We can all relate to the movie under dog.
I took the family to the movies early yesterday to see the latest in the ‘Maze’ series and I was struck by something I noticed in most of the ‘coming attractions’ that play before the featured movie. By the way, have ever noticed there seem to be more and more trailers. You might as well save yourself some time and arrive at the theater 15 minutes after the advertised start time. It’s doubtful you miss any of the actual movie even arriving so late…. I think my jacket still smells like movie theater buttered popcorn.
In any case, three of the trailers involved robots acting like humans, people living in virtual realities (not unlike Tron), or people with cybernetic or synthetic parts. Normally you see some sort of mix of drama trailers, children’s movies or some blockbuster movie that won’t be shown for another year. What caught my attention were the variations on a theme between the movies. They were certainly all different but all of them had phenomenal CGI scenes with a hint of escapism and ultimate battles of good versus evil. Add to that a dash of the under dog against the whole world with a twist of sadness and agony and you pretty much have the plot of the movie.
We often go to movies to escape our day to day grind for two or so hours, but how often do aspects of the movies mirror our own lives? Movie makers know we need to be able to relate to the lead characters in a movie. How many of your favorite movies involve the under dog rising up and defeat some cruel villain? We love to cheer for the underdog and see the bad guy get his deserved rewards.
Be honest, we cheer the under dog on as they go through some sort of miracle transformation and find the skills or strength to overcome all odds. Wouldn’t it be incredible to be like that newly created hero?!?!?!?
Imagine what it would be like to suddenly be thrown in a new world or new environment with a new body or some degree of superhuman skills. What would it feel like to have those newfound powers? For me, it would be pretty awesome to suddenly have a body like Arnold Schwarzenegger. That would be beyond cool and I’ve certainly tried making my body look better. There’s a lot of hard work involved!
There’s a reason so many movies follow this format. There is a fairly universal theme of challenge and overcoming all odds. We all have challenges to face and can relate to our movie (or TV) counterparts. We all want more, want to be more, do more or have more of something. It’s great to be able to relate to someone else facing a similar challenge or seeing someone else succeed.
Those stories can be very motivational.
But that’s not how our lives often play out, is it? I see so many people shrink back from those life challenges. As a coach, I hear it on almost a daily basis….
No one could possibly understand what you’re going through. You’re all alone right???
On a planet of over 7.6 BILLION people, I guarantee someone else has gone through or is going through the same struggles you are. Seriously, you are NOT alone and there is help for the under dog.
I’ll say it again…. You are not alone. Stop for a few minutes and look at the people around you. Start paying more attention to the things you have in common and can bring you closer together. You might find someone near you that can help; even within your own community. There are over 843,000 people in Pierce County and over 211,000 of them live in the Tacoma area. Even within that population, there are over 60,000 people within the Lakewood city limits.
Let’s back to the movies and cheering for the under dog. The movie character always has some sort of side kick or support team. Someone that believes in the under dog and encourages them to persevere.
Do you have anyone to support you? I think we can establish that you are NOT alone and you can find someone to offer support or encouragement. Where is your support team…..?
Your own little band of misfits and/or partners in doing the impossible?
Find your support crew in Lakewood
There are multiple gyms in the Lakewood area. 24hr Fitness, Crunch, the YMCA, Anytime Fitness, Studio Fitness, Crossfit 253 and probably more. That’s just within Lakewood proper. Expand your search to the Tacoma general area and you’ll find LA Fitness and more. There’s bound to be one within your budget and fitting your schedule and desired fitness goals. It may be scary to consider joining a gym, but remember that everyone walking through the goals has their own health and fitness goals. Again, start focusing on the things you have in common with other people and you might find that person just like you.
We all live in a world of online media or social media. The fact you’re reading this right now is evidence to that. There’s probably a Facebook group of people with similar interests. If you belong to no other local groups, please join my FREE Facebook group called Lakewood Healthy Living. The group is full of local folks that have a common goal of improving their health. You might find someone in the area with similar goals. You might even find a workout or walking buddy!
Be the under dog that overcomes all odds…. Start making little changes and heading down your own path to success. Heck, go find your favorite movie sound track and play it while you work out.
If you’re not a member of a gym somewhere, go check one out. It won’t hurt to go inside and ask for membership rates. You might even find someone there that you know.
Lastly, if you’re not part of my Facebook Group, please join us. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1589934474642549/) Come and join other people in the area.
I look forward to meeting you online!
– Eric.
Coachericwylie.com