Walt Disney was an epic visionary who had a dream and was able to bring it to fruition. Walt was able to use his vision to create an unforgettable experience for people all around the world. He was able to knock down the barriers in front of him in order to create something truly inspiring. Here are 5 lessons we can all learn from Walt Disney:
#1 – Be whatever you want and whoever you want
“To all who come to this happy place: Welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past—and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America—with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”
~ Walt Disney ~
This is what Walt Disney said on the very first day Disneyland opened, and he continued to share this sentiment every day after. We’ll never know if he knew how many lives he would change with his work or what kind of legacy would be left behind, but boy did he make an impact.
Walt Disney is a name most know. He was an extraordinary visionary who had a dream. What was created from his passion for film and animation is remarkable. He holds the record for most Academy Awards earned and nominations by an individual, having won 22 Oscars from 59 nominations.
#2 – You are responsible for your own destiny
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
~ Walt Disney ~
What we see today of movies, amusement parks, and merchandise worldwide is not where it started. It started with an interest in drawing and landing a job as a commercial illustrator when he was eighteen.
In 1928 the character that we all know and love, Mickey Mouse, was born. Well, Mortimer Mouse was. He was later renamed to Mickey Mouse by Walt Disney’s wife as she didn’t love the sound of “Mortimer Mouse.” Walt was the original voice of Mickey Mouse!
Deciding to push the boundaries of animation, Disney began production of his first long animated film in 1934: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Now, it didn’t just happen. He knew it would be hard to sell, so Walt performed a one-man show of the entire movie himself. He mimicked the physical statures, characteristics, and voices of each of the characters. Through this, he captured the team’s imagination and it premiered in December 1937. By 1939, it became the highest-grossing film of that time.
He took the leap to just get started on his dream and it became so much more. Creating your destiny is ultimately built around how motivated you are.
#3 – Quality is everything
“Whatever you do, do it well.”
~ Walt Disney ~
If you’re deciding to pursue something, why not do it well? Building an empire such as Walt did takes time, but when he did something, he did it well.
In 1955 Disneyland was opened to the public and people from all over the country were excited to go. Sixteen years later, a major expansion took place. This is what we know today as Disney World just outside Orlando, Florida.
#4 – Always strive for incremental growth
There is always opportunity, whether we see it right away or not. Walt continually was building and growing what he had, because he never wanted to be “done.” Even though Walt is no longer alive, his legacy will continue to live on forever. To this day, Disneyland is being expanded and films are still being created under The Walt Disney Company.
It has become the source of inspiration for many, knowing what was accomplished in a lifetime and beyond.
#5 – Develop your story and ensure everyone knows your ultimate vision.
“That’s what we storytellers do. We restore order with imagination. We instill hope again and again and again.”
~ Walt Disney ~
He always believed that there was opportunity out there and didn’t like to repeat his successes but rather preferred to create new things. Making films for children was not the goal; he made them for the child in all of us, no matter the age.
Anything is possible. How you get there is another story, but anything is possible. Think about this:
The first airplane was created in 1909 and a mere 66 years later there was the moon landing. With the relationships, resources, and technology we have today, there is not much we can’t do.
Walt saw possibility in everything. What he created was far bigger than himself and continues to touch the lives of many. Did he know this is what would come of his dreams? Maybe! And always remember…
“If you can dream it, you can do it.”
~ Walt Disney ~
