THE JUDY HOPPS SCHOOL OF SELF BELIEF

This past weekend, I took my kids to see ZOOTOPIA.  Although there is a larger and deeper political message in the movie, there is a thread that focuses on self-empowerment, self-identity and self-belief.   In the movie there is a bunny character, Judy.  She is determined to become a police officer not a carrot farmer.  She is surrounded by naysayers, doubters, and those who underestimate her abilities.  Despite the odds, Judy continues to remain optimistic and determined.  She adapts to her environment to enhance the way she presents herself and is resourceful in discovering ways to pursue her goals.   She is clever, unwavering, and dis-spells the stereotype of a dumb bunny.

As actors I think we can often feel beaten down by naysayers who don't believe in our dream, so it is important to strive for the same three characteristics Judy displays in ZOOTOPIA.  

Self Empowerment in the most basic sense is taking charge of your own life.  In order to be self-empowered, you must have knowledge of yourself, self-appreciation, a vision, a purpose, commitment, and a contribution to make.

Self Identity is the way you look at yourself and your relationship to the world.  Understanding your self-identity helps you examine who you are and create who you want to be.   Self-identity is important because it will affect the way you feel about yourself and how you behave in challenging situations.

                                            

                  

Self-Belief is the confidence you have in your abilities or judgement.  Self belief is essential, because it helps you see opportunities, stimulates action and persistence, makes others responsive to you, influences you in your goal setting and achievement of goals.  

                                                                                                         

Judy teaches us to look beyond stereotype, inspires us to prove our worth, and to reach for our goals in spite of all those who doubt.   It's up to us to prove the doubters wrong, and it's our choice to pursue our dreams or not.   Like Judy - work hard, get things done, lead, find the positives in any situation, and be your own person with your own dreams - don't try to live someone else's.   Be empowered, know yourself, and believe!!!