Lessons learned from James Bond

Today in 1962 United Artists premiered Dr. No. Starring Sean Connery as James Bond and Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder in London. Based upon the Ian Fleming it introduced the world to Super Spy 007. In the 53 since the movie, Bond has been played by no less the six actors (seven if you accept David Niven as canon), saved the world hundreds of times and bedded some of the most beautiful women to ever grace the silver screen.

I can remember growing up and watching these movies. Although the plots grew more and fanciful and the gadgets more and more kitchy, I imagined myself being James Bond and saving the world and the girl.

007 has had a profound effect on my life. Here are three lessons I learned from  Bond. James Bond.

1. Finish What You Start. James Bond always gets his man. No matter what the trap the villain lays, no matter how the odds are stacked against him; Bond always wins. Perseverance is a trait that is admired. Knowing that any time you stick your neck out for what's important to you, you will receive opposition and challenges and plowing on through to the end anyway is what separates the doers from the wannabes.
2. Never Let them See You Sweat. Do you remember ever seeing James Bond anxious or nervous? No. Me neither. Learning to live in the moment and not get stressed about the past or future is an invaluable life skill. Even when Bond was strapped to a table and about to be split in two ("Do you except me to talk? No Mr. Bond. I expect you to die.") or locked in a box and about to be cremated while still alive, Bond always kept cool and calm. Remaining cool and calm will allow you to think clearly and overcome the challenges you may face.
3. When Life Hands You Lemons … Bond always finds solutions. Sometimes the solutions are in the problems themselves. He escapes from a pond full of crocodiles by using their heads as stepping stones. That's a pretty cool trick but shows that he does not believe in problems. There is no situation so dire that Bond can't turn it to his advantage. Learn to find the opportunities in your challenges.