610: Live Your Own Successful Story, Change, Evolve, and Overcome Obstacles By Thinking Beyond the Wisdom of Walt with Dr. Disneyland Jeff Barnes

What this episode covers

Jeff Barnes is the best-selling author of The Wisdom of Walt: Leadership Lessons from the Happiest Place on Earth and Beyond the Wisdom of Walt: Life Lessons from the Most Magical Place on Earth. Known as Dr. Disneyland, he teaches the only accredited college course on the History of Disneyland. He is an international Disney motivational speaker, higher education administrator, university professor, and leadership/success coach. He has more than thirty-five years of professional speaking experience and nearly twenty years’ experience leading teams in higher education and teaching more than twenty different college courses. He attributes his passion for Disney parks to his love of history, story, and success. He believes the parks teach us some of life’s greatest lessons—as long as you know their history, know what to look for, and you are willing to connect it all to your own story. Jeff lives in Riverside, California with his family. When he is not speaking, teaching or writing, Jeff enjoys spending as much time as possible in "The Happiest Place on Earth." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB33zpqjn2Q&pp=ygUPcm9iZXJ0cGxhbmsgNjEw Quotes: “Ice cream is something that appeals to everyone, even if you're lactose intolerant. The people who, for whatever reason, can't tolerate error, they'll tell you, “Man, I really wish I could eat ice cream.” It's one of those treats that hits differently. It takes us back to our childhood.” – Jeff Barnes “No matter how brave you think it is, if the audience doesn't respond, you're going to have to adjust.” - Jeff Barnes “You and your dreams are just getting started. I don't care where you are right now. You always have to have that mindset of whatever it is, we're just getting started. Because your success in the past is just that in the past.” - Jeff Barnes Takeaways: 13:14 Success comes from being flexible and paying attention to audience reactions, not just sticking to your original idea. 15:08 Your purpose unfolds through desires and longing, and taking action aligned with your true self creates meaningful change. 20:57 Keep an active idea file and be open to unexpected creative directions when writing or developing content. 25:04 When facing obstacles, view them as opportunities to reimagine and improve your original plans instead of giving up. 28:05 Universal success principles can be learned through storytelling, even when using unexpected sources like Disney park history. Resources The Wisdom of Walt (Official Site) The Wisdom of Walt: Leadership Lessons from the Happiest Place on Earth (Disneyland): Success Strategies for Everyone (Book) Beyond the Wisdom of Walt: Life Lessons from the Most Magical Place on Earth (Book)

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