I thought I’d earn some “mum points” by taking Mr 15 to see Gran Turismo, the movie. I’m not really into gaming or car racing, but I can sit through a couple of hours if it means spending time with my kid. But boy oh boy, did I underestimate this movie! My emotions went from anguish, to exhilaration, to elation. I cried a couple of times, and forgot where I was for a moment and nearly let out of “whoop” of celebration! I’m telling you, it was a wonderful story of following your dreams, overcoming setbacks, mental resilience, believing in yourself, and surrounding yourself in people who believe in you. Here are my takeaways from the movie and how you can apply them in your life and in your business.
Follow your dreams
The movie is the story of “sim driver” Jann Mardenborough. Don’t know what’s a “sim driver” is? That’s okay – I had no idea either! While I thought this was a movie about gaming, Gran Turismo is actually a racing simulation video game – different to other video games due to its realistic features and racing experience. Jann was like many other kids who lock themselves in their rooms gaming (or honing their craft, depending on the perspective), while their parents try persistently to get them out of their room and into the “real world”.
Jann dreamed of becoming a racing driver and his father was adamant this was fantasy so tried hard to get Jann back to higher education, or working with him in the mines. When the opportunity of GT Academy presented itself Jann threw himself into the challenge and qualified as one of the top 20 in his region, beating 90,000 other hopefuls. After vigorous training and hard work, he won the competition and earned his spot on the Nissan racing team with a professional driving contract.
Being passionate about something serves as a powerful source of motivation, driving us to work hard and overcome obstacles. Achieving your dreams often involves learning new skills, gaining knowledge and expanding your horizons; a journey of personal and professional growth. Following your dreams doesn’t guarantee success, and it usually requires hard work, dedication and persistence. But the journey itself can be incredibly rewarding, and the outcomes can be deeply fulfilling.
Jann’s story showcases the profound impact of being passionate about something, serving as a relentless motivator to push through the toughest of challenges. His journey highlights the significance of continuous growth, learning and personal development as we pursue our dreams. Although achieving our dreams isn’t always a smooth ride, it’s the effort, dedication, and unwavering persistence that makes the journey rewarding.
Mental resilience
The movie throws the actual timeline out a bit and tells the story of Jann’s horrific crash at the Nurburgring Nordschleife where a spectator was tragically killed. This could have ended his career were it not for the support and encouragement of his team, and his own mental resilience to get back on the track.
Mental resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, cope with stress, and adapt to challenging situations. Overcoming challenges is an inherent part of life and mental resilience is the tool that enables us to navigate those challenges with grace and strength. It’s a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time, allowing us to not only endure difficulties, but also thrive in the face of them. Overcoming setbacks is not just about the survival; it’s about emerging from the darkness stronger and more determined than ever.
Following our dreams can come with challenges and setbacks, but overcoming these obstacles can build resilience and character. It teaches us to persevere in the face of adversity.
Believe in yourself
Many underestimated Jann. He had resistance from his family, doubt from his trainers, and initially lack of support from his team. But he was committed to his pursuit, had unwavering belief in himself, and worked hard to achieve his dreams. Jann’s trainer saw his potential early on, and helped Jann fight for his winning spot at GT Academy.
Believing in yourself is a fundamental component of achieving your dreams. It’s a mindset that empowers us to overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and persist in the face of adversity. Whilst self belief is important, it doesn’t mean we’ll never doubt ourselves or face moments of uncertainty. Doubt is natural and the key is to recognise it, challenge it, and reaffirm our belief in ourselves. Surrounding ourselves with a support network of friends, mentors and colleagues can also reinforce our self belief and provide encouragement on our journey toward achieving our dreams.
In conclusion
The movie turned out to be an unexpectedly emotional and enlightening experience for me – so much so, I felt the need to write a blog about it! Whilst initially just trying to spend some time with my son, I came away feeling deeply moved and inspired. The film wasn’t just about gaming or car racing – it was a touching story about following your dreams, conquering adversity, maintaining mental resilience, and unwavering self belief. The pursuit of our dreams is a journey filled with valuable life lessons, personal growth, and the potential to make lasting, positive impact on the world around us. So let’s create a ripple effect of inspiration for others to following their dreams, by believing in ourselves, and pursuing our passions with unwavering determination.
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