When it comes to personal development, we usually think of deep, intellectual self-help books, uplifting movies, motivational podcasts or maybe a Life Coach shouting “YOU’VE GOT THIS!” from a stage like a heavily caffeinated Tony Robbins. But today, my friends, we turn to the unlikely fountain of wisdom that is Zoolander. Yes, the 2001 comedy about male models, with its absurd plot and infamous “Blue Steel” look, has more to teach us than just how to look really, really, really, really ridiculously good-looking.
Lesson 1: Don’t Let the Glitz and Glamour Distract You
In the world of Zoolander, everyone is impossibly beautiful, stylish, and downright fabulous. It’s easy to see how Derek Zoolander gets caught up in the superficiality of it all. But here’s the twist: life is full of shiny distractions too. Whether it’s Instagram influencers living their “best life” (aka a carefully curated – and usually very fake -Reel), the pressure to keep up with your perfectly polished co-workers, or even just the latest season of your favourite binge-worthy show—distractions are everywhere.
Like Derek, you need to stay focused on your mission. Whether it’s career growth, self-improvement, mastering a new skill or wrangling your kids’, don’t let the glitzy distractions and characters of your life psych you out. Sure, you might feel like Hansel is always just around the corner, cooler and trendier than you, but remember: you’re you. And your mission is unique. So, next time you feel distracted, ask yourself: “What would Zoolander do?” Then squint into the distance, dramatically pause, and get back to business (just be sure not to get taken out in a freak gasoline accident too).
Lesson 2: Learn to Relax (Even if it Means Splashing Water on Your Face)
One of the most iconic scenes in Zoolander is when Derek stares at his reflection in a puddle and dramatically splashes water in his face while asking, “Who am I?” It’s a brilliant (and hilarious) metaphor for the existential crises we all face at some point on the personal development journey. Sometimes, we get so caught up in our self-doubt and stress that we forget to just relax and regroup (and don’t forget that God won’t be calling you anytime soon on that tiny phone either).
When you’re grinding towards your goals, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure (I get it – I was there myself just recently). Whether you’re aiming for a promotion at work, learning a new language or figuring out if the “Blue Steel” look works for you, you’re going to have moments where you just want to splash metaphorical water on your face and scream “WHO AM I?” (Or in my case, stay in bed for a few days’ eating bad food and binging You Tube).
And that’s okay! In fact, it’s healthy. The key is to allow yourself those moments of doubt, but not to dwell there. Take a breath, step back, reset yourself and realize that everyone questions themselves sometimes—even really, really, really, really ridiculously good-looking people. Relax, refocus, and most importantly—stop worrying about being perfect all the time. Sometimes, you just need to splash some water on your face and keep going (without the need to go down a coal mine and get the coal miner’s lung either).
Lesson 3: Stay True to Your Mission, Even When It’s Hard to See the Bigger Picture
One of the biggest personal development takeaways from Zoolander is about staying true to your mission, even when it doesn’t seem to make sense in the moment. Derek Zoolander gets involved in an utterly bizarre plot (brainwashing, anyone?) where he is expected to assassinate the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Okay, maybe your personal mission is a little less, uh, extreme and hopefully doesn’t involve murder. But you get the point.
When you’re working on your own self growth, there will be times when you feel lost. Sometimes more often than not. Maybe the path to success looks unclear, or it seems like the obstacles in your way are insurmountable. But the truth is, no journey to anything worthwhile is smooth. Sometimes you’ve just got to trust that your work ethic, determination and yes, your signature “Blue Steel” focus will get you through.
Even when your goal feels out of reach, or like Derek, you don’t fully understand what’s happening around you, remember: your mission is what matters. Keep your eyes on the prize, avoid getting sidetracked by shiny distractions, and never forget the power of relaxation and a little self-reflection every once in a while.
Channel Your Inner Zoolander
Zoolander may be an outrageous satire of the fashion industry, but beneath the laughs, there are actual real lessons to be learned. Stay focused on your mission, no matter how much beautiful, shiny nonsense is thrown your way. Learn to relax when things get tough, and don’t be afraid to ask yourself those big existential questions (preferably in front of a reflective surface that doesn’t alter your appearance). Most importantly, remember that personal development isn’t about being perfect—it’s about embracing the journey and its learnings (not mistakes or failures).
Photo by Tim Mossholder: https://www.pexels.com/photo/laugh-neon-light-signage-turned-on-1115680/