Can the adventures and mishaps of fictional characters guide you?
And even be applied to your very real life?
Do the heavily dramatized lives of high born Westerosi equate to your own first world problems?
And for the record, I’m talking beyond never go North of the Wall or go South if your last name is Stark and never ever trust Little Finger or Cersei Lannister. Clearly, this is known.
I definitely think so!
Sometimes wisdom comes from your own experience, learning from those around us, and other times from the characters you love and love to hate in the shows, books, and movies you consume.
Okay sure, I’m not being chased by white walkers or living in a world where magic and dragons are real (that I know of), but at the core of it all, we’re all just people trying to make it in life, achieve our dreams and to live out our purpose.
I will concede that not every character has good intentions or is trying to make the world a better place, but real talks, does it get any more realistic than that?
We all have our own painful character flaws, strengths, and weaknesses just like they do. Maybe the stacks aren’t as high as the end of humanity and the threat of the long night never-ending, but hey, we barely had a summer this year.
We’ve all got problems!
With seven seasons of Game of Thrones on HBO and five epic Song of Ice and Fire novels (so far) by George R.R. Martin, I know that I’ve learned many lessons that can be allied to my relationship, my business and how I pursue my own dreams.
Season 7 of Game of Thrones was no exception, with epic one-liners that provide for some amazing life lessons, here are three that you can apply to your life.
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Game of Thrones Life Lesson #1:
Value Your Own Opinion
In Season 7 of Game of Thrones, Cersei Lannister tells her brother Jaime that, “a lion doesn’t concern itself with the opinion of sheep.”
She’s quoting her father Tywin Lannister and using this as a justification for doing whatever the hell she pleases, with whomever (almost want to say “womb ever”) she pleases.
“Like of course, our father would support what I’m doing, he said so. Forget what the people of the Kingdom I’m ruling think about us.”
It is so clear that Cersei Lannister, just like her father, doesn’t care about what anyone thinks or even says about her, to her face or behind her back. Right or wrong, her character is the embodiment of “just do you,” regardless of the consequences (but we’re not focusing on that here) or society and even her own family members think.
Whose opinion do you value the most? Your own or someone else’s?
Does what other people think or dare I say, say about you, bother you?
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Perhaps it haunts you? Does it echo in your mind days after it was said? Do you just read their message over and over again? Make you feel less than or like you need to prove yourself to them?
Everyone has an opinion, and in some cases no matter what you do, how much you accomplish (like she secured the most sought after prize in the world, first time ever for a woman!) or how in love with your life you are, you can’t please or even satisfy everyone.
They won’t believe in you, they just won’t support you, and they will not remain by your side.
The first life lesson from Game of Thrones is to simply not care what other’s think.
It's time to stop caring what other people think and value your own opinion like Cersei Lannister. 'A lion doesn't concern itself with the opinion of sheep.' - George R. R. Martin #GameofThrones #GoT
Don’t Care About What People Think Like the Lion
Sure, we all can’t be stone heart bitches like Cersei, nor should we aspire to be. But no matter what you might think about her, she has some serious grit and strength that we could do well to emulate.
For most of it’s hard when that disapproval comes from someone you love or respect. Especially from a sly or clever comment here and there about your job, your wealth, status, behavior or possessions. Maybe in a group chat, or even to your face.
I know it hurts and is hella disappointing when the person who should be by default on your team and in your corner, NO MATTER WHAT, just isn’t.
If you’re always trying to meet the requirements of society or someone else you will always fall short. There is no ultimate checklist of boxes you need to check to arrive at success. So decide that you’ve arrived already!
Keep your head up, be the lion and the lion bows to no one. Everyone else can support, or get to walking (or riding?).
It’s the classic question your parents ask you when you’re a kid: are you a follower or a leader? Do you care what people think about you?
So choose, are you a lion or a sheep? Let the naysayers, the doubters and haters fall behind you, they’re the sheep not you.
Game of Thrones Life Lesson #2:
You Need a Supportive Team
Sansa Stark speaks this powerful quote to her sister Arya that is also a call back to the wisdom of her father, the late Lord Eddard Stark. “When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives.”
Yes, Winter is coming like he constantly warned them, heck it’s here and if you want to survive you need your pack aka your family. This quote was both a foreshadowing and an explainer for why her family sticks together against all outside threats.
The Stark children are a pack, and it’s their connection to each other that will hopefully see the remaining siblings to the end. One could even argue that every Stark that died, died because they were separated from the pack.
The Starks represent unity, group mentality and the power of membership. They know they are stronger together.
Who’s got your back when things get tough (and not just when they’re “easy”)? Who do you roll with?
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Is there someone in your corner? Do you have a team, a support system or people you can rely on?
You need a pack that has your back. You will not make it to the end on your own.
'When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives.' Who's got your back when things get tough? You need a pack that has your back. #lifelessons #GameofThrones #GoT
Join the Pack to Make it Like the Wolfs
Many people set off on the journey of building a life they love, but sadly not everyone arrives at their intended destination. Why is that? Why does one great house make it to the finale when another doesn’t?
A house divided falls, just like the one that is separated.
One of the major reasons you won’t succeed is that you are trying to go at it all alone. Yes, you need to be the lion, but no matter how powerful a lion is, they still belong to a pride.
I can’t even tell you how many times in any given week that I feel like giving up, or I’m not making progress and wondering if I can even keep pace. I sometimes wonder what will happen first, me making it or me falling completely apart?
Do you know the feeling?
What do you do when you’re having a moment of defeat?
You need to find your pack and keep them around you to protect you, to protect each other. You’ve got their back and they’ve got yours.
Roll tight with your squad! Stay connected on the regular, don’t get separated.
Game of Thrones Life Lesson #3:
Just Take Action Yourself
These words are spoken by the Mother of Dragons herself, Daenerys Targaryen, to Tyrion Lannister her hand (aka her #1 advisor).
She has had enough of his failed, albeit clever plans, that have put her in a losing position.
She says this more than once as validation for why she must take direct action against her enemies herself. Even if it leaves her exposed, she refuses to wait on others to bring her victory or to do nothing.
Daenerys is an action taker. As much as she relies on her team of advisors, supporters, and army to secure her position, she knows that in critical moments, victory often depends on her own actions.
She isn’t afraid to get up and get it done herself. Yes, this can also lead her to be impulsive and careless, but we’re not talking about that either. You could argue that she doesn’t listen to counsel, but she realizes that the decision is always hers and she must make it.
Are you a doer or a planner?
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Will you do it now or maybe later (ie. NEVER)?
Are you too busy planning?
Have you been listening to the words and wisdom of others or are you implementing what you’ve learned and KNOW already?
Maybe you keep giving yourself the excuse that you need to plan more, be smarter, be clever. Are you always saying, “I’m just not ready!”
Enough with the clever plans.' - Daenerys Targaryen. Are you a doer or a planner? You need to take action in your life like the mother of dragons. #quotestoliveby #GameOfThrones #GoT
Stop Planning and Take Action like the Dragon
What you need more than any plan, is to actually take action.
There comes a point in your own story that you need to just get up and take action. Get in the game (what kind of game, you decide). All the wisdom and knowledge in the world is useless unless it is applied.
Your entire life has prepared you for right now. Every accomplishment and every experience you have ever had have led you to this moment. Right now, you are ready! Stop believing that you’re not.
There’s a time to plan, but it’s always the right time to take action, even if it’s a tiny step in the right direction.
To be the dragon, you must take action. Take the direct route.
Claim the ‘Iron Throne’ in Your Life
Simply put: be the lion, be the wolf, and (yes and) be the dragon.
Each character described above has their own strengths:
- the lion is the leader,
- the wolf is a member,
- and the dragon an action-taker.
There will be times in your life you will need to be all three, and where each of these valuable lessons can be applied to your professional and personal life. If you want to “sit on the iron throne” of your dreams then you need to be the dragon, the wolf, and the lion.
When a king or queen is formally introduced on Game of Thrones, it is done with their full title that lists their accomplishments and holdings.
For example, “Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, First of Her Name, the Unburnt, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons.”
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I want you to do the same for yourself. Claim your achievements, claim your position, claim your future. If you ever want to be victorious in your own battles you face on the journey to success, claim the metaphorical “Iron Throne” in your life, you need to believe it’s yours by right. That you’ve already won and that no one can stop you. Include anything you’re proud of and makes you feel successful (even if it feels silly!)
Let me go first, “Nadalie Bardo, Founder of It’s All You Boo, Badass Blogger and all Around Hustler, Photographer and Self-Taught Graphic and Web Designer, The Undefeated. The rightful heir to her amazing future.”‘
Remember, you’re the dragon, you are the wolf and you are the lion. Start acting like it.
ps. Don’t forget to head over to Audible and get your TWO FREE Audiobooks Game of Thrones or otherwise, they have over 100,000 books to choose from.
I’ve been a member for years and I really do LOVE the ease of listening to a book.
What life lessons have you learned from watching Game of Thrones? Click here for three epic life lessons that could change your life. #GoT #GameofThrones #LifeLessons #LifeHacks #Mindset
What life lessons have you learned from Game of Thrones?
