Lessons Learned From Star Wars

I've had some question as to whether this is a "Star Wars" blog. Let me clarify, no, this is not a "Star Wars" blog, despite the picture and quotes from Yoda. I do love Star Wars a lot though. Not to the point that I find myself discussing how the blockade enforced on Naboo effects the economy on Coruscant, but I do have a small light saber collection if that's any consolation. Now you may laugh and point and say, "Look at that geek, he likes Star Wars." But hear me out, there are some real lessons to be learned if you take the time to listen.

Take for instance when Luke travels to the Dagobah system to learn from Yoda. He is trying to learn the ways of a Jedi just the same as any one of us in a new career trying to learn a new skill that seems impossible. When Yoda tells Luke to lift the X-wing from the swamp using the force Luke says, "Moving around stones is one thing, but this is totally different." To this Yoda says, "No, no different, only different in your mind. You must unlearn what you have learned." Brilliant. The only thing stopping Luke, and many of us, is his own self doubt, not believing it can be done. Luke hesitantly says, "Alright, I'll try." Yoda once again, wise beyond his 900 years says, "No, try not, do...or do not, there is no try." Brilliant. It's so poignant and resounding that it speaks for itself. After Luke fails his attempt to raise the X-wing he claims that Yoda asks the impossible. Yoda then proceeds to use the force to lift the X-wing from the swamp to the astonishment of Luke who exclaims, "I don't believe it." Yoda simply states, "That is why you fail." Brilliant.

What we learn from this scene is that Luke constantly fails because he fails to believe in himself, and refuses to believe in the force he has inside. With him it is always what can't be done. It is no different than the old adage "You can do anything you put your mind to." I'm not preaching that here, that is not the purpose of this. I'm merely pointing out one of the many reasons why I love Star Wars. It's so much more than "Luke, I am your father" (even though Vader never really says that verbatim). It's entertaining, imaginative, and inspiring. So have an open mind going into it, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you might find.