John Wick and the Importance of “Doing You”

The latest John Wick film comes out this weekend. I love all the John Wick movies. One thing I love about the films is they don’t try to be something they aren’t. They are action films, period. The John Wick movies know what they are trying to accomplish, and they stick to it. There isn’t a lot of contrived dialogue or cheesy storylines.

Trying to Be Someone I’m Not

Sometimes I wonder if we could apply this lesson to our own lives. I know for me, I often try really hard to be someone I’m not. Maybe I think I’m not good enough the way I am, or being different would make me happier. For example, I have spent countless hours over the years trying (and failing) to become a “star athlete.” I have friends who are quiet but try to be outgoing. Others hate school yet force themselves to get multiple degrees because it’s what you are supposed to do.

We do these things in relationships as well. We might be dating or married, and instead of accepting our partner as they are, we try to manipulate them to be something we want them to be.

Usually these efforts are a losing battle.

Acceptance

I think it is important to have a sense of acceptance about our personalities, our strengths, and our weaknesses. If we are constantly fighting against our natural tendencies, we may cause ourselves unnecessary struggle or difficulty. Sometimes it’s better just to “do you.”

Action Step

Take out a sheet of paper. At the top of the page, write “My Personality.” Spend some time thinking and writing about your natural tendencies. In other words, how do you live your life when you are on autopilot, without expending any effort or energy? Are you naturally more extroverted or introverted? Are you more anxious or calm? Are you more structured or open to new experiences? Are you more conscientious or laid-back? Are you more agreeable or stubborn? Then think about how you are living your life right now. Pick one area where you are trying to be something different than the way you naturally are. What would it look like to “do you” in this area of your life?