Who taught Elvis how to dance, received the Congressional Medal of Honor, got Nixon impeached, became the world ping-pong champion, built a national shrimping empire, and fathered Haley Joel Osment?
One man: Forrest Gump.
If I could choose one mentor in business, or in life in general, it would be Gump. I don’t care that he’s not real. The wisdom that he conveys is real, and I think we could all learn something from it.
Let’s listen to what he has to say, and I’ll translate his Gumpisms into advice that, if followed, will make you a much more successful moneymaker:
And cause I was a gazillionaire, and I liked doin it so much, I cut that grass for free.
The whole point of making lots of money is to buy your freedom. If that means cutting grass, then by all means, cut the grass. Many wealthy people chase money for so long that they forget about everything else. It’s a mistake. Never become so obsessed that you lose touch with the little things in life that you enjoy.
I’m not a smart man… but I know what love is.
Smarts aren’t everything. You can have an IQ of 180, but if you don’t know care about other people, you’ll never understand your customers or win the support of your peers. Instead, learn to care. Give customers the products they truly need, support your coworkers, and build a company that not only makes a profit but somehow changes the world for the better.
Stupid is as stupid does.
While you’re at it, change your entire conception of smart. In the end, the people that we call geniuses aren’t the ones with high IQs; they’re the people that make the right decisions over and over again. Similarly, lots of people with high IQs do stupid stuff… like not putting the gun together when the drill sergeant tells them to.
When I got tired, I slept. When I got hungry, I ate. When I had to go… you know… I went.
Only a fool goes without sleep, survives on fast food, and refuses to take breaks. You’ll burn out after a few years, where someone that takes care of themselves stays productive until they’re 90. You can still do great things; just realize you’re not going to do them in one day. Healthy careers last decades, and you’ll need a healthy body to go the distance.
Momma always had a way of explaining things so I could understand them.
Find a mentor. Maybe it’s your Momma, or maybe it’s a blogger that tells it like it is (ah hem). The point is you can’t figure it all out on your own, and you shouldn’t try. Look for people that explain things in just the right way for you to understand them, and then expose yourself to as much of their wisdom as possible.
I gotta save Bubba!
Don’t turn into another corporate coward that leaves people behind when things go bad. The real heroes in business are willing to lose everything for the people around them. Nothing creates more loyalty than selflessness, and it’s more valuable than gold. Besides, if you’re wealthy, you should have some nice, cushy buttocks to protect you against that million-dollar wound.
Jenny taught me how to climb. And I taught her how to dangle.
No one gets rich alone. If someone shows you how to “climb” the ladder of success, then don’t forget about them when they’re “dangling” from it, about fall off. Help them dangle more gracefully, or reciprocate any other chance you get. It’s not about keeping score, exactly, but creating an attitude of generosity in both yourself and others. That’s how you get to the top.
My Momma always said you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on.
Sometimes, the smartest thing you can do in life is let go. If your company has been on the verge of bankruptcy for two years with no reasonable hope of recovering, then maybe it’s time to jump ship. Or, just as importantly, you can only ride on past successes for so long before its time to do something new. Either way, don’t let the past distract you from the future you want to create.
I’m sorry I had to fight in the middle of your Black Panther party.
Apologize, even if you’re not wrong. It’s better than getting your ass kicked (or fired).
Now you wouldn’t believe me if I told you, but I could run like the wind blows.
Brag. Shamelessly. Of course, I’m not talking about writing a press release about how you got an A on your term paper, but if you’ve done something genuinely remarkable, then you owe it to people to tell them about it. Do it with a little style, and they’ll love you for it. Forrest spends the entire movie bragging, and people skip their bus to find out what happens next.
My Momma always said, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
How could I not include this one?
Instead of worrying about which job you should take, which project you should work on, or which company you should start, just line them all up, choose the one you think you’ll like, and take a bite. You’ll probably enjoy them all, but it’s only by “tasting” the opportunities in life that you’ll truly live.
That’s all I have to say about that.
When you’ve said all you have to say… shut up.
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November 21st, 2007 at 9:43 am
LOL! I loved the business take on “Gumpisms.” (Especially thank you for the line: …don’t let the past distract you from the future you want to create.)
It just goes to show that you can find advice and encouragement anywhere you’re willing to look for it. Just take a good word and apply it to yourself.
November 21st, 2007 at 10:13 am
Another class post Jon, great stuff
November 21st, 2007 at 10:18 am
And this is exactly why you’ve got a whole bunch of stars in my feed reader. I like your whole approach to, well, everything!
