Miscellaneous

3 career habits that helped Walt Disney launch the company that is now worth $156 billion

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  • Walt Disney approached his job with craftsmanship - and there are a few lessons that everyone can learn from.
  • While creating boundaries between your work life and home life is important, you should approach work as if it's part of your life and not something separate. Find something you want to incorporate into your identity.
  • It's also important to note what your intention is. If your motivation is to do the work for the sake of fame and money, your work won't be as inspired as it could be.
  • Disney approached his work with the intention of doing a good job - and if you do the same, the money and success will follow.

In 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was released .

It was the first full-length traditional animation feature, and despite the world suffering from the effects of the Great Depression, its commercial success created a new media giant.

Although The Walt Disney Company would continue to see many ups and downs over the next few decades, it had managed to infect the cultural consciousness. Animation wasn't just for children. It became a timeless way to communicate the most basic of our human values.

The person behind all of this was an eccentric man who had grown up drawing cartoons.

The name Walt Disney is now synonymous with iconic film characters and the world-famous theme parks that bear his name, but in the early days, he was just a man with an artistic itch. He wanted to show the world what happens when you mix elements of fantasy with reality.

The term artisan is often used to describe a craftsperson. Someone who makes things with their hands. However, it also connotes the idea of a job done with care for its own sake.

While a case can be made that Disney's success was attributed to his craftsmanship, the more interesting observation about his life and his work is the level of satisfaction he derived from his career. He was practically infatuated with his job.

What you do for a living takes up a big part of your life, and it should be more than just work. It should be a craft. Disney was the prime example of an artisan, and his story illustrates this to its core. Let's steal a few lessons.

1. No separation between work and life

One of the most common discussions regarding careers is one concerning work-life balance.

We all have limited time, and naturally, it makes sense that we want to spread it across the different responsibilities in our life without falling into the trap of over-committing to any one.

While the idea of having a balance is important, the distinction that is often created in such discussions is not. It separates your life from work when the goal should be integration.

If you think about how much time the average person spends working (approximately 80,000 hours, or 9 full years, by some estimates), it becomes clear that there isn't really a way to separate work from life. Even if we compartmentalize, that's only a psychological distinction.

We eventually become what we do. The daily actions you take as a part of your job become ingrained in you as habits, which shape your identity. This affects you in a substantial way.

Walt Disney famously came up with the idea for the first Disneyland while watching his two daughters ride a carousel. He wanted to create an environment where families could come together to enjoy each other's company just as he was in that moment with his children.

Even when he wasn't working, his work augmented who he was at home. Similarly, when he was at home, his family life inspired what he built and created for other families at his work.

While boundaries are key, being an artisan isn't just about having a work identity. It's about aligning who you are as a result of work into a larger, holistic way of operating as a person.

If you're an artist, you are an artist outside of your studio. If you are an entrepreneur, you are an entrepreneur outside of the office. This is true regardless of whether you think that way.

We are what we do. It's on us to make what we do something we're proud of outside of that.

2. Progress is in the details, not the image

Between 1931 and 1968, Disney was nominated for 59 Academy Awards, winning 22 of them. That's the second most nominations out of anybody else and the most wins ever.

As he inspired the creation of more and more animation films as a producer, he received more and more acclaim from the world. He went from being a simple animator in his early days to a man better described as an industrialist. His company became a force of nature.

Yet, by all evidence, it appears that Disney was more concerned with details than image.

His goal was always to mold the impossible in with the possible, and he defined his progress more by how each individual felt and reacted to his creations than by general perception.

In most work, there is always an ever-present conflict between what you have to do to win over external praise and what you have to do to feel a sense of internal accomplishment.

Often, these are interconnected. Sometimes, if you don't win over the external praise, you may no longer have a job. That said, just as often, the external praise we seek is a product of satisfying the ego and not born out of necessity. That's where things tend to go wrong.

It may be gratifying to hear praise and to gain status or prestige in the moment, but at the end of the day, that's not the kind of progress that really counts. That's not what truly fulfills.

Artisans do things for their own sake. They do things to learn and to master. To challenge and to be challenged. The goal is to be a little bit better today than you were yesterday, and that metric isn't defined by some outside committee, but it's determined by your product.

You love what you invest in, but the best investment is found in the details. And the beauty is that, if you focus on simply learning, mastering, and improving, the image takes care of itself.

3. Reward for good work is more work

The core intention we have for doing something shapes every subsequent choice we make.

If your core motivation is success and fame and riches, then even if you consider yourself an artisan in your mind, your behavior won't reflect what it is that you tell yourself about work.

