This week we were asked to select a movie to watch and pay attention to the habits and mind-sets of the characters. I selected ‘Cool Runnings’ and watched it one evening with my family. I had forgotten what a great story it was.

Cool Runnings is based on a true story of the first ever Jamaican Olympic Bobsled team. And while the movie is humorous and enjoyable on the surface it is in fact deeply impregnated with positive examples of the four tiny habits that Napoleon Hill identified in his book Think and Grow Rich, as discussed in week 11 of the Master Key.

1. A definite purpose backed by a burning desire for its fulfillment.

The Jamaican athletes had visions of representing their country in the 100 Meter running race in the upcoming Olympics and fiercely competed against each other.

When an accident crippled this dream, instead of quitting, they shifted their talents to a collaboration and decided that while they might not reach the Olympics in their intended sport, they would overcome that obstacle and pivot to a new sport which they could apply their talents to – bobsled.

2. A definite plan, expressed in continuous action.

The team made a plan to acquire a knowledgeable coach, raise funds, manufacture a training vehicle and persistently practice until they perfected their performance.

3. A mind closed tightly against all negative and discouraging influences, including negative suggestions of relatives, friends and acquaintances.

While their intended coach, Olympic committee and family members resisted their success they persisted on undeterred displaying incredible fortitude and positive mental attitudes and ultimately prepared themselves and made their way to the Calgary Olympics.

Once arrived, they met widespread prejudice, ridicule and contempt. Regardless of the adversity they maintained their vision and desire to succeed and overcame all of the adversarial treatment to ultimately capture the respect and admiration of the world for overcoming impossible odds with dignity and grace.

4. Friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage one to follow through with both plan and purpose.

None of this would have been achieved alone. The Mastermind Alliance of the four athletes and persistent, capable coach working together in concert towards a common goal kept each of the members on track and helped them overcome their individual challenges and blockages in order to better themselves as an individual and come together with continuous improvement as a whole to ultimately realize their dream of successfully competing in the Olympic Bobsled race.

Observing this film with the knowledge that I have gained through the Master Key Experience was a fascinating exercise in the observation and understanding of the application of the habits and positive mental attitudes that are the foundation for the achievement of a definiteness of purpose.