Legendary assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) retired from his violent career after marrying the love of his life. Her sudden death leaves John in deep mourning. When a mobster and his thugs steal John's prized car and kill the puppy that was a last gift from his wife, John unleashes his deadly skillset. Whilst vengeance was an unfavourable motive, John displays some powerful characteristics we can learn from. Whilst the first lesson is not "never mess with a man's puppy" that is enough of a transgression to upset most of us.
In the trilogy of the action-packed saga, one phrase describing the protagonist sums the nature of what we can learn. As stated by all the hunted mob bosses, "John Wick is a man of focus, commitment and sheer will." In one case, the phrase was tweaked for emphasis "...sheer f'ing will". Let me elaborate for you although if you exhibited those virtues on any pursuit it would be sufficient.
Firstly, there is focus. John Wick displayed what I call Black Belt Focus. He was unwavering in his clear objective. Quite often most people want change but can't tell you exactly what they want. As a result their efforts are thwarted by inconsistent behaviours and distractions. Once you are crystal clear on what your transformation will look like, your focus must become immovable. Inconveniences, feelings and risk play a part but they will not surmount your clearly defined mission brief.
Commitment means finishing what you start. The world is fun of starters. Be like John Wick - be a finisher. Commitment means your word is your bond. Nothing destroys and erodes our character than when we break our promises to ourselves. If you have to, make your commitment small to begin with. This lends itself to success. Eventually you will build enough emotional capacity to take on the entire Russian crew or at least, your industry!
Sheer will. Now John Wick displays the epitome of will which I will describe as deliberate and controlled concentration amidst all antagonists. Every step John Wick took was in the direction of his vision. Injury, tiredness and a barrage of environmental forces and obstacles were ever-present. With all this present John kept making progress. The lesson here is that you must maintain efforts whilst experiencing the presence of resistance. Negative media, naysayers, fatigue, technology, dependants, the economy and more are facts of life. See them as such and half the battle has been won.
What lessons can we learn from John Wick? Clarity of focus. Commitment to action. Effort despite friction. Hopefully you wont have as many battle scars!