If you focus on mastery and have an intrinsically motivated definition of progress, however, then the only reward of going through the process of work is more work. It's the luxury to do what you're already doing in a more complex environment or on a more impactful scale.

No matter how big The Walt Disney Company got, there was one thing that Disney would always remind people of. Profits were important, and necessary, but they didn't come first.

"Do a good job. You don't have to worry about the money; it will take care of itself. Just do your best work - then try to trump it."

It's a very subtle distinction, but making that clear changed everything from the projects they picked to who they partnered with to the kind of characters they choose to develop.

If treated the right way, work can be one of the most rewarding gifts that life has to offer.

Humans are creative and productive, to some extent, by nature. We make things, we build things, and we create on top of what we have already made and built. If a task is aligned with whatever drives our inner nature, we thrive on adding more complexity to our work.

While there is a prevailing narrative in our culture that sees work as something to be done until you don't need to do it anymore, the truth is that, if you truly respect and value whatever your work is, the real benefit of working is actually the ability to continue to do more of it.

Waking up and feeling truly grateful to do what you do is the reward. That can't be bought.

Due to individual circumstances, not everyone can aspire to the kind of work that brings out the artisan in them, but anyone can at least try to adjust their mindset with what they have.

Walt Disney is one of the enduring cultural icons of the past few generations, and much of both his success and his level of fulfillment can be traced back to his craftsmanship at work.

Most of us have careers that last between 30 to 50 years. That's a significant part of life, and the only way to ensure they mean something is to treat what you do with the right intention.

There's an artisan in all of us. Whether or not it shows through depends on our daily choices.

New ‘Incredibles’ float to join ‘Paint the Night’ parade June 23

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The fan-favorite “Paint the Night” parade at Disney California Adventure park is currently dazzling audiences during the limited-time Pixar Fest at the Disneyland Resort. This electrifying parade uses more than 1 million brilliant lights, high-energy music and cutting edge special effects featuring many beloved Disney and Pixar pals.

Joining “Paint the Night” on June 23 is a new float inspired by Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and “Incredibles 2.” The Parr family and their pal Frozone will make their debut in this spectacular parade with high-tech, pop-art effects.

Here’s how the fun and excitement of “The Incredibles” will be brought to life:

  • The dynamic and colorful new float connects both “The Incredibles” and “Incredibles 2,” picking up where the first film left off and portraying the scene that shows the Parr family banding together against the supervillain known as “The Underminer.”
  • Violet Parr uses her super powers to surround herself with a “force field.” It will come to life through a custom-built persistence-of-vision (POV) globe – the first and largest ever to be installed on a Disney parade float.
  • Dash’s super-human speed is captured through an innovative system of 64 individually lit frames, flashing as he races in circles around the float.
  • Mr. Incredible and Mrs. Incredible, along with their pal Frozone, light up the night in new super suits. The suits have been installed and wired by hand and are fully programmable to be in sync with the music and the float lighting.
  • The super suits, designed by eccentric fashion designer Edna Mode, are illuminated with nearly 100 sheets of flexible, miniature LEDs. This is the first time these light-up suits will be worn by any Disney or Pixar character.
  • The chest logos on the Incredibles’ glowing super suits are made up of 60 individually programmable LEDs.

This super float joins “Paint the Night” this summer during Pixar Fest, the limited-time celebration happening now through September 3. Pixar Pier will also welcome Guests at Disney California Adventure park on June 23.

Netflix, ESPN Films Releasing a 10-Part Michael Jordan Documentary

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In what can only be described as a gift from the Basketball Gods, Michael Jordanand his Chicago Bulls of the 1990s are getting a massive documentary treatmentfrom Netflix and ESPN Films.

“The Last Dance” features over 500 hours of “never-before-seen footage” from the Bulls’ last title.

ESPN Films and Netflix today announced a joint production “The Last Dance,” a 10-part documentary series that will chronicle one of the greatest icons and most successful dynasties in sports history, Michael Jordan and the 1990s Chicago Bulls. Directed by Jason Hehir (“The Fab Five,” “The ’85 Bears,” “Andre the Giant”) and produced by Mike Tollin, the anthology will examine the simultaneous rise of Jordan and the NBA during those years.
Anchored by more than 500 hours of never-before-seen footage from the team’s last championship run in the 1997-98 season, “The Last Dance” will have the full participation of Jordan and other key figures from the Bulls’ championship teams, as well as dozens of other luminaries from basketball and beyond.

Rami Malek Is Freddie Mercury in New 'Bohemian Rhapsody' Trailer

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20th Century Fox has released the first trailer for Bohemian Rhapsody, a film celebrating the music and legacy of the iconic rock band Queen and its acclaimed frontman, Freddie Mercury. In the visuals above, we see the meteoric rise of Mercury (Rami Malek) as the band begins to develop its revolutionary sound and unconventional style.

