I have learned over the course of my life that there is symbolism in all things. I recently was reflecting on the phrase or saying (whichever you prefer) of Lights Camera Action and found a way to relate that to things outside of the world of Film and Acting.
Obviously if you have never heard it before it is the way things go on a set. First the set the lights for the shot…make sure the camera is ready and then the director calls action and you are off and making movie magic. Well I submit life is not too much different. We will call “Lights” the epiphany the moment when you discover where you want to go, what you want to, where you want to be etc. You know the time in your life when the cartoon light bulb goes off over your heard or the heavens part and it is as if God himself just gave you an answer (I believe that aint too far off from where those moments come from but no pushing my take on things there).
Yeah so that’s your lights. Now that you have some clarity some idea of where you want to go. The Camera portion is like your preparation. Again in film it is appropriate to get the scene framed just right so that the the acting is captured and conveyed as it was imagined. Actually often what happens (like in life) some unexpected magic happens when the actors bring the scene to life that was not exactly what the director or writers envisioned but work nonetheless. We will get back to that when we cover the action portion of this little analogy. Where was I….Oh yes the camera it is your preparation. Now that you have your lights your great idea, direction, purpose you have to see if you have all the tools necessary to be ready for the action. Do you know how to do what you now feel compelled to do? If not what adjustments must you make. Perhaps you don’t have the right equipment (this is in no way reference to your person for those of you perhaps wondering if I am saying its a mans job but you are a woman or vice versa). When I say equipment I mean its an HD job and you have a flip camera for example. So in life you are high school educated and your mission requires you have a BA or BS (As an aside allow me to say I feel it so appropriate for a degree to be called BS cuz often that may be what it gets you or means…but again I shall leave my opinion there so as not to start a debate over education when it is not the point).
I must stay focused or we will never get to action but I hope you are enjoying reading it as much as I am writing it. Anyway getting back on track. So you have gone out you have acquired the tools, skills, knowledge to carry out your big idea, mission, plan. Ready to pat yourself on the back and celebrate. That isn’t a bad idea but I caution you not to dwell there because the next part is where the adventure truly gets interesting. Its time to see the fruition of your work. (Pulling out megaphone….AND ACTION!) The director has called action you have prepared for this day the lights are the set the camera is rolling and you are on. ACTION is the most overlooked and often where most people stop. Its all theory up until this point now this is where the mustard meets the hot dog the rubber meets the road and all those other corny sayings. I want to go back to something I touched on earlier however…remember when I said this is when unexpected magic happens. Stay with me here….I am going somewhere with this. Well when you take action on things in life it rarely goes the way you imagined it at least not picture perfectly so. There are surprises. You mostly surprising yourself at your capabilities. This is why we have these epiphanies to continue our evolution on this journey called life. When you take action on your ideas or toward your dreams magic happens every time no matter what the outcome. You grow you learn you adapt etc.
The biggest criticism of “The Secret” was the absence of the action portion. Just like on a set without the call for ACTION nothing happens…no one knows the magic has begun. The idea (lights) is nothing with the preparation (camera) and neither gets you far without the doing (action). One of my fave quotes from the movie “The Peaceful Warrior” is “The difference between knowledge and wisdom; Wisdom is doing!”
I took you through all that to say Lights, Camera, annnnnnnnnd ACTION! Your on….life is waiting for you don’t miss your moment to be the STAR THAT YOU ARE!
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Heather Plude said:
Keep up the good work Bryn. I like your blog, your writing style and your words of encouragement.
A lot of times I find life is like being in a car with the head lights on (the idea). Often when driving at night or in a rain storm we can’t see very far ahead. A few feet at a time is all we need as long as we have faith in the idea. We continue to take action (drive) we will reach our destination.
To your massive success!
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admin Reply:
April 22nd, 2010 at 8:09 pm
Heather
Thanks so much for your kind words and contribution. I like the car analogy which fits in with my GPS motif. Yes sometimes you can only see a bit ahead so you have to step out on faith. Doing it myself right not. I appreciate you stopping by and I look forward to connecting on twitter and facebook!!
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