Your Life as a Movie: What Would You Tell the Main Character?

Hi everyone,

In the past few weeks, I’ve been mentoring young people doing internships at NGOs. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience, and one activity in particular has stood out to me—something I learned from Ali Abdaal’s New Year planning workshop.

I ask them to imagine this:

You are the main character in a movie. Now, imagine you’re watching that film. What advice would you give the main character? What would you tell them to do—or not to do?

This simple exercise (which, I believe, falls under the category of distanced self-reflection) produces some of the most thoughtful and profound answers. It’s fascinating to see how stepping outside of ourselves can provide such clarity.

The Power of Small Decisions

Through these conversations, I’ve been reflecting on the immense impact of our daily decisions—or lack thereof.

Every choice we make—what to pursue, what to ignore, where to look, and where not to look—can change the course of our lives in ways we might not fully understand in the moment.

• A single misstep can undo years of effort or cause us to lose something we hold dear.

• A single bold step forward can open doors we never thought possible.

It’s humbling to realize how much power we have in shaping our own lives, yet also how fragile and interconnected it all is.

As Jim Rohn once said:
"You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight."

This quote reminds me that even the smallest decisions today can have a profound impact on where we end up tomorrow.

Destiny vs. Choice

This reflection also brings up the age-old question of destiny vs. free will. On one hand, it feels like there’s a grand plan—a destiny that unfolds regardless of what we do. On the other hand, we are given the power to make decisions that can radically alter our paths.

I believe both truths coexist.

We may not have control over every circumstance, but within the sphere of our influence, we have tremendous power. The steps we take—or don’t take—can create ripples that shape the direction of our lives.

As Stephen R. Covey said:
"I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions."

This balance of destiny and choice means we have both responsibility and opportunity to shape the life we want.

A Personal Reminder

The exercise I shared earlier isn’t just for my mentees. It’s something I’ve been trying to apply in my own life as well.

When faced with difficult decisions, I pause and ask myself:
If I were the main character in a film, what advice would I give myself?

More often than not, the answer is clear. And it’s usually not about avoiding failure—it’s about having the courage to take the right step, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Your Turn

Imagine your life as a film, and you’re the main character. What advice would you give yourself today?

What’s one step—big or small—you can take to move toward the life you want?

📩 Reply to this email or comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

P.S. If you’re ready to reflect on and share your own journey, ✍️ learn how to start your own newsletter here: startyournewsletter.today