There is a great Seinfeld episode called “The Opposite” where George decides to do the opposite of what he usually does.
As an example, when George sees a women he is attracted to, he usually does nothing and then regrets it for the rest of the day. You’ll notice how things changes in the first video below.
Here is another great scene from the episode which I think is great…
Something about the scene above gets me charged. You can feel what it would feel like to really stand up for what you believe, to really say what is on your mind or in heart, to truly express yourself. Now I now this is a Seinfeld episode, but if you look at symbolically you will find that are two lessons in here:
1. DO WHAT DEEP DOWN YOU WANT TO DO
George’s do the opposite thing scratches the surface. If you take this from a self-development side, I see it as do what you really want to do. George usually does nothing when he sees an attractive girl… but deep down inside he really wants to take action. He really want to do something. I think we can all relate to this. Deep down, human beings want to connect and we want to love, be loved, be recognized, and feel significant. Only do the opposite if you know that deep down it’s what you should do – If deep down it is what’s calling you towards growth.
2. STAND UP FOR YOURSELF WHEN NEEDED
When George turns around in the movie theater and tells the 2 guys to “shut up” he is standing up for himself and his girlfriend. There are times in life when our space may get invaded by someone. If it reaches an extreme where you cannot put up with any longer, than sometimes raising your voice and putting someone into place is what’s needed to be done. If someone is trying to push you or test you, stop it dead in it’s track. Now take this in context – sometimes it’s better to handle things with patience. Sometimes it may be a child or someone younger who does not know what they’re doing and they may be emotionally hurt by something you say. However, if this between 2 adults, someitmes you need to do what is necessary.
In summary, I though I would share with you another video which came to mind. This is Johnny Depp giving advice to a crowd of aspiring actors.
I don’t agree with the part about “picking up a rock…”, but I think there is a powerful message here:
“Keep moving forward and don’t give a shit what anybody thinks. Just keep moving and do what you have to do for you.”
I hope you’ve enjoyed the videos. Let me know what you think in the comment section below!
Would you stand up like that in a movie theater if needed?
