What Star Trek: Into Darkness Taught Me About Facing Challenges

Star Trek: Into Darkness

Star Trek: Into Darkness

This weekend I had the great pleasure to enjoy a date night with my wife, that also involved us watching Star Trek: Into Darkness in the local theater. I have to say, the current film is excellent. It really is a great movie to see in the theater, as well. There is just something about the big screen and huge sound that make for an ideal experience.

I also found no small amusement in the fact the character played by Benedict Cumberbatch is named John Harrison.

So where am I going with all this? I have a confession. I actually think about quotes and sound bites as I watch movies. It’s like some kind of sickness, really. I also know that Star Trek can be a source for great leadership lesson, like this one. Near the middle of Star Trek: Into Darkness, there was a quote from Captain James T. Kirk, that really spoke to me. When faced with a difficult challenge, his comment was:

“I don’t know what I am supposed to do, but I know what I can do.”

What a great sentiment. How many times have I felt stuck, not sure what I should do? Fearful of making a choice, because I don’t want to make the “wrong” decision?

It is easy to avoid taking action, making the excuse that we are not sure what we should do. So we do nothing.

Meanwhile, there really is only one response:

Leap into action.

Take personal responsibility.

Do what you can do, where you are, with what you have.

Join the away team, and beam down to the planet (unless you are wearing a red shirt).

Where in your life do you need to stop worrying, and start acting?