An Important Lesson for Writers from Mr. Walt Disney

A writer could learn a thing or two from Mr. Walt Disney. My husband and I attended the Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio area of San Francisco this weekend. You can read my overall impression of the museum here. But if you’re a writer or author, stick around, this post is for you!

I didn’t know much about Walt Disney except for the fact that he created 2 amazing amusement parks, one in California and the other where I got engaged in Florida. I also felt some kind of weird spiritual connection with the guy. In a way, I thought of him as a hero. Someone who aspired to create something magical in the world and was extremely successful in doing so.

What I learned from the museum was that Mr. Disney was a regular guy with a normal childhood. But he had a dream, a passion that fueled his actions. I learned a great deal about him from the exhibit but was surprised by the jewels of wisdom I garnered within myself.

Here are a few treasures I picked up from the museum, which I hope will inspire other writers, artists and creators to keep pursuing their passion and working on their craft.

1. “I lived on little things I could do on the side to pick up a little money here and there.” Disney started drawing as a child, and worked as a cartoonist for his high school. He continued to pursue drawing in his adult life. When times got tough, like it often does for creatives, he did everything he could to survive. Got to admire someone with that kind of gumption.
2. “Sometimes you’ve got to build yourself up and explode…And then begin to pick up the pieces and take stock.” I love this quote!! There are many times when mistakes and failure feel like the end. Disney, however, picked himself up after every fall and got better. His statement demonstrates to me that failure is a normal process in the pursuit of your dreams.
3. Disney learned from his mistakes. For example, he signed contracts before he read them and trusted people he shouldn’t have. Instead of beating himself up about it or blaming the other people involved, he quickly learned from his mistakes and moved on. As a freelancer, we’re bound to work with people who may not have our best interests at heart. Take a lesson from Disney and spend less time complaining and more time focusing on what you will do to avoid the same situation in the future.
4. He never let others get him down. Disney surrounded himself with people he liked to be around. He was optimistic and had a positive attitude. Several past employees and people who worked with him said he was a pleasure to be with, would talk to anyone, and never criticized those he worked with. Disney was professional and yet kind. What wonderful qualities to exhibit as a freelancer.
5. He kept getting better. At any time, Disney could have said okay I’ve done enough and stopped there. When one of the people he trusted took a year of his earnings he could have said, “That’s it! I’m done.” When he was poor, he could have given up and taken a better paying job. When he was rich, he could have said, “I’m done. Now I can retire.” But he didn’t. When he was successful as a cartoonist or as a film producer, he could have said, “That’s enough.” Instead he kept going.” It wasn’t the money that motivated him it was the dream. And I admire that. As writers we can and should always work on getting better. There’s really know limits for us if we can keep opening ourselves up to growth and possibility. Who knows where we will be a year from now? Hopefully twice as good as we are now!
6. Kindness does indeed pay off. There were a few greedy people in Disney’s past. But the people who helped him out were the ones who were the wealthiest. Those people who tried to take advantage of Disney may have swindled some money but in the end, they will forever be named as the people who tried to steal Disney’s money. On the other hand, one woman who helped him out when he was broke, is not only remembered by her kindness but was not forgotten by Disney who helped her with whatever she needed for the rest of her life. Love that karma.

There was a ton of things I learned from Walt Disney. I think hearing his struggle and success helped validate my own challenges. I realized the difficulties that I face as a freelance writer is not the end of the world. It is just one stepping stone toward my dreams. It also helped bring me perspective. If I can just put one foot in front of the other and rise above the negativity, difficulty and heartbreak that sometimes accompanies writing, I will one day be in the arena of my dreams. Just like Mr. Disney.