Lessons From A Best Man
Cautionary Tale on the pursuit of ambition.
The Best Man: Final Chapters follows two movies, dating back to 1999. The series goes through the journey of love, life, marriage and obstacles many of us face. As adults, parents and spouses, it’s very relatable. In episode 7 of the new series, Harper, a successful author with high ambitions, is having troubles in his marriage. The ambition is blinding him from being with his family. He just isn’t satisfied. He is insecure and allows external motives to dictate his behavior. What is he after? It appears he uses success, money, and material things like a new home, as a measuring stick of success.
Now throughout the series it was a build up to the breaking point. His marriage on the chopping block. Robyn, his wife, files for divorce and eventually Moves to Ghana with their daughter. She feels as if the only thing that matters to Harper is his writing. Only his work is important. Nothing or no one else.
Their friend group also feels that Harper puts himself first, instead of the relationships they have cultivated over decades. The takeaway is working to create balance in life. If we are too ambitious, we sacrifice the alienation of our family. This is how kids end up growing up hating their parents, even though they are millionaires. Their parents only focused on work, or money, status or success. On the other hand, if you are too focused on family, would we ever achieve great things? Will we write that book, create that business, pursue a career as a lawyer, doctor, CPA or police office?
Harper in The Best Man: Final Chapters, is a cautionary tale that is hundreds of years old. How chasing the next deal is never as satisfying as it appears. Because, there will always be a “next deal.” However, there will not be “a new family.” Just the one you have right now. The guidance here is to know when to stop pushing for greatness in the external world so that you can achieve greatness at home. What good is all the money if your wife divorces you and takes the kids? Ask Shaquille O’Neal and he’ll tell you how terrible that is. You get to choose how to live. The examples are out there on what happens, based on the path we take.
Dan Roman is a Husband, Father, and writer that releases a daily blog. A quick read on money, marriage, parenting, self-improvement, development and his thoughts. Dan is also Founder/Creator of Roman Solutions, a Personal Finance Firm that currently provides coaching and education.
To connect with Dan visit: https://linktr.ee/bydanroman
Or by email : financialdifference@danromansolutions.com