November 21st, 2007 at 6:18 pm
I’m not a smart man… but I know what love is.
To me, this one is the most important. Thanks for such a great post.
November 21st, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Helluva novel approach, love it. And the point on “smarts aren’t everything” is personally one of the most important things I’ve had to learn.
November 21st, 2007 at 9:07 pm
GREAT post Jon! = )
November 21st, 2007 at 10:00 pm
Lovely, Jon.
I’m renting Gump again this weekend….
November 21st, 2007 at 10:33 pm
Great post there Jon.
Stumbled.
Cheers!
Mani
November 22nd, 2007 at 4:00 am
Very insightful post.
Curious how a character of fantasy who couldn’t have done a fraction of what he claims in the film can have so practical advice about the things he hadn’t done.
November 22nd, 2007 at 7:59 am
Great advice from a great movie.
November 22nd, 2007 at 9:13 am
I followed a link from Chris Garret’s blog and am glad I did. I’ve never seen Forrest Gump – probably the only one in the world who hasn’t! I liked your approach to this post. I mentally ran it by my niche which is vacation rentals, and it works on that too!
November 22nd, 2007 at 4:47 pm
You should use this post as viral marketing and have people mail it to a few other bloggers. This is like the heart warming e-mail you get about patriotism and holidays from family and friends for bloggers. The advice is generic but insightful. You offer a lot of high quality support in an interesting fashion. RUN FOREST RUN!!!
November 22nd, 2007 at 4:58 pm
Great post. It was a very heart-warming movie and I love the way you underlined the humanity in it with regards to money.
November 23rd, 2007 at 9:14 am
Excellent post! Not sure if everyone caught the message within the message of linking something “nostalgic” (a movie that we all loved and connected to emotionally with very fond memories) to the common sense lessons that we need to be reminded of again and again in today’s world… A fresh, new angle, it’s great!
Thanks so much for the reminders… Loved them!
November 24th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Great post
Now if I can only apply these things to my convoluted life…
November 25th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Very insightful.
That’s all I have to say about that.
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
November 27th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
This interpretive article deserves a big stumbleupon thumbs up!
November 29th, 2007 at 1:02 am
Wow….I’m not even sure how I ended up here (jumping from link to link through various blogs) but I’m glad I did. That post actually brought a tear to my eye and that was the LAST thing I was expecting tonight. There is just so much here that I wouldn’t have expected to read on a “money making” blog and it’s FANTASTIC and I *almost* feel like I could do it. Not sure yet if I want to but just toying with the idea….. Thanks.
November 29th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
Jon,
I agree with you. Lots of hope in your post.
Thanks
December 6th, 2007 at 7:09 am
Ahh, I see the Eng. Lit major in your writing. Be glad you didn’t go to law school. I did and not only did the experience kill my writing skills, but my creativity as well. Your writing, however, is excellent.
December 11th, 2007 at 2:47 am
Great post Jon. I remember visiting your blog a few months ago and leaving without being sold.
It seems you’ve changed my mind. I look forward to reading more.
December 11th, 2007 at 7:41 am
Hi Jon, excellent post. Remind me again of this story!
Stumbled!
Love
J W
December 11th, 2007 at 9:30 am
I just love this post. It is such a novel approach to making money.
Love it.
December 11th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
Very funny and also very true. Thanks.
December 11th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
I’m going to take this advice and run with it. Thank you so much!
December 12th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Lovely Post! Thanks for sharing Jon..^^
December 13th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
This is great! I love the sincerity of all of it, and thats what it boils down to, the honest, bare bones, sincerity!
December 13th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
I love this article. I will never watch Forrest Gump the same. You picked some fantasitc business smarts in this article and represented it so it was fun, and educational to read at the same time. Thanks jon for the piece. I think I will have to return to see what else you have going on.
Megan
http://www.PassportMentors.com
December 15th, 2007 at 8:55 pm
I just came here from Copyblogger and I think I’ve read almost all your posts!
Great stuff and thanks. I’ll have to subscribe now.
And get back to what I think I was supposed to be doing??
December 20th, 2007 at 7:53 am
Wow… this is a great way to present good information. I will subscribe. I’m a fan now.
December 20th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
THAT WAS BRILLIANT!!!! haha
December 21st, 2007 at 10:13 pm
i love this blog!!!!!
December 25th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Wow! Nice way to say it all. I was googling for something when I landed on this page, and boy am I glad! tell you, this is the first time I am subscribing to a feed after going through just one post. Keep up the good work . Cheers -)
January 1st, 2008 at 3:16 am
Great information! Thumbs up!
