Defining Your Reality

One of my friends Tricia asked me how come I watch so many movies; she says a lot of my newsletters start with “I was watching this movie…”

While it isn’t intentional; I do enjoy watching good meaningful, inspirational movies, that comment by Tricia really set me thinking about the influence these movies actually have on me.

The movies we watch, the books we read, the people we hang out with define our reality.

Our reality is the way we see this world; its values, philosophy and so on, and the things we allow our eyes to see, ears to hear define our worldview.

I realized that after reading countless books on business, leadership, Christian books; watching movie after movie about heroism, courage, it had an influence in the way I spoke, lived and interacted with other people.

Now that I think about it, isn’t it true that when us guys were in army, we just basically talked about army stuff? and much to the girls’ irritation?

I bet you heard this before: “They’re already in army for 5 days a week! Don’t they have something better to talk about?”

Not really. By being in army for 5 days a week; it became our reality. It influenced the way we talked, lived, behaved, believed. We really have nothing else to talk about beyond army.

I’m not sure about you, but I noticed that I exercised more during the Olympics season. Did you? Looking back, I realized it was the influence of the TV. (Now I don’t exercise as much. Haha)

We like to think we’re in control of what we want to do, who we want to be; but in all honesty, we’re actually very easily influenced by our environment.

Of course, this has a lot of implications of about our future. The things that we allow through our eyes, our ears often influence our behaviours in the short run and if it’s a consistent input, habits are created in our lives.

And our habits create our destinies.

“Sow a thought, and you reap an act; Sow an act, and you reap a habit; Sow a habit, and you reap a character; Sow a character, and you reap a destiny”
Charles Reade

So if we can control what we watch, what we listen to; we can actually affect our future, either positively or negatively.

Are you reading about how people become really successful in life, in family, in finances and every area? Do you hear stories of people building strong families; beautiful relationships?

Do you watch films or read books that inspire you to courage? (i.e Kingdom of Heaven, Braveheart, Lord of the Rings, Saving Private Ryan, Alamo) To run after your dreams? (Pursuit of Happyness, Centerstage, Million Dollar Baby) To have strong relationships (Fireproof)

I do encourage you to watch these movies, read some great self-improvement books, Christian books, business books, whatever your interest. But I most recommend Biographies. Nothing gets to your heart better than stories. These often leave you with insights that you’ll keep in your heart.

10 years down the road, you’ll be a totally different person: someone stronger, wiser, more courageous; you’ll make better decisions, love better, be a better spouse, parent, friend, leader and more.
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So today, if you haven’t already, start doing so! Get a great inspirational movie or a book, input the right messages today into yourself and eventually you’ll get the life that you’ve always desired!