Does your entrepreneurial journey sometimes feel more like a chaotic symphony than a well-rehearsed tune?
Well, grab your popcorn, because we're about to look at Walt Disney's greatest flops - and by flops, I mean spectacular face-plants. 💥
You might think Walt's life was all fairy dust and magic wands, but let me tell you, he had more mishaps than I've had failed attempts at assembling Swedish furniture (and that's quite a few). Im sure you relate.
Picture the scene: It's 1923, and young Walt's first animation studio just went kaput. Does he crawl into a mouse hole? Nope! He jumps on a train to Tinseltown with nothing but a cardboard suitcase and a twinkle in his eye. Now that's what I call determination!
After some success with some early animated characters, in 1926, Walt lost the rights to his beloved character Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. And let's not forget when his distributor took most of his animators, leaving Walt without a team.
So, how did Walt stay positive and turn things around?
Here's the key lessons, adapted to help you too...
1. Say "Yes, and..." like your life depends on it 🎭
Walt was the king of improvisation before it was fashionable. When life pelted him with lemons, he didn't just squeeze them - he planted a whole orchard!
Next time you hit a snag, try channeling your inner Disney. Instead of muttering "No, but...", chirp "Yes, and...". It's like pulling a rabbit out of a hat, minus the confused bunny.
2. Use your critics as rocket fuel 🎤
Walt had more naysayers than a politician at a polygraph party. But did he curl up in a ball? Not a chance! He used their doubts to light a fire under his... er, mouse. So next time someone pooh-poohs your brilliant idea, flash them a grin and say, "Thanks for the boost!"
3. Flop fast, bounce back faster 🏃♂️💨
Walt treated failures like a game of whack-a-mole - the quicker they popped up, the faster he bopped them on the head. He knew each flop was just a stepping stone to success. So, welcome your failures like a long-lost cousin (minus the awkward hugs).
4. Dream like a giant, start like an ant 🐜➡️🐘
Walt didn't conjure up his magic kingdom in the blink of an eye (though I'm sure he wished he could have). He began with a doodle on a napkin. The moral? Slice your grand schemes into nibble-sized bits. It's like munching a whale - one bite at a time. (Not that I suggest eating whales, mind you. Awfully tough and probably illegal.)
5. Stick with the true believers 🌟
After losing his animators, Walt cottoned on to the power of a solid crew. He huddled up with folks who bought into his vision. So, round up your gang of dreamers and doers. They're the ones who'll give you a boost while you're reaching for the stars (or at least the top shelf of the snack cupboard).
Remember, as Walt himself quipped, "If you can dream it, you can do it."
So go on, be bold! Chase your dreams like Walt did!
And if all else goes pear-shaped, just recall what that wise cartoon fish once burbled: "Just keep swimming!"
Keep dreaming big and flopping spectacularly! It's all part of the journey.
