Wild (MKE 14)

This week I watched “Wild” with Reese Witherspoon, based on a true story. The movie is about a woman who decides to go on a trek across the Pacific Crest Trail. On this journey of self-discovery she learns what it means to have inner strength and persistent will to succeed. 

Throughout the movie there were flashbacks of the main character’s life and of some of the bad decisions she had made, along with the consequences of her actions. All of this lead up to her making this arduous trip.

The character is a heroin and sex addict as a result of trauma and grief of the loss of her mother, which results in her getting divorced. All of this sets in motion her desire to accomplish her goal of completing this journey alone – hoping that she can find some peace and healing from her past.

She wants to prove to herself and to all the naysayers that she does indeed have the inner strength to fulfill her goal and complete the trail.

As the saying goes, fortune rewards the prepared. This is a lesson she learns the hard way as we often do. In this case she realized that she bought boots that were too small for her which caused her feet to blister and as a result she lost her boots. Being well prepared (strong in your thoughts, visualize with clarity, action with intent to succeed) all are necessary in order to achieve your goals.

Her experience also shows what Napoleon Hill called “The 4 habits of persistence”:

1. A definite purpose backed by a burning desire for its fulfillment.
2. A definite plan, expressed in continuous action.
3. A mind closed tightly against all negative and discouraging influences, including negative suggestions of relatives, friends and acquaintances.
4. A friendly alliance with one or more person who will encourage you to follow through with both plan and purpose.

The 1st example of the 4 habits of persistence  (definite purpose) is when the main character determines that hiking this trail will be the best way for her to deal with her past and the death of her mother.

The 2nd example of the 4 habits of persistence (definite plan) is when the main character researches and buys all the supplies and equipment (a fully loaded backpack) that she will need to have to complete her trek. 

The 3rd example of the 4 habits of persistence (a mind closed tightly to negative and discouraging influences) is when the main character has to deal with all the negative stereotyping that goes with being a women on the trail by herself (not strong enough to make it or protect herself).

The 4th example of the 4 habits of persistence (a mastermind group) is the relationship she has with her ex-husband. He makes sure that she has all her supplies at each checkpoint and provides support to her when she is feeling mentally exhausted. (She communicates with him throughout the journey.)

Having found the MKE and utilizing the principles that I’m learning, I am implementing the 4 habits of persistence into my life so that I can Think, Visualize, and Act to accomplish all of my goals.