind yourself that these experiences are adding depth and resilience to your character. Embrace the journey, and stay positive.
3. Learn from Setbacks: Every setback is a learning opportunity. Reflect on what these experiences teach you about yourself and your approach to work and life.
4. Stay Persistent: Like the quote from Bojack Horseman, "It gets easier. Every day it gets a little easier. But you have to do it every day – that's the hard part." Persistence is key to overcoming adversity and achieving long-term success.
5. Share Your Story: Be open about your struggles and how you overcome them. This can inspire and connect with others who might be facing similar challenges.

Life is a series of stories we tell ourselves. The next time you face a tough situation, embrace it as part of your journey. Grow from the challenges, and become the hero of your own story. It's good for the plot, and ultimately, it's good for you.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. If you found this perspective helpful, please share it with your network. Let’s continue to support each other through our journeys and grow together.

Keep a force field around your he(art).

Knives Monroe