Last Updated on November 3, 2024
Jordan Ring says
First of all, I love audible and totally agree with the ease of listening. Its huge for reading books on walks, on a plane or just cooking dinner.
That being said, I LOVED this post. Thanks for sharing and writing.
So what’s my badass Westoriosi title? hmmm How about:
Yryddyn Elentirmo
They call me Rydd the Kid for short.
😉
-Jordan
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Jordan,
Agreed, Audible is amazing. I do love reading, but who has the time to just read. Always so much to do.
Awesome Westerori title! Love it.
Thanks for sharing.
Ryan says
Very cool post. Love the tie into GOT. I am sad the season is over! I really hope season 8 comes out in 2018 and isn’t pushed back
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Ryan,
Me too, I wish they started with less episodes, rather than ending with less. Me too, they start filming in October, so fingers crossed it happens in 2018.
Deepa says
Be the lion, Be the dragon and be the wolf of your life- Very important. We often keep on planning and take a long time to act. Its a balancing act. Act but don’t be impulsive is my mantra. Good one.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Deepa,
I’m always planning, I feel like I could probably do well to embrace my inner Dragon and just take action more.
Milica says
I haven’t read these books yet nor I did watch the show. These are definitely some valueble leassons to learn.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Milica,
Lessons aside, they’re super entertaining. We can all use a bit more lion, wolf or dragon in our lives. Check it out!
Amrita says
Loved this article. Be the lion wolf snd the dragon in your life .Difficult bit well worth it .
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Amrita,
So difficult, especially when your personality or disposition is to be the opposite. To play it safe, to try to go at it alone and to overvalue others over yourself.
Happy embracing your inner badass,
Nadalie
Cecilia says
I tried watching Game of Thrones once, and I just couldn’t finish watching it. However, these life lessons are very motivational. Thank you for sharing.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Cecilia,
haha no worries, it’s not for everyone. I only had it through like 2 minutes of House of Cards and apparently, it’s amazing so it happens to us all.
Clarice LIN says
Awesome timely lessons 🙂 I love how you break down those quotes into our daily motivations! Great post!
Nadalie Bardo says
Yay for being motivated! 🙌🏽
Jenny says
I have to admit (shame on me); but I’ve never watched Game of Thrones. I know, I know! But I have fallen into Lesson #1 many times and it’s hard to not care what others think or say. I really love the saying Claim the Iron Throne in your life!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Jenny,
No shame at all, you are so missing out though. 😉
Me too! And I hate it when it gets to me and then I just can’t stop thinking about what they said or I even hold it against them. I wish I could not care as easily. It’s a process for sure!
Shivranjani says
Love this article. The GOT life lessons are so on point.
Nadalie Bardo says
Thanks Shivranjani!
Leah says
First…can i just say that I have never seen Game of Thrones?!? I know. Please don’t shoot me! On a serious note, this is a great post and all of those life lessons are great lessons.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Leah,
I hope this encourages you to maybe give it a chance and maybe learn some other awesome life lessons while you do.
Censie Sawyer says
Okay…dont get mad but I have never watch Game of Thrones. I know, Im weird. It is on our MUST watch list but we never have time to catch up on the seasons. Hopefully this winter we will have time. Sounds like there are a lot of great lessons to be learned from GOT!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Censie,
Haha, of course not. I’m still shocked to hear when someone doesn’t watch Game of Thrones, but I get it. I don’t watch everything that everyone talks about either. But, it’s definitely binge-worthy. 😉
Melissa Dixon says
I have never seen this show but I know some people who love it. IT just isn’t our type of thing but it does sound like there are some lessons to be learned through it like most things. I feel like there is something to learn everywhere it just takes a sharp mind to see all of the lessons, thanks for sharing!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Melissa,
Totally, some life lessons are universal. Even if they’re from a fictional land. I so agree with you, these are lessons everywhere, as long as we’re looking for them.
victoria says
I stopped watching Game of Thrones a few seasons ago. I have to take a long weekend and do some binge watching to catch up so I know what everyone is always upset about lol
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Victoria,
Oh no, things just started getting REALLY good that last two seasons.
And yes, there’s a long weekend this weekend and binge watching is always called for. This season everyone’s either loving it or not so loving what happened. Check it out!
Tami says
I do not watch Game of Thrones. However, I like the life lessons presented here. I have recently decided I need to take action, instead of the usual overplanning and expecting someone to initiate the changes I need to make.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Tami,
It’s always (usually) a great idea to embrace our inner Dragon and just take action! There are so many things that hold us back, but sometimes I think being impulsive has its benefits.
