How to Be an Alpha: Lessons from the A-Team (Movie Edition)

Posted by tspofnutmeg on June 27, 2014 in Health/Exercise, Movies, Opinion | 1 Comment

By: Meg Humphrey

 

I love the A-Team. I watched the show when I was growing up (still watch it time to time on Netflix) and adored their impossible plans, crazy get ups, and commitment to doing good for anyone they came across. The 2010 origin story movie was outstanding. It stayed true to the outrageous nature of the show. I’ve watched it around a dozen times just this year and it still holds up. Like Hannibal mentors Lt. Face, we can all learn a lesson or two from the foo’ish quartet.

“You have to express to progress”

Although this quote is from when Murdock is about to go through some electro-shock therapy, it still holds merit. For a long time, I would hide or try to bury any feelings that were happy or excited. It took its toll and made me unable to grow as a person in certain ways. If you can’t express yourself effectively, then you’ll have a tough time getting what you want in life. This applies to practically everything – from correcting a messed up order at dinner to discussing with your significant other what you want from your relationship.

“Overkill is underrated”

This might be my favorite. Subtlety can be useful and important in certain situations, but there are times where going all out is the right course of action. Is it the first time you’ve ever had a birthday party? Buy tons of decorations, way too much food, and plan some games. Seeing your favorite boy band from high school in concert? Get dressed up, sing along to all the songs, and try your best to get their attention! Trying to find a new job? Apply to jobs you want to do, but aren’t necessarily fully qualified for and turn in applications to companies you’ve only dreamed about working for. This boils down to living your life wholeheartedly. Things are more fun and you feel more accomplished when you give your all.

“It’s not who you know, it’s how you know them”

It can be harsh sometimes, but more and more often you find that you get things because of your connections with others and not your actual merit. It never hurts to cultivate your contacts – networking has become something that is necessary in the professional arena. Even if you hate it, things like being good at small talk or connecting on LinkedIn profiles have become common place. But don’t just leave it there – pursue meaningful relationships with the people you feel would be positive impacts in your life. Don’t just say “let’s stay in touch,” you need to follow through! The more sincere and less superficial your engagement is, the more it will stick with them.

“I don’t subscribe to coincidence… No matter how random things may appear, there’s always a plan”

Although I hasten to give credit to concepts like “destiny” and “fate,” I do believe that things happen for a reason. Everything you do (or don’t do) leads to certain consequences – a reaction for every action. The way you live your life today influences things that could happen years in the future. I am currently reaping the benefits of years of seemingly unconnected nerd experiences that have lead me to a joyride of blog writing, podcasting, and fandom involvement. What happens to you isn’t random, or (un)lucky – it’s a product of what you and the people around you do.

 

“I love it when a plan comes together”

Don’t take your successes for granted. You earned them!