Mean Girls Turns 20!

Any guy who is married or in a relationship with a millennial woman should have seen the 2004 box office hit Mean Girls.

If they say they have not, they are either lying or are no longer in a relationship with that woman.

This past week marks the 20th anniversary of when Mean Girls was released. "Mean Girls" is known for its sharp wit, memorable quotes, and satirical portrayal of teenage cliques and social dynamics. It became a cult classic and remains popular for its humorous take on the challenges of adolescence. The movie was an instant success and was the launching pad for many people's careers.

If you are curious to see how many people ended up going on to have incredible careers then check out this article from People.

You have Tina Fey, Rachel McAdams, Lindsay Lohan, Lacey Chabert, and Amy Poelher to name just a few of the stars that came out of this movie.

But instead of talking about how good the movie is, I want to shift our attention to the lessons that this movie can teach us.

Lesson 1: You Never Know When You Will Strike Gold

There is that old saying that luck equals opportunity + preparation.

This suggests that luck isn't just random chance; it's the result of being prepared to seize opportunities when they arise.

Opportunity refers to those favorable circumstances or chances that come our way, sometimes unexpectedly. Preparation involves the work we put in beforehand, such as developing skills, gaining knowledge, and cultivating the right mindset. When preparation meets opportunity, it creates the conditions for success, which some people interpret as luck.

In this situation, many of these actors worked their asses off going from backup actors, to add-ons, to supporting cast, to finally getting their shot at a main role.

If the movie flopped, then there was a risk of their career being a flop.

So they all gave it their best shot and that collective effort led to nearly that entire cast striking gold!

If you haven't struck gold yet, keep on grinding because eventually your shot will come and you will be ready to capitalize.

Lesson 2: Mean Girls Is A Great Tale About Not Following The Crowd

Do you remember when you would do something stupid as a kid and your parents would ask you “If everyone else jumped off a bridge, would you?” The idea is that it's not good to do something stupid, even if everyone else does it. The logic is think for yourself instead of following the crowd. "Mean Girls" teaches several lessons, primarily focusing on the pitfalls of conformity, the importance of being true to oneself, and the consequences of gossip and manipulation. Here are some of the key lessons from the movie:

1. The dangers of conformity: The film highlights how conforming to societal expectations or peer pressure can lead to negative consequences. Cady initially tries to fit in with "The Plastics" but ultimately realizes the harm in losing her true identity in the process.
2. The importance of authenticity: Through Cady's character arc, the movie emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself rather than trying to become someone you're not to fit in. Embracing your individuality and uniqueness is celebrated as a positive attribute.
3. The impact of gossip and rumors: "Mean Girls" showcases the damaging effects of spreading rumors and gossip, both on the individuals targeted and the wider social dynamics of a high school. It highlights the need for empathy and understanding rather than perpetuating hurtful narratives.
4. The value of friendship: Despite the conflicts and betrayals that occur among the characters, the movie ultimately underscores the importance of genuine friendships based on trust, respect, and mutual support.
5. The consequences of manipulation: Characters like Regina George demonstrate the negative outcomes of manipulating others for personal gain. The film illustrates how such behavior can lead to isolation, distrust, and eventual downfall.

Who would have thought a comedy like "Mean Girls" could have provided such a deeper meaning in our life?

Did I miss anything that you think might be important?

Or which lesson was most relevant to you?

About the Author:

Dan Cosgrove is a partner at Anthem Capital, a business owner, and a personal finance consultant.

Dan is a native of Cincinnati and is based out of Boston with his wonderful wife, cute baby, and a dumb dog named Waffles.

He is a business owner and real estate investor who would love to connect to see how he can add value and joy to your life.