9 career lessons we can learn from childhood characters
It’s easy to say that our biggest inspirations are hugely successful entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg and Richard Branson. But have you ever thought that the characters you loved when you were younger can actually teach you some serious lessons in life and business? Here are our top nine.
1. Pink Panther – You can be quiet, but confident
The Pink Panther never said one word in any episode, but that doesn’t mean that he didn’t manage to get by just fine. Nothing ever bothered him enough to speak up because he was super cool and went with the flow. Here was a panther who tripped over his own tail constantly, but always lived to see another day.
2. Winnie the Pooh – There is no hurry
One of our favourite childhood characters once said: “Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.” Winnie was essentially telling us that we should take our time with things and if we will be successful eventually if we work towards it. Things that are rushed never turn out good after all, right? In fact, Winnie’s way of life is so easy to apply to business that Roger E. Allen even wrote a series of books about it.
3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – You need to work together
Michaelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo and Donatello are never short of arguments and bickering in the TV show, but they also understand that to get anything done well, they need to work together. Turtles couldn’t save the city of New York every week without a bit of team work, just like in your office.
4. Beauty and the Beast – Never judge a book by its cover
Although Beauty and the Beast may be one big show with dancing tea pots and candles, there are lessons to be learnt from it too. Belle believes that there is good in everyone, even the beast, who basically kidnapped her. We’re not saying that you should forgive someone that locks you away in a castle, but it’s worth noting down that Belle didn’t judge the Beast and soon found the good in him.
5. Tom and Jerry – Size doesn’t matter
If you are witty and strong, then your size doesn’t matter! Jerry may be tiny compared to Tom, but he uses his brain when it comes to altercations and always wins, Tom doesn’t think about the situation, he just throws himself in. But if you act a bit more like Jerry, you will learn how to escape obstacles time and time again.
6. Hercules – You have to earn your hero status
Although Hercules is the son of the Greek God Zeus, he learns that he has to fight his own battles in life and just because he’s from an impressive family, it doesn’t mean that things will be easy. Hercules becomes famous in his own right after battling monsters, Hades and the Titans. We learn that being famous doesn’t make you a role model, you have to earn your hero status.
7. Tigger – Everybody appreciates enthusiasm
We’re not Winnie the Pooh die-hard fans, but you can’t knock it for the lessons it teaches us! Tigger is super enthusiastic and happy all the time, and it means that he is by far the most popular amongst his friends and he always succeeds. So if you’re wanting to be successful, it could be worth noting down a few of Tigger’s tricks.
8. Mulan – It’s OK to break a few rules
We’re not encouraging going against your employer, but if you think something could be done better or there is an opportunity to not be the norm, take Mulan’s advice. Mulan refuses to see her dad have to go off to war in China, so she takes his place, despite not being qualified to do so as she is a woman. But for the sake of her family, she does it and manages to save the country! If something is beneficial for your work team, then do it.
9. Willy Wonka – Think outside of the box
Oh Willy, that man just doesn’t stop innovating (well, until Charlie takes over the factory). Why would he settle with making a few chocolate bars when he can create an Everlasting Gobstopper? He essentially see’s the visit from the children as a marketing opportunity and sells his products extremely well. Who needs Branson when there’s Mr Wonka? He’s pretty much the ultimate entrepreneur.
