Eight Life Lessons I Learned from Star Wars

The final countdown has begun for the release of upcoming seventh film of the American epic space Opera of Star Wars series on 18^th December 2015.  After humming along steadily for months (years?), the Star Wars hype machine has kicked into hyper drive the past couple of days. And as we get closer and closer to the release of Star Wars-The Force Awakens which is the first movie of the sequel trilogy (Episodes VII-IX), my anticipation is mounting.

Video Source: Star Wars

 As a kid, I wanted to become a Jedi and grew up on A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi and used to think it as a real galactic world. I know it sounds totally insane but when I saw The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, by that time, I became a Star Wars nerd. 

Star Wars is very close to my heart. It may sound weird to you but I cried when Anakin Skywalker’s sudden transition from Jedi Knight to murdering all of the younglings in the temple. It was very hard for me to believe that he would personally desire every single Jedi in the republic to die. I hated Palpatine for bending and distorting Anakin’s emotions and enticing him towards the dark side. There were enormous moments from George Lucas’s masterpiece which has won our hearts with a cult fan following across the world. Star Wars has taught us endless life lessons and we have lived those movies. But I have learned these eight important lessons from Star Wars.

1. Dream Big to Touch the Sky

Star Wars reinforces that we can do incredible things, like rescue a princess from the Death Star or train to become a Jedi knight. Whether on Tatooine or a small town, it starts with a dream and belief. Never stop dreaming but we must have the desire to transform our dreams into reality.

2. Be devoted to your friend

A friend in need is a friend indeed. A true friend will be with you in all thick and thin of life. Be true to him and respect your friendship. He/she will never let you down but always support you in your hard times. Ask yourself: Would you risk your life to help your friends destroy a Death Star?

 3 Find a good mentor

A good mentor plays an integral role in shaping your career, both professionally and personally. He is like your backbone who will show you the path in the darkness. His teachings will be there with you throughout life. Grand Master Yoda was a great teacher and mentor in Star Wars. His few of the legendary quotes are life lessons for all ages.

“Luminous beings are we. Not this crude matter.” — Yoda

“Do or do not… there is no try.” — Yoda

“Patience, you must learn patience!” — Yoda

“Pass on what you have learned.” — Yoda

4. Finish what you started

In some phases of our life, we often try to leave things in mid-way that we started without reaching the finish line. It happened with Luke Skywalker when he rushed to face Lord Vader in The Empire Strikes Back without completing his training and ignoring the advice of master Yoda. It was a bad decision by Luke and he pays for the mistake with the loss of confidence, his right hand, and a good part of his sense of identity.

5. External appearances are always deceptive

Never judge anyone by their look, size, color or creed. Looks are always deceptive. When Luke first meets Yoda, he dismisses the creature as a mischievous and annoying interloper to his mission to find a Jedi master, Leia initially judges Chewbacca as a “big walking carpet” and Han characterizes Ben as an old fool.

As Obi-Wan Kenobi said “Your eyes can deceive you, don’t trust them.”  Don’t be judgemental as first impression is not always the last impression. 

6. Anything is possible

The word Impossible itself means- ‘I am possible.’ But we have to believe first. When Luke ship got stuck in the swamp and Yoda told him to get it out using the force!.  As Luke was pulling it out, he doubted himself and the X-Wing sank again. Then Yoda pulled it out without effort. And Luke exclaimed “Unbelievable ” Yoda responded,. “That’s why you couldn’t do it.. You didn’t even believe it was possible “.

7. You can be a princess and a warrior

Princess Leia is an epitome of girl power. She is an inspiration for little girls to believe that they are not inferior to anyone. They can achieve whatever they wish in their life. Princess Leia is an embodiment of intelligence, beauty, courage and independence. From her signature hairstyle to her long white cloak dress, she looked gorgeous and stayed strong when Darth Vader tortured her for information regarding the location of the Rebel base. 

8. There is a Force in Everyone

The most important lesson that Star Wars teaches us is that there’s a hero and villain in each one of us. Fear and anger always lead to the dark side which is lucrative and path with fewer hurdles. When you are confused between right and wrong, search your feelings for making the right decision. Never use your powers for evil. Once you start down the dark path, it will dominate your destiny forever. Haven’t you seen what’s under Darth Vader’s mask?

Do let me know your favorite lessons from Star Wars in the comments below.

Stay away from the Dark side and May the force be with you!

P.S.- This post also got published in Huff Post, US. You can find it here.