January 5th, 2008 at 6:45 am
My kids and I love this movie and have seen it several times. It is one of my favorite movies that I never get tired of– simply because of all those pearls of wisdom that you outlined above.
January 5th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Another good one Jon. I am stumbling a few more of your articles.
Anthony
January 15th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Great post. Forrest made it seem so simple, but let’s not forget that was a looonggg movie (or at least seemed that way)!
It’s sad that so many corporate leaders don’t seem to have a clue about “I gotta save Bubba!” Entrepreneurs need to set an example in that area.
Personally, I struggle with “When I got tired, I slept. When I got hungry, I ate. etc.” There’s so many interruptions and other stuff to do, that it’s hard to take a break sometimes.
Someone ought to make this into a plaque or something to remind us. That was both a really funny, and heartrending (but unlike the typical Hollywood tear-jerker), movie.
January 18th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
What a wonderful blog. I think this post captures the pragmatic optimism of your writing throughout.
January 19th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Brilliant post. I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going to link to it in a resource list I’m putting together. Thank you.
January 22nd, 2008 at 6:30 am
Forrest Gump was a mix of common sense plus a little bit of luck…so I don’t know if we can really credit Forrest Gump with having “created” a wealth-system we can follow…but otherwise – an entertaining idea!
January 24th, 2008 at 7:55 am
I just started reading this blog today (I got here from your post on Copyblogger.com), and I just wanted to tell you, you are awesome! I really admire your ability to take two unrelated topics and put them together. I love your work!
I even have a copy of your “3 Writing Lessons I Learned in Dog Obedience School” on my desk, and I refer to it on an almost-daily basis.
You are a true inspiration, so thanks.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:52 am
I found this Blog thro’ Google Search. I felt so impressed and greatful for you and so many of your readers who are sharing the same concept of what Movie “Forest Gump” gave to us. I’m using this Nick-Name “Forest.Gump2u” to motivate peoples after I learn of Gump’s Spirit – ” To live Our Miracle Life in a Simple Way” . Let contribute our part in whatever ways – To make this live a wonderful one we have it freely from above. To God be All His Glory and I love you all in a Forest Gump’s way !
March 20th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Dude!! u rock!! i mean the post is too gud!
brilliant post!
would love to read more from you.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Now, Momma said there’s only so much fortune a man really needs and the rest is just for showing off. So, I gave a whole bunch of it to the Four Square Gospel Church and I gave a whole bunch to the Bayou La Batre Fishing Hospital. And even though Bubba was dead, and Lieutenant Dan said I was nuts, I gave Bubba’s mommy Bubba’s share.
July 11th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Brilliant, simply brilliant,,,,,,,,,,,,,I enjoyed that so much,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Susan
July 11th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
I love this guide. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
July 14th, 2008 at 12:28 am
WOW. WOW. Its so easy to read your stuff. and nod my head in agreement every now and then. WOW.
July 31st, 2008 at 7:36 am
“I’m not a smart man… but I know what love is.”. Yes, it is so true definitely. And giving importance to every person around you will create an extra-ordinary ambience which be an advantage on your companies status, value, life-span and growth.
Thank you
Charles
Money Making and Blogging Tips
http://www.resourcesandmoney.blogspot.com
August 10th, 2008 at 11:36 am
My Momma always said, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.â€
That illuminated me somehow…thanx a lot
August 15th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Wow!.. I love the Forrest Gump movie and I also love the way you relate his line in making money..
I think I will also write about this on my blog..
September 17th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
The one who worries too much gets only gray hair in return. To stay in business, one needs to focus every day and take it one step at the time. Anything else will only make you running up the walls. Nice post, thanx.
September 18th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Tasting the chocolates is not only fun, but you also learn a little something about each one that you choose and sooner or later you will find your favorite.
September 18th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Tom Hanks is such a great actor. He has come a long way from the TV show Bosom Buddies from way back when.
September 28th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
“My Momma always said you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on.”
… this is very true. Don’t live on the past so you can move to your future.
October 30th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Very thoughtful. Sometimes it’s the simple things that get us, and sometimes it’s the simple things that save us.
January 5th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Wonderful, wonderful, having seen Forrest Gump a couple of times, I can relate to his sayings. Converted into sound business advice they really do say something. We should all be lucky enough to have his ’smarts’.
http://paullhamilton.com
January 29th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
Useful Post..Keeep ur great work.
~ Femin ~
July 4th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Forest Gump wasn’t as “dumb” as some people may think. He sure was able to look at things for what they were. We need more Forest’s in this world.