The Magic of Walt Disney

“Think of the happy things.  It’s the same as having wings.”
– Walt Disney
 
I’m reasonably sure Walt Disney never heard of The Law of Attraction, but he lived the principles brilliantly every day of his life.

Walt lived his life as a grand adventure, dreaming big dreams, with no interest in being “sensible” or playing it safe.  As a farm boy growing up in Missouri, his father insisted he stop dreaming and get a “real job” in a factory. The world continues to be delighted he ignored his father’s advice and followed his heart.

As a young man he arrived in Hollywood with little more than pocket-change, the clothes on his back, and a dream.  Always believing anything was possible, he focused on dreams rather than obstacles.  Even when his first creation, Oswald the Rabbit, was stolen from him, he stayed true to his Dream – Believe – Dare – Do credo and soon produced that world-famous character, Mickey Mouse. 

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM WALT DISNEY?
 
DREAM
* Live with Unfailing Optimism.  In 1923, following the bankruptcy of his first business, he left Kansas City for Hollywood.  Unconcerned by past failures or financial woes, Walt traveled first class.
* Unleash your Imagination.  Disney and his Imagineers drew on the boundless resources of the imagination to create what had never existed before and, in the process, brought joy and inspiration to the world.

BELIEVE
* Believe Anything is Possible.  As Walt is quoted as saying, “actually, it’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” Rather than seeing reality as it was, Walt saw it as it could be, as he wanted it to be.
 
* Stay Focused.  Walt’s intense and passionate focus enabled him to turn his big, bold, beautiful dreams into even bigger, bolder, more beautiful reality. 
 
DARE
* Take Risks.  In 1937, Walt risked the studio to produce Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – the first, full-length animated film.  Everyone – except Walt – expected it to be a total flop.  In 1955, Disneyland (the world’s first theme park) was considered to be a colossal business gamble. 
 
DO
* Do What You Love.  According to Dick Van Dyke, Disney always greeted his work with the enthusiasm of a ten year old boy. 

* “Plus” Everything You Do.  Disney made people feel special by giving them more than they paid for and delivering more than they expected.  With his commitment to excellence and attention to detail, he would “plus” every experience, then he would “plus the plus.”

“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”
– Walt Disney
 
WANT TO BE MORE LIKE WALT DISNEY?
 
Your dreams can come true too if you DREAM – BELIEVE – DARE – DO.  Make a list right now. 

* Start with your DREAM.  What do you want?  Why do you want it? 

* Write out why you BELIEVE you will attain it.  If you don’t completely believe it right now, write out what you would need to believe in order to realize your dream.
 
* DARE.  What risks are you willing to take based on your rock-solid belief in your dream? 

* DO.  What are you willing to do to become a vibrational match to your dream?  What are you willing to do to keep your thoughts positive and focused on your dream?  Are you willing to listen for and take inspired action?

The thing I most loved about Disney movies as a kid was that the good guys won and everyone lived happily ever after.  These themes reflected Walt’s belief in a magical world where dreams really do come true. 

Walt Disney dreamed big dreams and pursued those dreams with courage, optimism and perseverance.  How about you?  Remember: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney