Disney has a way of creating films about a specific topic but then making you reflect on how to change your own life based on the lessons learned. And let me tell you: while the Queen of Katwe is based on a true story about a Ugandan girl who becomes an international chess champion, it really is about a Ugandan girl who teaches us how to win at a game called life.
Disney’s Queen Of Katwe is a vibrant true story of a young girl from the streets of rural Uganda, whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess. David Oyelowo and Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o also star in the film, directed by Mira Nair.
If you didn’t already know, the film is opening in theaters nationwide THIS Friday, September 30th! I’ve now had the opportunity to see the film three times and can guarantee you will love it as much as I did (You can check out my red carpet premiere experience here).
The story is about hope and about a mother who never gave up on her children despite the circumstances. This film is filled with inspiration and determination.
So I decided to share these nine Inspiring Ways Queen of Katwe Teaches You to Win at a Game Called Life:
1. Where you come from does not define where you’re going
Many times, we look at what we lack or our present circumstances, and we believe that is the best that can happen to us. We don’t know that there is so much more we can achieve because we’ve never seen it. Queen of Katwe proves that it doesn’t matter where you’ve come from. You can achieve way more than what you’ve been conditioned to believe you can.
2. You belong where you believe you belong
People will doubt you. They will judge you and call you names based on your appearance or what they perceive. But you belong where you are and where you believe you can go. No one can get you where you’re going on their belief alone. Your belief is what matters.
3. Hope always wins
Hebrews 11:1 says: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” No matter what, you can’t give up. You will lose at times, you will fail at times. But failure will only teach you how to play the game of life (or chess) better.
4. Dream bigger than you think possible because it might just come true
We hear it all the time: Dream BIG! But what does that really mean and how do you dream for things you can’t imagine? The Queen of Katwe movie defines what it truly means to dream big—to go after something that’s never been done or that no one else can imagine for you.
5. Stay focused on the destination and not on the journey to get there
It is so easy to lose hope. It’s easy to get discouraged when something we’ve dreamed for looks as though it’s slipped from our hands. It’s easy to give up when there is turbulence and setbacks along the journey. But if you only focus on the setbacks, you can never get to the destination. You don’t have to worry about how you’ll get there, just that you will get there if you stay focused.
6. Staying in your comfort zone can keep you from winning
Ask any successful person, and I guarantee you that they didn’t become successful by staying cozy in their comfort zone. At every level of success, you’re going to be pushed further outside of your comfort zone. You win by challenging yourself. And you challenge yourself by not being afraid to abort your comfort zone.
7. You don’t have to fit in to win
Too often, we’re paying attention to what everyone else is doing. We look at successful people and think: How could I ever get there? And then, somehow we believe that if we’re more like them, we’ll be more successful. Queen of Katwe proves that winning is not about fitting in. It’s about showing up authentically and doing what you do best.
8. When it comes to winning in life (and chess), create a plan of attack and focus on that plan until you get there
One of my favorite quotes is: A goal without a plan is just a wish. How many times have we added something to our vision board or list of goals only to come up short? You see, it’s not enough to just daydream about what you want. You have to dream it, believe it and then create a plan of action in order to achieve it.
9. You don’t have to compromise your integrity in order to thrive
Integrity is everything. What you do when no one is watching is more important than what you do when everyone is paying attention. Staying true to your values and your morals is what will take you far in life, and open up doors no one can close.
Check out the official trailer for the Queen of Katwe movie below:
The Queen of Katwe is not just about chess. In fact, you don’t even have to know how to play the game to fall in love from the moment the opening credits roll. This film is about becoming a champion in life. Who doesn’t want to do that?!
Finally, there is a movie about my country of Uganda, about Africa, that doesn’t focus on war, hardships or dictatorships. And you should go and see it.
QUEEN OF KATWE is now playing in SELECT theaters and will open nationwide on Friday, September 30th. Go out and see it, and take the entire family!