The film will also highlight the spiraling lifestyle of Mercury as well as the band’s triumphant Live Aid reunion in 1985, which resulted in one of the greatest performances in rock history. In addition to Malek, Queen members will be played by Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, and Joseph Mazzello.

Check out the trailer above and catch the film on November 2.

Pixar Pal-A-Round to Debut at Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park

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When Pixar Pier opens this summer, the colorful worlds of Pixar will get a new home at Disney California Adventure park, offering an exciting mix of entertainment, themed food and beverage, merchandise and attractions.

Guests will find themselves immersed in four whimsical neighborhoods inspired by beloved Pixar stories—including “The Incredibles,” “Inside Out” and “Toy Story.” As we’ve noted previously, the fourth neighborhood will be a celebration of many of your favorite Pixar stories. The focal point of this neighborhood will be the Pixar Pal-A-Round!

This reimagining of a guest favorite will still include the iconic face of Mickey Mouse on the Paradise Bay side of the wheel. However, each of the 24 gondolas will feature different pairs of Pixar pals, including Joy and Sadness from “Inside Out,” Lightning McQueen and Mater from “Cars,” and Miguel and Hector from “Coco.”

When the Pixar Pal-A-Round opens this summer, the attraction will offer breathtaking views of Pixar Pier and beyond!

Source: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/201...

Why working at Disney is a unique opportunity

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After reading so much recently about the employment experience of Disneyland Resort cast members, I wanted to share my story. The specifics are unique to me, but the broader point is true for so many of us — working at Disney is a unique opportunity.
I’m currently a production manager in attractions, but this was not part of my plan when I started 12 years ago. This was a summer job, and that’s where my story begins.
Upon graduating college in Northern California, I moved to Orange County ready to put my degree to use, and hired into Disneyland while looking for jobs that would set me on my desired career path. I chose Disneyland because of my fond childhood memories. When I started, I quickly realized I could pad my paycheck by volunteering to work longer shifts, and even extra days if I wanted. That flexibility was helping me pay back my student loan quicker than I had anticipated. Were there long days? Did I skip events with friends that I would have loved to attend? Absolutely. But I genuinely loved my job. I was getting much more than a paycheck at Disneyland. I was putting smiles on people’s faces all day. I was learning invaluable skills and had access to people and resources that were helping me grow as an individual. As summer turned to fall, I didn’t want to leave.
I continued putting in the time, working hard, learning from those around me, and eventually became a working lead, supervising retail stores. I made great friends during that time who are now life-long companions. We all loved what we were doing and were always looking for opportunities to grow and advance in the company. From classes at the Disney University to roles in other areas of the resort, we knew our career options with Disney were vast. I ultimately landed a role with the resort’s internal communications team, while a few of my other friends moved on to positions in guest relations — and one would eventually work for Marvel. To top it all off, it was in this role that I met a beautiful cast member who I’m now lucky enough to call my wife.
As I continued my Disney journey, I took advantage of the company’s college reimbursement program to further my education, earning an MBA from Chapman University that I would never have been able to afford on my own. I also went through Disney’s leader training, where I expanded and strengthened my leadership skills. Now that Disney had helped arm me with my MBA and additional development as a leader, I returned to a role in the park as a manager in attractions, where I was able to help other cast members find their way at the resort just as so many had helped me.
I’ve heard the stories from cast about coming to work here from far away because this is a special place, and making sacrifices in time, distance or living situations because they love their jobs. They want to be a part of the magic just like I did. I take great pride in relating to their stories and sharing my own journey, so they know there’s a path, there are resources and there are people to help get them where they want to be.
I love my job … I am in charge of Peter Pan’s Flight! I have worked very hard over the last 12 years and Disney has given me so much more than I could have ever imagined. Did I mention I have the best wife ever? Thanks, Disneyland.
Michael Estes is attractions north production manager at Disneyland Resort.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2018/04/21/work...

Disney Just Released A "Little Mermaid" Pool Party Collection

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Don't you want Little Mermaid summer merch to be "part of your world"? Well, now it can be.Disney has announced that they are releasing a Little Mermaid Pool Party collection.

According to POPSUGAR, the collection will include Little Mermaid-themed towels, pool floats, clothes, shoes, and even more to make your summer as magical as possible. More specifically, you can relax in the pool atop one of Ariel's best friends, including Sebastian and Flounder pool floats.

Disney has partnered with an official fan site called "Oh My Disney" to create the line of pool party objects. 

The collection is expected to sell out quickly, so go to the website, and make it rain on buying yourself some Little Mermaid Pool Party favors. 

