The Croods is an animated adventure movie I love to watch over and over. I must commend DreamWorks Animation for paying close attention to the minutest detail in the making of the movie. Same perfection goes to other animated movies like Coco and Toy Story by Pixar Animations. These are some of the several cartoons that have stood the test of time to deliver more than just fun but filled with great life lessons that should be learned.
The Croods tells the story of how necessity became the mother of invention. After their cave was destroyed by an earthquake, Grug (Voiced by Nicholas Cage) along with his caveman family must trek through a perilious and unfamiliar territory with the help of a creative boy (Voiced by Ryan Reynolds). It reflects the internal and external crisis we often experience daily, emphasizing creativity with the happy or difficult need for change.
Defy all odds: “That’s not living, that’s just not dying!” said Eep. She was curious and tired of her comfort zone, ready to confront all odds to achieve her aim. She was tired of doing same thing over and over. To grow, you may need to defy all odds, challenges, and other existing conventional methods. Progress is indeed borne out of doubt and inquiries.
Hook up with the right person: The right person here might mean getting the right mentor/role model, the right man for the job, the right manager to lead the business or even the right future partner. In the cartoon, Guy was so dogged, and purpose driven that he did not give in to Grug’s constant fear and resistant to change.
Too much ego ruins things: An ego trip is a trip to nowhere- Robert Half. Grug’s ego dragged him behind for too long but as soon as he realized this and became humble, he accepted to follow Guy’s better ideas and things started to get better.
Father’s responsibilities: Despite Grug’s fear, unwillingness to take risk and accept changes, he was such a great and overly protective leader, steering the croods’ family all through the daily perils even to the point of wanting to sacrifice everything.
Be Curious/Risk Taking: Guy and Eep were both curious and risk takers which eventually paid off. Never be afraid to ask why, where, how, when or what. Great discoveries, inventions and opportunities often come from risk-taking.
Do not take things for granted: We often forget to say, “I love you” or “Thank you” to the people who deserve it the most. Never take your loved ones or the effort of your employees for granted. Do not wait till it is too late to make that move, send that gift or make that call.
Be open to new ideas: An Idea is Salvation by imagination – Frank Lloyd Wright. Nothing good will ever take place if you only listen to your own opinions. Grug was the leader that wanted everyone to listen to him only and comply to his instructions. Later, he realized the futility in his actions and gave room for knowledge sharing. For personal growth to occur, we must be open to different perspectives, opinions, and the advice of others.
Do not be resistant to change: Indeed, change is the only constant in life. Likewise, be ready to evolve in the ever-changing world. Do everything possible to fit in by; getting that degree, adding more skills, embarking on that planned trip, sending that application and asking for help.
Believe in Yourself: In the movie, Grug was separated from his family probably due to the earthquake and was left alone to wander. However, his curiosity, optimism and survival instincts sparked ideas that led him to his breakthrough.
If you are yet to see this beautiful movie, please do before the release of Croods 2 in December 2020. Surely, there are numerous life, family and business morals and insights you can derive from it.
Image Credit; https://www.dreamworks.com/
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