The Walt Disney Compass

Over the past several years I have had a great interest in Walt Disney the man and how the company he built has grown to become an international entertainment giant. Several years ago when I attended Disney World with my family I was captivated by how well they operated and how all the employees, despite their title, saw their primary task as taking care of their guests. I am sure that Disney is far from perfect but they have done an outstanding job creating a strong corporate culture. You can read my earlier post on the culture made by Disney here.

I recently finished the book The Disney Way: Harnessing the Management Secrets of Disney in Your Company by Bill Capodagli and Lynn Jackson. Throughout the book the authors focus on what they call the, “compass,” of the man Walt Disney. The authors present the compass from a business perspective but I am presenting them from a personal point of view.

Dream

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

This is where it all starts. No matter what your today looks like, it does not need to define, determine or limit your tomorrow.  Today is a great day to take some time to dream about the future. Where do you see yourself in five to ten years? Where do you see your family? What if…? The great thing about dreams is there are no limits. “That will never happen,” is not a limit on a dream. Think of your dreams often and even wear your dream: eat it, sleep it breathe it – Go Big!

Believe

“When you believe a thing, believe it implicitly and unquestionably” – Walt Disney

This is first step to make your dreams a reality. It is also the first strike against the number one killer of dreams, doubt. Here you begin to convince yourself this really could happen. Take time to write it down and begin to add some details. Just be aware this could be a lonely place. Your friends and family may not see it just yet. Stay the course, take a chance and believe.

Dare

All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me. – Walt Disney

OK, this is where it gets tough. You have to dare to be different. Daring enough to take a path others have not taken before. Daring to start back on a path where you might have failed in the past. Without great risk there is no great reward and failure is a great teacher. If failure comes, learn then move on. 

This also the place where you dare to share your dream. Don’t worry if they still don’t get it just yet; however, you might find someone who will join your journey.

Do

“The way to get started is to quit talking and get started.” – Walt Disney

Don’t let your dreams stay dreams. Take the steps today to begin to make your dreams a reality. Sure others may look at you strange. More than once Walt Disney was on the verge of bankruptcy and more than once many doubted him; however, he refused to let today define his tomorrow. He kept pressing on and acting on his dream.  Some fifty years after his death his legacy lives on. 

What is that one thing you can do today to act on your dream? Even the smallest steps add up to get you to your destination.

Dream, Believe, Dare and Do a compass for Walt Disney and great one to keep you on the right track

So what phase are you in? Dream, Believe, Dare and Do? Let me know and be sure and let me know if you need any encouragement to get past a roadblock.

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About the Author: Jon Stallings

I am enthusiastic about helping others discover their purpose and grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus. It is great to see their eyes light up at their “Ah Ha!” moment when they discover they were created for something more. My hope is that this blog will help encourage and inspire you along your way. Join the conversation and take the time to share with me your own story. I have been married to my beautiful wife Janice for over 30 years. We currently live in McDonough Georgia with our daughter. Our two boys have left the nest and we have two wonderful grand kids. Of course we cannot forget about our dog Bear.