Young James Bond in the making
Chico
Posts: 56MI6 Agent
I write this in part theory, part call for help since it has been something I've been thinking of lately, and because I feel like I've been waiting too long for my life to begin.
I've been watching the Daniel Craig Bond films again as he is my fave Bond, in back-to-back days. One day I watched Casino and Quantum, the next day I watched Skyfall and Spectre, and on the third day, I'll watch No Time To Die.
This format works because the movies meant to be back-to-back makes more sense. Then No Time To Die needs its day to mourn my favorite Bond. lol Doing this made me like the Daniel Craig run even more, because from the get-go, it isn't a Bond we have seen before, so it's unlikely he's going to do the things we want him to (like blow up to kingdom come).
However, coming from a person who "still has spots" (24M), I want to emulate Bond in a way not unlike Daniel Craig when it comes to my career. I recently took a personality test that says I'm an ENTJ (go to 16personalities.com to see what that means), and so it made me question if that's really the type of person I want to be.
So comes the question, how can I be like James Bond in my life, especially my career?
I often think about what James Bond would do if he weren't a 00. This is why I love to watch Daniel Craig's other movies, and although I don't want to appear actor-like, I do want to add the sense of intuitiveness and skill he brings. I resonate more with him, but it's often difficult to bring that to reality. I can't be Bond himself and my talking skills aren't all that great, plus I'm not walking around being an assassin.
Being someone who grew up poor, how do I level up in life with patience and focus like James Bond without thinking I'm running out of time?
I am currently in the sales industry and I get nervous quickly. How do I practice gaining those nerves of steel? What steps have you taken to refine your speaking skills and people skills in general? The way he speaks is also something I'd like to put into practice.
What would James Bond do if he were, say, an executive in sales? (He was, kind of, under his Universal Exports guise.)
Any form of help is much appreciated, and if you would be kind enough to provide skill-building resources, I'll undoubtedly look into it.
Comments
This may seem off target, but bear with me. Online you will find at least several different resources about being a toastmaster. (No, not about being able to heat up bread.)
Some will charge, some will be free. The idea is to help someone be able to speak confidently and clearly in public, help them organise their thoughts and ideas, and give tips on avoiding the pitfalls many fall into (eg wandering off track). This would build confidence in general as well.
Thanks! So, where do I start? With so many places to begin, where can I find a specific resource for, say, holding my frame when speaking with potential clients like Bond?
You have to look yourself to find exactly what will suit you. If you want to follow up on my suggestion, just Google "Toastmaster" and have a look at what comes up.
I don't really follow, Daniel Craig the actor is not the same guy he plays as James Bond, firstly. Secondly, his Bond of all of them is least like a salesman, any charm he has comes from the fact he doesn't have to sell anything, he certainly isn't needy. I suppose that might work in a sales situation, but he exudes an aura of non-compliance and non compromise, like he doesn't suffer fools. A salesman surely must project the same easy, friendly appeal to all his customers?
James Bond is not a good role model, he seems to be though, that's why it's escapism. He doesn't have any mates. He forms no long-term attachments. Almost every bloke he meets he tries to annoy - the trick of the films is that it's not made obvious. Well, we can go through phases like that but the idea you cultivate those Bondian traits to deal with the problem, or put the problem in a more flattering light, seems the wrong approach to me, better sort out the problem instead.
It's possible that being in sales is not great for a person's self-confidence because your value is in danger of being index-linked to someone else and their wish to buy your product. Is that why Craig's Bond appeals to you so much - because he never gives the impression that he is obliged to anyone, unlike a salesman?
What is an Ent? I can't find it on that website.
I'm not sure a person can change their basic make-up, what you can do is minimise flaws and find the right context for it - btw I am not talking about whether one is an ingrained failure or success - which I don't believe really.
I too will Google Toastmaster - it's not anything to do with freemasons, is it. 😀
Roger Moore 1927-2017
My advice would be to just be yourself - don’t try to emulate anyone else, especially a fictional character. If you’re selling something then firstly sell yourself as a knowledgable person who knows their product. The only way to learn is to make mistakes and learn from them. As suggested above, take a look at some of the courses available to gain confidence but in my opinion the best way is to take notice of these other salespersons around you and pick up the vibes of the successful ones. Have confidence in yourself, you will find that there is a superstar inside you already, you just have to find him.
These are all great pieces of advice. Daniel Craig as James Bond is the most psychologically stressed out of all of them, I think, and he carries himself well. That is what I most resonate with since I never try to let myself be seen as anything less than what I am feeling in the moment. I'm talking mostly about his good qualities, his un-neediness, his prerogative as a man.
I'm sort of leaning toward "progress is better than perfection". It allows for mistakes and imperfection, but you are honing your skills to become a better decision-maker and a quick wit. Very much like the modern man, which I believe Daniel's Bond plays well. He makes many mistakes, even owns up to it. But he made better decisions as he carried on in the service. Things weren't strictly "business", but rather, personal to him and to the betterment of the organization.
Love these in-depth topics.