If you’ve read my blog or listened to my corporate audio program for any length of time, you’ll know I love movies. And in my humble opinion, many of the films from the 50s and 60s are absolutely fabulous!
These films have subtlety with depth. They make you think and feel in a way that computer enhanced blood and guts never will.
One such film is Harvey from 1950. A peaceful, much-admired and wealthy man, who occasionally has too much to drink, has an invisible 6’3” white rabbit named Harvey as a buddy. They share many adventures together and the film is packed with wonderful sayings and insights.
One in particular underpins true success. Elwood P. Dowd, Harvey’s human buddy, says to the psychiatrist treating him – “My mother told me that in this world you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was oh so smart. I recommend pleasant.”
Every day, our egos prod us to be better than the next guy, show people how much we know and baffle ‘em with our baloney, all to demonstrate just how oh so smart we are.
Yet those, like Elwood, who are admired in the community, loved by many and live at peace with themselves, focus primarily on being oh so pleasant.
Action – On a post-it note, simply write the word Harvey. Next time you’re on the phone and your ego is coaxing you to show ‘em just how smart you are, glance at the note and remember – you will achieve more in life by simply being oh so pleasant.
(Originally broadcast on November 2, 2006)