3 Quotes from Walt Disney That Will Enhance Your Creativity

“At age 22, Walt Disney was fired from a Missouri newspaper for “not being creative enough.” One of his early ventures, called Laugh-o-gram Studios, went bankrupt. The creator of Mickey and Minnie Mouse went on to be nominated for 59 Academy Awards, winning 32, all for his unparalleled animations” (CBS).

Walt Disney’s brilliant creativity is the reason why so many of us have childhood memories that will last a lifetime. Think about your favorite movies. I bet you that there are at least two or three that are Disney.

He is the pioneer of cartoon films, and everyone resonates with his iconic name, “Disney.” Films made by Disney make audiences all around the world gravitate towards their films. Without Disney, my childhood would have been so bland, and I wouldn’t have had the chance to make as many memories as I did.

Disney movies that come to mind include:

The Toy Story Series

Finding Nemo

Aladdin

The Incredibles

Monsters Inc.

Disney is a man with a giant imagination! Here are three quotes that will inspire and enhance your creativity.

Quote #1

First, think. Second, dream. Third, believe. And finally, dare.

— Walt Disney

Many creators (including myself) forget to think before putting an idea into action. Instead of going with the first idea you have, you can create a long list of ideas before going all-in on one.

Dreaming is different from thinking.

To dream is to imagine something unconventional — an idea that is far “left-field” that no one’s thought of before. Walt Disney branded his company in a way that explores uncharted areas. His films inspire us and impact us in very nostalgic ways.

For example, the characters Woody and Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story are talking toys that want nothing more than their childhood owner Andy to be happy. Who could’ve thought of that? That idea could actually work in theaters? That’s where the final step comes into play.

Dare. Dare to do things that no one else is willing to do. If you’re a creator who has a unique idea, but you have doubts, you need to stop thinking that way. Take a risk and pursue any idea you have that may seem whack or out of the ordinary.

To be an extraordinary individual, you have to do extraordinary things.

Quote #2

That’s the real trouble with the world. Too many people grow up.

— Walt Disney

Growing up is scary. You go from being an innocent child where all that matters is getting good grades in school, getting to bed on time to having bills, joining the workforce, and planning for your future.

Life is intense, but it doesn’t always have to be that serious.

Just because we grow up doesn’t mean we have to exterminate the spark we had when we were kids. Disney films allow children and adults to merge and experience a feeling of nostalgia.

Nostalgia is defined as “a wistful or excessively sentimental yearning for return to or of some past period or irrecoverable condition” (Merriam-Webster).

The feeling of returning to a time where we were happy and innocent is something we can all relate to. From time to time, I’ll throw on an old Disney movie because it brings back all of my amazing experiences from childhood.

I remember watching the newest Disney films with my family in theaters, going to Disneyland for the first time, and dressing up as Buzz Lightyear for Halloween in 2004. Wearing the Buzz costume allowed me to genuinely believe I could fly — jumping from the highest point on the couch. Disney allowed me to believe that anything is possible.

Mold your creativity to be more like Disney, where anything is possible.

Quote #3

When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.

— Walt Disney

Curiosity is a superhuman power. If you’ve got constant curiosity, then you’re lightyears ahead of anyone else who deems themselves a creator. Settling for what’s right in front of you and not pushing the boundaries creates limits.

Find lots of interesting things to do. Explore nearby neighborhoods, watch a Disney movie to retrigger those nostalgic feelings. Take a risk talking to a stranger, anything.

Be curious about the possibilities, and so many doors will naturally open for you.

If it weren’t for my curiosity with writing inspirational articles, I wouldn’t have landed a full-time job writing and creating content. Explore uncharted territory even when you’re uncertain.

Curiosity allows you to color outside the lines and discover something new. Ask yourself the question, “what if?” and fill in the blank. Walt Disney never doubted his curiosity. Instead, he used it to his advantage and came up with greater ideas than the rest of his competition.

Don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd. Those who believe in your ideas will follow you and look up to you naturally.

Allow the pressure to satisfy everyone fall off your shoulders.

Final Thought

Creativity comes in all forms of creating art, and that’s what a lot of companies are looking for — people who aren’t afraid to think differently and create content that resonates with their audience.

Walt Disney never gave up on himself or his ideas. Neither should you.

“First, think. Second, dream. Third, believe. And finally, dare.”

2. “That’s the real trouble with the world. Too many people grow up.”

3. “When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.”

Are you feeling inspired? Good. You can do anything.