Startup Lessons From A Movie Called Contact

I recently watched a movie called Contact. It is an old movie (1997), and I think Jodie Foster acted well along with McConaughey. There are many moral lessons that can be learned from this movie, but for now we will look from a perspective of spirit of achieving dreams. This kind of spirit is usually can be seen on those who build a startup, as I experience myself.

For those who are interested in this movie, i’d recommend to stop reading this, and start watching (because this writing might contain spoilers too). However, if you do not have intention to watch the movie, or have already watched it, we can move along. The following are several points that can be pointed out from the movie.

Dream-Driven Processes

Some people dream, some other live on the others’. Ellie Arroway, the main character in the movie is a very persistence and have a strong-will to pursue her dream: proving extra terrestrial life. Many skeptical views get along her way, and sometimes become an obstacle, and yet Ellie could eventually overcome her problems along the way. Why is that so? Because she is driven by her dreams and passion. When this is the case, a person could become a wrecking ball that can forcibly destroy all the things that obstructs them.

David Drumlin: One… there is intelligent life out there, but you’ll never contact it in your lifetime, and two… TWO! There’s nothing out there but noble gases and carbon compounds, and you’re wasting your time. In the meantime, you won’t be published, you won’t be taken seriously and your career will be over before it’s begun! Ellie Arroway: So what? It’s my life!

It is Okay To Fail (And Move On)

Ellie’s research funding was no longer continued by her investor as the investor could not see the benefit of continuing the research. Her team panicked because they thought that this was a failure, but she stood still, and convinced her team to make an independence research. She believed that the answer is out there and waited to be discovered. She tried to convince other investors out there to fund her research. Finally with her consistency, not only funding, she also had the results of what she had been waiting for.

But it sure took time, like a lot. Consistencies are measured not in one night, but it is proved in a series of time.

When we feel like we failed, we sure have this sensation of all the doors are closing, and universe put us at its the very bottom and dark places. In this situation, always observe people around you. Never forget those who stay with you, walk away from you, and make you in that position.

Fame is a Consequence, not Purpose

With such attitude, Ellie sure is a winner. Her strong will and faith brought her to finally made it. When that happened, people all around the globe knew her. She knew her position, and not merely floated off by fame she suddenly on her. She focused on what she had to do, and realized that there will always people who supported and opposed her.

In fact, if everybody likes you, it means that something is not right. If some people in this world doing the right things, there have to be evil that oppose them. You are either the people who (think) are doing good, or bad things. You cannot stand in both ways. Because if you do and try to make everybody happy, that is a hypocritical.