After last week’s event with Les Brown in Orlando, where we spoke so much about Greatness, I was reminded of a fascinating workshop for screenwriters I attended recently. The instructor said:
“For a movie to work, the main character must be respond within the first ten minutes instead of just reacting to outside influences. Even if something happens to him from the outside, he must respond with his own action. Only then do we truly see who he is. His actions set the story in motion.”
And the same is true for your life.
If your life were a movie—would people really want to watch it if you only reacted passively? Or does it become inspiring when you step into the leading role, make decisions, and act consciously instead of just reacting?
Where is the difference?
React
Impulsive, emotional, automatic, without reflection
Example: blurting out angry words after a provocation
Respond
Thoughtful, conscious, after a short pause
Example: taking a breath before sending a calm, well-considered reply
If you want your life to be a smash hit, you need this exact shift: not just reacting, but responding with awareness and deliberate action. That’s what makes your story worth watching.
Or as Glinda used to say to Elphaba in the movie / musical WICKED: “Why fly off the handle?” Instead of exploding like a rocket: take three deep breaths in and out. Smile. And then act.
Because just like in the movies: action moves the story forward. And your actions turn your life into a blockbuster. Now is the time to start writing your success story.
Wishing you a wonderful week—and don’t forget: keep shining.
