Life Lessons from the Baba Yaga: What John Wick Can Teach Us About Overcoming Adversity

John Wick is more than just a badass assassin who can take down dozens of enemies with ease. He is also a man who has overcome tremendous challenges and losses, and who has pursued his goals with determination and resilience. In this article, we will explore some of the lessons that we can learn from John Wick and how we can apply them to our own lives.

Have a clear purpose

One of the most striking aspects of John Wick’s character is his sense of purpose. He knows what he wants and why he wants it, and he does not let anything or anyone stop him from achieving it. In the first movie, his purpose is to avenge the death of his dog and the theft of his car, which were the last gifts from his deceased wife. In the second movie, his purpose is to honor a blood oath that he made to an old friend, even though it puts him in danger. In the third movie, his purpose is to survive and clear his name from a global bounty.

benefits of clear purpose

Having a clear purpose is essential for success in any endeavor. It gives us direction, motivation, and focus. It helps us overcome obstacles and challenges, and it keeps us going when things get tough. Without a clear purpose, we may feel lost, confused, or aimless. We may waste time and energy on things that do not matter or that do not align with our values. We may also give up easily or settle for less than we deserve.

To find your purpose, you need to ask yourself some questions, such as:

•  What are you passionate about?
•  What are you good at?
•  What are you curious about?
•  What are your values?
•  What are your goals?
•  How can you make a positive impact on the world?

Be prepared

Another key trait of John Wick is his preparedness. He always has a plan, a backup plan, and a contingency plan for every situation. He also has an arsenal of weapons, tools, and resources that he can access at any time. He knows how to use them effectively and efficiently, and he adapts them to different scenarios and environments. He also anticipates potential threats and risks, and he takes measures to avoid or minimize them.

Being prepared is crucial for achieving our goals and overcoming challenges. It helps us reduce uncertainty, stress, and anxiety. It also helps us save time, money, and energy. It also increases our confidence, competence, and creativity.

To be prepared, you need to do some research, analysis, and planning before you take action. You need to:

• Define your goal and break it down into smaller steps
• Identify the resources and skills that you need
• Gather information and feedback from reliable sources
• Evaluate the pros and cons of different options
• Choose the best option based on your criteria
• Create a timeline and a budget for your project
• Review your plan regularly and make adjustments as needed
• Seek help or advice from experts or mentors when necessary

Be persistent

The third lesson that we can learn from John Wick is his persistence. He never gives up on his goal, no matter how difficult or impossible it seems. He faces countless enemies, obstacles, and setbacks along the way, but he does not let them deter him or discourage him. He always finds a way to overcome them or work around them. He also learns from his mistakes and failures, and he uses them as opportunities to improve himself and his strategies.

Being persistent is vital for achieving our goals and overcoming challenges. It helps us overcome fear, doubt, and frustration. It also helps us develop resilience, grit, and perseverance. It also helps us grow as individuals and as professionals.

To be persistent, you need to:

• Have a strong belief in yourself and your goal
• Have a positive attitude and mindset
• Have a support system of people who encourage you and inspire you
• Celebrate your progress and achievements
• Reward yourself for your efforts
• Learn from your feedback and results
• Embrace challenges as opportunities
• Seek new ways to improve yourself and your methods

Take Responsibility for Your Actions

John Wick understands the consequences of his past actions, and he takes responsibility for them. He recognizes that his actions have led to a life of violence and death, and he does not shy away from the responsibility that comes with it. In our own lives, we must also take responsibility for our actions. It is easy to blame others or external circumstances for our problems, but ultimately, we have control over our choices and decisions.

Own Up to Your Mistakes

John Wick is not afraid to admit when he has made a mistake. In the first movie, he apologizes to Aurelio for stealing his car and acknowledges that he will make it right. Similarly, in our own lives, it is important to acknowledge our mistakes and take steps to correct them.

Don’t Be a Victim

John Wick does not wallow in self-pity or blame others for his misfortunes. He takes action and does what he can to improve his situation. In the same vein, we should not let ourselves become victims of circumstance. We have the power to change our circumstances, and it is up to us to take action.

Cultivate Discipline and Focus

John Wick’s success as a hitman can be attributed to his discipline and focus. He is a master of his craft, and he takes his training seriously. He is always prepared and ready to face any challenge. In our own lives, we can cultivate discipline and focus to achieve our goals.

Set Goals and Stick to Them

John Wick sets specific goals for himself, and he works tirelessly to achieve them. In the first movie, his goal is to avenge the death of his dog, and he does not let anything get in his way. Similarly, we should set goals for ourselves and work towards achieving them with discipline and focus.

Practice Makes Perfect

John Wick’s proficiency in combat is a result of years of practice and training. He understands the importance of honing his skills and continually improving. In our own lives, we can also improve our skills through practice and dedication.

Build Strong Relationships

Although John Wick is a solitary character, he has formed strong relationships with those he trusts. These relationships provide him with support, information, and resources that he needs to accomplish his goals. In our own lives, building strong relationships is essential for personal growth and success.

Be Loyal to Those You Trust

John Wick is fiercely loyal to those he trusts. He goes to great lengths to protect his loved ones and allies. In our own lives, we should also be loyal to those we trust and honor our commitments.

Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

John Wick surrounds himself with individuals who support him and his goals. He seeks out allies who are trustworthy and reliable. In the same way, we should surround ourselves with positive influences who encourage us to be our best selves.

Related Links:

• John Wick – Wikipedia: Overview of the John Wick media franchise, its background, characters, and spin-offs.
• John Wick (2014) – IMDb:  An information about the first John Wick film, such as cast, crew, plot, trivia, reviews, and ratings.
• John Wick – Rotten Tomatoes: The critical consensus and audience score for the first John Wick film, as well as a brief synopsis and a trailer.
• John Wick (film) – Wikipedia: More details about the production, release, reception, and legacy of the first John Wick film.