The Pursuit of Happyness
The saying goes that things often get worse before they get better. How true that is when we are trying to pursue our dreams! Financial problems. Emotional meltdowns. Lack of confidence. Questions from friends and family. Wondering where your future is going and when this trial is going to end.
Yet in the midst of all this pressure comes a resolve. It’s the kind only born out of adversity. It’s the kind that has come too far to quit trying. And it’s the kind that I see embodied in a man named Chris Gardner.
That name might sound familiar because he is the subject of the Will Smith movie The Pursuit of Happyness (yes, that is the correct spelling). This film is an excellent example of one man’s sheer determination in the face of massive obstacles.
After his door-to-door sales job proves fairly fruitless, the down-on-his-luck San Francisco man sees an opportunity to enter a stockbroker internship at a prestigious downtown company. The only problem is the six-month program doesn’t pay a dime and doesn’t guarantee a job.
Chris wrestles with this dubious open door. And finally, faced with potential marital collapse, Chris decides to quit making excuses and combine his passion for people with his passion for numbers and take on the internship.
In the midst of the pain of losing a home, losing his spouse, and losing his dignity, Chris demonstrates discipline, a non-complaining attitude, a servant heart, drive and creativity, and personal integrity. He takes the tough road to his dreams, but eventually he is rewarded.
If you are looking for some encouragement and your job search isn’t going so well, I recommend you rent this film. It will inspire you to get up and keep going.
Here are take-away points from the movie that I think will help you, whether you are recently laid off, fired, unemployed, or underemployed:
- You are not your current circumstances – you are just passing through a bad patch.
- Keep pressing on – you don’t have time to wallow in self-pity.
- Focus on what you have to do and don’t be distracted by those who are getting things handed to them on a silver platter.
- Discipline yourself – study to show yourself approved.
- Determination will see you through to the other side.
- Serve those who might want to take advantage of you the best you can – you won’t go unnoticed by the decision makers.
– Laura J. Bagby