Amy D says
I love Game of Thrones! The first life lesson is the best! I definitely value my own opinion above others. Just do you and everything else will fall into place!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Amy,
I’m so happy someone loves Game of Thrones! That’s awesome, your opinion so deserves to be valued, most especially by you! I so agree, jump and worry about where you’re landing later.
Mae says
How fun! It’s such a bit hit of a show indeed! I love that you shared lessons from it.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Mae,
It’s such a HUGE hit indeed! I’m one for finding value in what some could deem as hours wasted geeking out haha.
Dealman says
I do not watch Game of Thrones. I love that you shared lessons from it.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey! It’s totally worth checking out. And the books are even better.
JenellBStewart says
Ive never watched Game of Thrones ( Please don’t judge me) but these life lessons are the truth!!! I love love love life lesson number 1. It really spoke to me. We really need to believe in ourselves and just “Do You!” I’ve always valued my opinion but I often seek the advice of others. But at the end of the day I still listen inward for my final decision.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Jenel,
Haha, no judgment here. Promise! 🙋🏽 Who knew there was actually wisdom in this insanely epic TV show, right?
Totally agree that being and doing you is such an important lesson for all of us to learn.
SHAMEEZ PATEL says
I have never thought about it in this way before. This is wonderful that you managed to take such good lessons from the show.
Thanks for sharing!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Shameez,
Glad you enjoyed it and found them helpful!
Samantha Winchester says
Entertaining and witty!! I’m not one to typically click on these types of posts, but you had me with Game of Thrones 😊
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Samantha,
Awesome, glad to find another Game of Thrones fan in here. I was surprised how many people don’t watch.
Erinn Sluka says
I am the bottom 1% I think that has never watched an episode of Game of Thrones-eek!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Erinn,
Ek, indeed! Just kidding. No worries if you’ve never watched, it’s totally binge-worthy content. 😉
Carol Cassara says
One of the quotes that I love most in Game of Thrones would be the one from Tyrion to Jon Snow in Season 1.
“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armour yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.”
That’s definitely something that I carry with me all the time. It’s a great show and you learn a lot about life from it too. These are wonderful lessons.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Carol,
That’s one of the best quotes of the series. It’s so true too. People will throw who you are, where you’re from, what you’ve done in your face to keep you down. But, if you’ve accepted it then it can’t hurt you.
Thanks for sharing your favorite quote!
Karlyn Cruz says
I love anything with the title “Game of Thrones” on it. I love this breakdown. I do agree that we should definitely make our own decisions, like Cersie does but she does make rash decisions. Daenarys makes her own decisions as well, regardless of what her advisors say, but she tends to think based on logic. So I think it really does just matter how smart our “own decisions” are.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Karlyn,
YES! Another true fan in the house. I’m not alone!
Totally agree with you. They’re both very action orientated. Time usually tells how smart or bad a choice is. I’m looking forward to season 8 to see how each of them deal with the consequences of their actions in season 7. I think one will get what she wants most and the other will get what she forbids.
Come on season 8!
Julie Syl says
This is so awesome! I wish I could turn them to be my our real life hero. Lol. The lessons in the story are very nice. Those are the strong words that everybody needs to always remember. The third one that you stated is awesome.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Julie,
Haha, me too! How awesome would that be? Sometimes we need strong words to remind us how strong we really are. We are capable of being lions, dragons, and wolves. It’s in us!
Enola of Game of Hodor says
I feel bad to say that I am also not a fanatic of GOT although I have seen a few episodes since my dad watched it during its early seasons. I feel left out whenever my colleagues at work group together and start a discussion. I just doesn’t have enough time for this however I am happy with what you have stated here. It’s good to know that it is a show that you can learn life lessons and good ones at that. I love that you have equated it with reality and how you deal with stuffs. I myself have to follow those life lessons as well. Thanks very much for sharing!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Enola,
You need to jump on the bandwagon and catch up! It’s totally worth it and it’s gotten more entertaining as the seasons go on.
Much appreciated – what can I say, I wish my reality was a little bit more like a fantasy world with magic and dragons. We could all use some fire and ice in our bones to make us bold and take action in our lives.
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. It’s much appreciated.
– Nadalie
Tracy Irvine says
I have never seen Game of Thrones as I don’t watch T. V.
If I do however go to see a movie and it has a life lesson, I think it’s ace and usually want to watch it again in the future.
Great life lessons here!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Tracy,
You should so check it out! I agree, I can also usually find a life lesson in the movies I watch. Even if it’s to stay away from creepy clowns.