Growing up in the 80s and 90s gave me access to a lot of shows for which I hold a great deal of nostalgic fondness. Everything from Masters of the Universe to Transformers, Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers, Gargoyles, G.I. Joe and Inspector Gadget. These shows all shared a fundamental element – they all tried to do some sort of “life lesson” integration, usually in the form of a little pep talk from the heroes to the audience at the end, but also maybe from some mentor figure to the heroes at some point in the episode instead.
These lessons could be wide-ranging, but generally centered on themes of kindness, honesty or acceptance. Nothing wrong with that, for what it was. But every single one of these shows was also – perhaps quite unintentionally – teaching another lesson. The same lesson, week after week, stronger than all the others, albeit with a less likely messenger.
Perseverance.
You see, all of these shows featured villains. Bad guys who would hatch scheme after scheme, only to be invariably foiled by the heroes time after time. And you know what? They were never daunted for a moment. They never took a week off, never gave up, and never for a single second even doubted that this time, this time, it would work.
Bring that energy into your own life. Have the same confidence that Skeletor, Cobra Commander, or Dr. Claw bring to their 156th plot. After all, even if you don’t succeed, there’s always – always – next time, Gadget. Next time.
The Opportunity Machine 