What’s the “Sound of Music” Have to do with Goals?

Last night, my husband turned on “The Sound of Music” (1963) on TV, which is one of our all-time favorite movies.  We encouraged our grandson to watch it with us because it is an Academy Award winning classic, and we knew he would enjoy the children singing because he loves to sing.

It is a story of Maria, played by Julie Andrews, who leaves her life in an Austrian convent to become the governess to Navy Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) and his seven children.  On her way to her new home, she is feeling much anxiety about leaving her life at the abbey, and taking on her new role.  She breaks out in a song called, “I Have Confidence,” by Richard Rodgers.  Here are a few verses I’d like to highlight:

What will this day be like? I wonder.
What will my future be? I wonder.
It could be so exciting to be out in the world, to be free
My heart should be wildly rejoicing
Oh, what’s the matter with me?

I’ve always longed for adventure
To do the things I’ve never dared
And here I’m facing adventure
Then why am I so scared?…

…Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worries
If I don’t I just know I’ll turn back
I must dream of the things I am seeking
I am seeking the courage I lack

The courage to serve them with reliance
Face my mistakes without defiance
Show them I’m worthy
And while I show them
I’ll show me

So, let them bring on all their problems
I’ll do better than my best
I have confidence they’ll put me to the test
But I’ll make them see I have confidence in me…

…And mind me with each step I am more certain
Everything will turn out fine
I have confidence the world can all be mine
They’ll have to agree I have confidence in me…

—Strength doesn’t lie in numbers
Strength doesn’t lie in wealth
Strength lies in nights of peaceful slumbers
When you wake up — Wake Up!

It tells me all I trust I lead my heart to
All I trust becomes my own
I have confidence in confidence alone

I have confidence in confidence alone
Besides which you see I have confidence in me!

I believe behind every good movie, there is a lesson to be learned.  Here, it is “Release Negative Thoughts and Fears,” strategy #5 in the Powerdrive to Success model.

Many of our fears are derived from the unknown.  We don’t know if something will turn out good or bad, so we reject the idea for fear of failure or a bad outcome.  However, when we fear, we miss out on some wonderful opportunities that could have tremendous positive impacts on our lives.

Lessons learned: 1) Have confidence, faith and trust that pursuing your goals and dreams will bring about positive change, and 2) believe in yourself.  If you don’t believe in yourself, no one will, so hold your head up high and moved forward.  In Maria’s case, she overcame her fear,  found her true purpose away from the abbey and became the next Baroness Von Trapp and head of the Von Trapp Family Singers (true story).

My challenge to you is to take action on your goals today.  What is holding you back and why? What is the worst thing that could happen if you move forward?  When you succeed, what positive changes will that bring in your life?  I would love to hear your comments!

To Your Success,

Kay L. Fontana, C.C., M.A.Ed.

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