Lifestyle

The Business Lessons We Can Learn From Matthew McConaughey's Career

by Gurbaksh Chahal

On March 2, 2014 Matthew McConaughey won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Motion Picture: "Dallas Buyers Club."

What I most liked about the Oscars was actually his speech. It was powerful and resonated with me. In his acceptance speech, he said: "There are three things that I need each day.

One, I need something to look up to, another to look forward to, and another is someone to chase."

Something To Look Up To

He mentioned God as a person he looks up to. God has shown him that it’s a scientific fact that gratitude will be reciprocated. So, whatever you believe in -- a higher power, the law of attraction or just karma -- if you have someone greater to look up to, he or she becomes your guiding force toward success. This person will also humble you during your good and bad days. Symbolically, he or she also provides the hope you need to continue and fight for what you believe in.

Look Forward To

McConaughey mentioned his family. I’m a big believer that authenticity is hard to find. But, when you do find it, hold on to it. As Horace Greeley once said, “Fame is vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wing, but only character endures.” When it comes to family, and if you’re lucky, you can’t get any more authentic than that.

They allow us to become the best possible version of ourselves and remind us what’s worth fighting for. They are also our biggest fans during our ups and our supporters during our down moments. Not to mention, God had his reasons for picking them, so don’t disappoint him.

Someone To Chase

McConaughey mentioned he was always chasing the 10-year-older version of himself – even today. I find that quite humbling. It shows us that the biggest role model we can actually have is ourselves. As we get older, we get wiser, we learn from our mistakes and we prosper as human beings. Never read the headlines; be your own headline. Perfection is hard to chase, but if you’re chasing the future version of you, you’ll know the power you have is actually limitless.

These are three great rules and principles to live by each morning. And, if we are determined to live by them – there isn’t a single thing we can’t do, including winning an Oscar.

Photo credit: WENN