Like Keating’s students, let’s seize the day

“Carpe diem.”

“Seize the day, boys.”

My guess is you know exactly who said that.

My guess is you know exactly what film it comes from.

For sure, it’s one of the most memorable lines in movie history, uttered by one of the most talented performers Hollywood has produced. At least in my lifetime.

I remember seeing “Dead Poets Society” for the first time during a visit to Los Angeles in 1989.

I remember being inspired by English teacher John Keating, just like his students at Welton Academy.

Keating, portrayed by the late Robin Williams, was a maverick.

He adored words.

And his passion was to help young people fulfill their potential.

“Make your lives extraordinary,” he would tell them.

I could relate to that guy.

“Believe it or not, each and every one of us in this room is one day going to stop breathing, turn cold and die.”

Truer words were never spoken.

I was reminded of that line when I heard Williams had taken his own life.

Our earthly existence, as we know it, really is short.

Seasons change all too quickly.

It’s so easy to drift.

It’s so easy to become distracted

It’s so easy to climb to the top of the ladder only to realize it’s leaning against the wrong wall.

Be careful.

It’s a long way down.

“Why do I stand up here? Anybody? I stand up on my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way.”

So much truth in that statement.

May I make a suggestion? What if we were to look at the word “success” in a different way.

Here’s what it isn’t ...

•It’s not about a “dream job,” even though when he died five years ago at 63, Robin Williams remained one of the most in-demand performers in Hollywood.

•It’s not about the money, even though Robin Williams had wheelbarrows full.

•It’s not about the fame, even though Robin Williams was known and loved around the globe.

There is nothing wrong with any of those things, but I would argue they are simply “outcomes.” They are what Williams achieved, earned and gathered.

They are NOT who he was.

Let me say it in a different way: What we DO is not who we ARE.

Your job, your athletic ability, your bank account and your neighborhood are not who you are.

Here’s how the actor’s friends and co-workers eulogized Williams:

•“Sweet.”

•“A genuine soul.”

•“A helluva friend.”

•“A gentle spirit.”

•“He had a ton of love in him.”

•“Humble and generous.”

•“Caring and kind.”

Now THAT’S a different way to look at success.

A much better way, I would argue.

“When you read, don’t just consider what the author thinks. Consider what you think.”

Around the same time that “Dead Poets Society” hit theaters 30 years ago, Stephen Covey wrote a pretty important book called “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.”

One of the habits hit home pretty hard with me: Start with the end in mind.

How will you be remembered? Who will we have influenced? Who will be BECOME as we carry out our daily responsibilities? Did we put first things first? What traits do we want to model and leave behind?

Maybe you and I will never land a part in a blockbuster film, but we’ve all got some pretty important roles to play each day: Husband, wife, father, mother, friend, coach, teacher, counselor, follower, leader ... you get the picture.

As we discussed earlier, those are simply labels we wear. But what defines us is how we GROW INTO those segments of our lives.

So, what’s your definition of success? If it isn’t based on building relationships and influencing others, then you might consider tweaking it.

But don’t wait until tomorrow to do that. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, as Williams’ wife and children can attest.

Take a moment and reflect right now. That’s our only reality.

If we focus too hard on the future it can easily morph into worry.

If we languish too much in the past, it often becomes regret.

Play present and stay present.

I’ll leave you with another line from Keating.

“No matter what anyone tells you, words and ideas can change the world.”

While I never climbed up on a desk, Keating’s lessons in “Dead Poets Society” certainly influenced my life 30 years ago.

And I hope these words can do the same for you right now.

Carpe diem.

It’s the only one we’re promised.