The Martian: Facing One Challenge At A Time
The Martian, the award-winning film starring Matt Damon, is based on a science fiction novel. While the movie takes some creative liberties, much of its story appears to be grounded in real scientific possibility.
Nonetheless, it’s an entertaining film and was intended to be so. There is a message stated by the main character at the film’s end that I think is the recurring theme from the first scene.
Damon’s character, when faced with challenges, learns to methodically tackle one at a time. The message is that if you look at a large challenge and feel that it’s insurmountable, it can paralyze you. But when you look at your issues, prioritize them based on urgency and take action, you can succeed. Conquer those first and then anything else that is urgent that comes along. When things are more stable get back to your list and handle the others that are important.
Stephen Covey has an entire chapter in his best-selling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, that focuses on time management. In it, he asks readers to identify what is urgent versus what is important and emphasizes the difference between the two.
“I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” – Stephen Covey
