Lessons to learn from Kung Fu Panda

Kung Fu Panda is the movie that introduced us to Kung Fu in our childhood and inevitably made every one of us want to learn their cool tricks.

Obviously, we did not know the difficulty level of those seemingly cool stunts in childhood just like we missed all the important lessons the movies passed on to us. Master Shifu, Master Oogway, and others had some really interesting pearls of wisdom for us. Let's have a look at some of these life lessons we can learn from Kung Fu Panda

1. It is OK to be you

Do not compare yourself to others. To succeed, you do not have to be better than the best. But, you owe it to yourself to the best “you” that you can be. There is always one thing inside of you that no one else has. Do not compare yourself to others, but find your own unique way of doing it.

2. Nobody is ordinary. It is just how you explore your talents

Everybody has special talents and skills. Po was an ordinary and simple character, just as most of us are. Po did not even think he was a worthy contestant for martial arts training. Po initially let others’ criticism influence his thoughts on his own competency. However, Po wanted to achieve something badly, as he had a strong reason. It was not easy for Po, but he did it. No matter how impossible or unrealistic your dreams are, someday they are bound to come true if your keep faith in yourself and work on your abilities. 

3. Nothing is impossible

From the first movie on, Po is able to fight his low self-esteem and negative beliefs to discover his true potential. So much so, that Po became the Dragon Warrior. We all have the ability to do this. This is why I like martial arts as a canvas for life. Martial arts have gradings along the way, which teach students the value of aiming for a goal and achieving it. You just have to keep showing up to class and working towards the next goal, and you can achieve anything.

4. Live your life for today, there is no past or present

The films discuss the importance of living in the present moment and not dwelling on the past. As Oogway said, “You are too concerned with what was and what will be. There is a saying: yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present”. If you focus on the past, your present and future will be about negativity. Focus on what you can do today and what you want to be moving forward. You will morph into the powerful person that you can be.

5. Stop worrying about what others think

Po was criticized by others throughout the movies. Yet, Po was mentally stronger than them, as he pushed through and did not give up. Never let others tell you what you are capable of. Stand up for yourself and prove to yourself what you are capable of.

6. The power you seek outside lies within you

Too many people blame external forces for why they have not achieved things in life. Circumstances are never as you wish them to be. It is your inner energy (or Ki) that assists you to turn circumstances to your favor. If you want to discover the true source on how to achieve anything you want to in life, simply look in the mirror.