32-Year-Old Rookie Andre Ingram Shines in First NBA Game After 10 Years in G League

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Here's a real-life NBA story that sounds like it's straight from a Hollywood script.

Andre Ingram is a gray-haired 32-year-old basketball player who has been grinding it out in the NBA's developmental G League for the past 10 years—384 games to be exact.

He says he fully expected to finish his career in the league without ever getting called up to the NBA, but that changed this week. The injury-plagued Los Angeles Lakers signed him for the final two games of the season on Monday.

At the time this article was written, Ingram was a perfect three-for-three from the field and lead the Lakers with 11 points as they headed into halftime. Fans in the Staples Center were even heard chanting "MVP!"after he made the shots. What a story.

Kendrick Lamar Vocals Meet Dr. Dre Beats on 'The DAMN. Chronic' Mashup

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With Dr. Dre apparently still working hard on his long-fabled Detox album, some of his greatest productions are now being put to good use by DJ Critical Hype, who paired some of the rap mogul’s legendary beats to an assortment of classic Kendrick Lamar verses. Aptly titled The Damn. Chronic, the mashup project not only captures the aesthetic and culture of the city that produced two of the greatest stars in hip-hop but also provides a fresh new perspective on the storied catalogs of the Compton duo.

In speaking with Pigeons and Planes about the release, DJ Critical Hype explains, “I was determined to make it work, but the truth is it wasn’t easy,” while also adding, “I had to dig deep and make a capellas for about 60 to 70 Kendrick songs and try and find stuff I was happy with.”

Source: https://hypebeast.com/2018/4/kendrick-lama...

Disneyland's Main Street U.S.A Refurbishment is Complete!

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Attention, Disneyland fans! Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland Resort has been undergoing refurbishment for the past three months, and it is finally complete.

The horse-drawn streetcar track itself was entirely repaved and the horses are back in action, making their usual rounds up and down the street.

According to the OC Register, Disneyland has 18 horses that pull 24 passengers around a 3,500 foot loop, which comes out to about two-thirds of a mile. This refurbishment was done in order to make the track safer in a few different ways. It's not only safer for park-goers to walk on, but it's also better for the horses' hooves. They added 50,000 bricks to the track!

This marks just one of the many refurbishments and new improvements coming to the Disneyland Resort. The original Anaheim theme park along with California Adventure is currently gearing up for Pixar Fest, starting April 13.

Pixar Fest will feature a firework spectacular called "Together Forever," which will be based around plenty of the Disney•Pixar classics and new favorites. Coco, Inside Out, Toy Story, Monsters Inc. and more are confirmed to be included in this magical new show. They will also be selling Disney•Pixar themed treats such as a Toy Story alien macaron and a Finding Dory cake pop.

Disney fans have another thing to be excited about — a fan-favorite parade called Paint The Night is making its return! It originally ran from 2015 to 2017 in the Disneyland Resort, but this time around it will be taking place in Disney's California Adventure! They even added an Incredibles float considering the long-awaited Incredibles 2 comes out on June 15.

DMX Sentenced to 1 Year in Prison

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DMX has been in and out of jail throughout his career. Only two months after being sent behind bars for violating bail conditions related to failed drug tests, X has just been sentenced to 1 year in prison.

TMZ reports that prosecutors were originally aiming for a five-year sentence, but the judge ultimately decided on giving the rapper one-year in the slammer plus three years of supervised release. In November of last year, DMX pled guilty to one count of tax evasion. X was originally facing 44 years in jail and 14 counts for allegedly taking part in a “multi-year scheme.” He reportedly evaded $1.7 million USD in tax payments from the IRS.

DMX initially pled not guilty and paid half a million USD to be released on bail. He then pled guilty to one count in November as part of a deal with authorities — this prevented him from facing up facing four decades in prison.

His lawyer, Murray Richman, played the artist’s music video for “Slippin’” during his trial in the NYC courtroom to recount the rapper’s life and hardships.

Disneyland Is Opening a Real-Life Pizza Planet From ‘Toy Story’

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Disneyland is reportedly opening a real-life version of Toy Story’s Pizza Planet, where Buzz Lightyear and Woody encounter the aliens who worship “The Claw” machine, according to Delish.

That space-themed arcade restaurant will be coming to California’s Tomorrowland theme park this April, and will transform the current Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port into “Alien’s Pizza Planet — A Better Place,” reports, Disney News Today.

Also, if you were wondering why that will be the restaurant’s full name, it refers to the Little Green Men’s mantra about them going to “a better place” when they’re captured by the claw machine.

The restaurant is slated to open on Friday, April 13 just in time for kick-off of Pixar Fest. For additional details, be sure to read the full story on Delish.