I’ve always been suspicious of these people that say, we shot this picture in such a short time because we planned it completely and we rehearsed it for five weeks and we knew exactly what we were doing, and we came in and everyone knew what they were doing, so we breezed through this picture and it was no problem, and it’s so simple. It’s not that simple (emphasis added). John Ford always said that the best things that have ever happened in film, in American film, have happened by accident. He’s rather an outspoken fellow. I’m sort of inclined to agree with him.
– Jimmy Stewart
Side Note: The Western Channel is on a continuous loop at my parents house. John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart are what I grew up watching.
What Jimmy Stewart said about film can be applied to all aspects life. For example, some would argue that we are teaching kids to become robots in regards to testing (NeSA, ACT, MAPs) at school. What people fail to see is that learning to adapt and be spontaneous are two traits that bode well in all areas of one’s life. I may sound like Bo Pelini when I say that much can be learned from “the process.”
When students graduate and begin life in “the real world,” they will be met with deadlines and grumpy bosses and/or coworkers. Students and athletes in particular have been taught to prepare for all that life presents. What students need to understand is that they must be adaptable to the circumstances. Sometimes the best-laid plans get scrapped and new ones need to be made. When working with my dad, we always seem to discuss “Murphy’s Law,” at least once a day.
As an adult you are probably reading this and wondering how it pertains to you. I ask, “do people oftentimes see you as inflexible or not willing to change?” Sometimes the older we get the more set in our ways we become. Actually, that is exactly how it is…for most of you. You don’t want to change because you have been there before and have went through the pain and experience to get to where you are today.
This time of year Thanksgiving and Christmas bring many family traditions to the forefront of many relationships. During the holiday season everyone wants time with their kids, grandkids, and significant others. Many traditions that people have when they are younger change when they have their own kids. It is not that we want them to change, it is just part of the process of getting older. It is sometimes difficult for everyone to be flexible and cognizant of the fact that new families and kids start new traditions. Sometimes in the haste of getting things in order for the holidays we forget about the kids. During this holiday season I challenge you to be adaptable and spontaneous. Remember, the discovery of penicillin was not planned, it just happened. Who would have thought pizza would be such a great alternative to the turkey? I bet the kids will remember it and think, “remember that time we ate pizza at Christmas? It was so cool that mom and dad asked us what we wanted!” You will remember those memories much like when you saw Pelini bring a cat onto the field. Long live @fauxpelini!