What We Can Learn From Black Panther

If you have not heard about the massive success of Black Panther by now, you’ve probably been living under a rock. After the release of this movie, it was almost mandatory to do the Wakandan salute when you passed someone. It was and still is exciting to see black excellence and the aspects of black culture ingrained in the movie.

Black Panther teaches us many lessons that we all can apply in our own life. So here are a few takeaways from the film.

1. Great Leaders Will Be Challenged.

In the movie, we see the authority of T’Challa tested throughout. It is most apparent when M’Baku and Killmonger initiate the battle challenge for the throne. People will often challenge you and make you feel as if you have to compete. However, as long as you stick to your values, you will have the ultimate victory.

Sometimes obstacles may come from within yourself. Another battle we see in the movie is the internal conflict that T'Challa faces. His major dilemma was whether he should follow tradition or chart to chart his course. While it was not an easy decision, he followed his moral compass and trusted his instincts. Like T’Challa, you will experience obstacles, both internally and externally. And at times, you may even want to give up. However, you must remain persistent and disciplined to claim your crown and achieve the results you desire.

2. Don’t Let Setbacks Hold You Back.

After facing M’Baku, Klaue, Killmonger, and being in a coma, how many of us would give up? T’Challa could have easily backed out of his responsibilities or said this is too hard. But did he? No! Instead, he used his obstacles to his advantage. He leveraged his skills to overcome his enemies and reclaim his throne.

When you know your purpose, you will stop at nothing to reach your destination. Remember, a setback does not mean failure. Sometimes, all you need is a new and different strategy to approach the same problem. So when you face adversity, don't lose sight of your crown (destination). Remain committed to your goal and transform your setbacks into success.

3. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

For many years, Wakanda masked its true identity by posing as an under-resourced country. The leaders feared that revealing the real status of their wealth would lead to war, ruin, and exploitation. While they had the means to provide aid and assistance, their fear paralyzed them to act.

Each higher level we reach requires an even greater version of ourselves. However, this is not the time to be afraid. The quote by former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says it best, "If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough." Just as a plant cannot grow without sunlight, you cannot grow if you are stuck in your comfort zone. If you keep doing the same thing, how do you expect to get different results? You will never know what you are capable of until you try.

4. Pay It Forward

Sometimes, like the Wakandans, we keep resources or tools to ourselves that could benefit others. However, if we are to continue to build a better society for future generations, collaboration is integral to our success. Your knowledge could help catapult someone to the next level. When someone in our tribe wins, we all win. So, let's stop looking at each other as competition. Instead, let's determine how we can create opportunities together.

Share with us! Were there any lessons that you took away from the movie? Tell us what you thought in the comments below.