We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brock Harris a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Brock, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
“For myself, I am an optimist—it does not seem to be much use being anything else.” — Winston Churchill
When people tease me about my positive nature, I often feel a sense of pride because I know that’s not the whole of my nature. Like most people, I have doubts and anxieties that plague me regularly. I’ve also experienced many failures and disappointments. I’ve suffered health scares, lost loved ones, and experienced many forms of betrayal. Life is a struggle for us all, and while I am a very blessed person, I’m not immune to feeling discouraged. Despite my hardships, others perceive me as optimistic. Why is that, and where does my optimism come from? My answer: It’s a practice. A person can’t rely solely on their feelings to navigate life successfully. On any given day, we face negative circumstances, and it takes discipline to overcome these obstacles. I believe we reap what we sow, and it’s important to exercise the mind to maintain a positive attitude. Of course, this is easier said than done, so here are a few techniques that I practice to remain optimistic.
1. Count Your Blessings
There is immense benefit in allowing space to celebrate the parts of your life that are going well. Acknowledge the very breath you’ve been given, the simple fact that you are alive, and the opportunities you have. One of the greatest blessings is to simply recognize that you have people who love you.
2. Set Your Focus on the Goal
Pessimism sets in when we focus on the problem instead of the solution. Have a goal, understand there will be setbacks, and celebrate your ability to overcome adversity.
3. Feed the Right Wolf
The parable of the two wolves describes a fight between two wolves: one good, one evil. Which one wins? The one you feed. Whether it’s media, books, the company you keep, or even literal food, feed yourself the good stuff. You are what you consume.
4. Take Care of Your Body
Our physical health affects our mental health. Exercise, get sun, sleep, and don’t abuse substances. One of the best things you can do to combat stress or negative emotions is to work out. If you don’t have this in your routine, start with the bare minimum, even if it’s just a light walk, and then keep working towards expanding that. A great place to start is five minutes of deep breathing.
5. Pray. Have Faith. Try Not to Worry.
People have different belief systems, but I believe it’s important to have a practice of manifesting what you want in life. Try your best to have faith. Worrying will not change what’s coming, so it’s not useful. Having faith brings joy. The way I do that is through prayer.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I grew up in Oklahoma in a family with a passion for adventure. My dad was a professor but fancied himself an Indiana Jones type, and rocked the hat to prove it. My mom loved travel and sports, but she also instilled in me a passion for the arts. I think that’s why I became a filmmaker. Cinema is where grand adventure and great stories come together, and I’ve been fortunate to have a colorful career both behind and in front of the camera.
Currently, I’m finishing my biggest production to date, “Cottonmouth,” a western starring Martin Sensmeier, Ron Perlman, and Esai Morales. “Cottonmouth” was produced by Rebellium Films and is slated for release in 2024. Other works include “Wild Game” and “Dance Dads,” and keep an eye out for documentary, “Nomad Cowboys,” which chronicles my adventures in Central Asia as a member of the U.S. Kok Boru Team—a rugby-like game on horseback where the ball is a dead goat.
On a personal note, I’m also in the throes of my greatest adventure: being a new father and enjoying parenthood with my beautiful wife.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My three most impactful skills:
1. Communication
2. Patience
3. Taking Action
Learning to communicate with people is the most crucial skill for any leader. A big part of that is learning how to listen and be gentle with others. Getting people to share your goal and vision is half the battle. Patience plays a significant role in this. Good things take time, and you need to be patient with yourself, but perhaps more importantly, be patient with others. Marcus Aurelius once said, “Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself.”
For me, the most crucial quality in my journey has been taking action. Doing is the virtue I most value, and the best way to improve, learn, or accomplish anything is to do.
“The only man who never makes mistakes is the man who never does anything.” — Teddy Roosevelt
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
I was fortunate to come from an incredibly supportive family. My parents where a rock for me, and showed me through action what a healthy family unit looks like. This alone was maybe the most impactful thing, but it wasn’t just my parents. My grandparents, aunts, and uncles all played crucial roles in my development. Having a strong family unit has allowed me to experience a foundation of love, that is incredibly special, but if I had to share a few values that I taught where particularly helpful in life it’s this: Live your life as you have nothing to hide, It is more important to be respected than liked, be kind, and always tell the truth.
Contact Info:
- Website: THEBROCKHARRIS.COM
- Instagram: @brockeddieharris
