What My Son’s Cartoons have Taught me About Business – Dinosaur Train
As my son turns two, I am noticing that we watch more “shows” together. He has a few go to, he must watch shows that are on our TV a few times a day. While I was sitting watching reading next to him, I realized that not only is there valuable information for him to learn in his shows, I could really apply them to myself and my business too. It also helped me justify letting him watching several shows that day, while I worked, ha!
I quickly decided to create this blog series on what we can learn from our children’s cartoons and how to apply them to our business/lives.
We are starting out with the first show my son feel in love with… Dinosaur Train
If you have not watched this show, here is a quick summary. The show is based about a family of dinosaurs that take adventures on the dinosaur train to learn and meet dinosaurs and creatures in various locations and time zones. The underlining focus is that everyone is different and special (one son in the family is adopted too) and that keep exploring and learning, especially in nature. It is a lovely show that is always teaching my son and me something new. (Well at least in the first time through watching them on Netflix!)
What Dinosaur Train has taught me about business:
Meet new people
Tiny, one of the daughters, has an ultimate challenge to connect and befriend as many other dinosaurs and creatures as she can, whether she is scared or not. Start your own Tiny’s Ultimate Challenge. Get out there are connect and meet new people. You may feel ordinary next to someone or scared, but step out of your comfort zone, because you rarely regret it one you have done it and you may even make a new friend.
Keep learning
The Dinosaur Train not only takes them to meet new dinosaurs and see new places, but teaches them about it along the way. Take the time to learn something new everyday. Maybe it is a word or even as big as new way of doing business. Just never stop learning.
Nerves are ok
Shiny is often scared and shy of new things, but she always goes along. Use your support system when you need a push to try something new or a hand to hold when scared.
Join a mastermind group
Nature Trackers, the “kids” nature club, allows them to play and explore outside around their home. Create your own group/mastermind of likeminded individuals that can support, inspire, teach and explore new ideas and your businesses together.
Use your strengths
Buddy is not like the rest of his family, he can not fly to get fish, but he has excellent eye site. Instead of feeling bad that he is not like them, he uses his skills as a fish spotter to help his family. Realize you may not be like the next person, but your skills are important too. Find what you do best and how you can help others, then get out there and do it.
Everyone is different
Don loves to dig holes and collect things. Shiny likes shiny things, especially shells, Tiny likes tiny places including a hole in her favorite tree and Buddy likes to be able to stomp and show off his big teeth. Everyone is different, we all have different skills, interests, likes, passions and that is ok. Embrace who you are and share it with the world, we are all special.
Family is first
Every episode includes moments where the whole family is together and at home in their nest. It reminds me why I have a business and work weird hours every day. To be home with my family is everything to me and pushing through the hard times is ok as long as they are by my side.
Get outside
Obviously the Tranadon family lives outdoors, but there is a overall theme of the appreciation for nature. Take 10 minutes a day to get outside and reset. Grab your kid and go to the park, throw a ball, dance in the driveway, something. Be present with our families and thankful for this wonderful planet we live on.
Next time you watch your kids show, watch it with them and see what you can learn too.
Stay tuned for the next cartoon in the series - Octonauts
What is your kids favorite TV show? What is one thing you have learned form it that you can apply to your business?
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