Three Lessons Learned from the School of Walt Disney

Walt Disney is a man who inspires me to not only dream but put shoe leather to my dreams. It wasn’t easy or without setbacks and obstacles. He was a man of character and resilience who pressed on make the world a better place.

At Disneyland, a plaque hangs on the wall with Walt’s story of how the first theme park came to be.

“It came about when my daughters were very young and Saturday was always Daddy’s day — so we’d start out and try to go someplace. I’d take them to the merry-go-round and I took them different places and as I’d sit while they rode the merry-go-round — sit on a bench, you know, eating peanuts — I felt that there should be something built, some kind of amusement enterprise, where the parents and the children could have fun together. So that’s how Disneyland started.” — Walt Disney

Lessons Learned from the School of Walt Disney

1. People matter. 

Walt spent every Saturday with his daughters as they were growing up. That tells us a lot about the man. More than a dreamer and a legend, he loved his daughters.

When you think of successful people who inspire others, learn from their actions and don’t just be impressed with their accomplishments. It’s people who matter most.

2. Pondering ignites. 

While Walt sat on a bench eating peanuts, the inspiration for Disneyland hit him. Times of reflection are critical in order to see clearly what needs to be done to make the world a better place.

When you sit down and ponder the change you want to make, it’s there where the fire of new ideas can be ignited. Walt didn’t have a smart phone to distract him back in the day and we’d be wise to turn ours off when sitting on the bench.

3. Planning creates.   

It’s one thing to dream — it’s quite another to make that dream happen. Walt did both and his daughters ended up having a place where they could play together with their dad.

Walt Disney Quotes*

I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic to know that life is a complex matter.

You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.

We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.

*Source: Wit and Wisdom of Disney

Who are the people in your life that matter the most?

What idea needs to be hatched and implemented so their world can be a better place?