Life as a Movie: You as the Director and Your Four Characters. Life as a Movie: You as the Director and Your Four Characters.
share 1

Happy New Year! If 2023 was a movie, what title would you give it?

Our life journey is like a movie that reflects our experiences, emotions, and the directions we take. It is a mixture of drama, comedy, adventure, mystery, tragedy, plot twists, suspense, and much more. You are the director of this movie. This article will explore the four characters of Self-esteem, Self-efficacy, Self-discipline, and Grit. We will also see how they play an important role in your movie of self-discovery and growth. With your leading role you get to determine how to interact and apply these characters. Your Understanding of each character determines your choices, your narrative, what’s important, which challenges to confront, and which triumphs you will celebrate.

First, let’s get to know the four characters…


Character 1: Self-Esteem

As the voice of your self-worth, Self-esteem guides your perception of yourself. It narrates your strengths and flaws, shaping how you interact with the world.

Character 2: Self-Efficacy

Meet Self Efficacy, the character that narrates your belief in your own abilities. It influences your approach to challenges and your pursuit of goals.

Character 3: Self-Discipline

With a firm hand, Self Discipline directs your actions and choices. It is the character that shapes your habits, helping you stay on track and committed to your aspirations.

Character 4: Grit

Grit, the character of perseverance and resilience, narrates your ability to endure and bounce back from setbacks.

Each character in our story plays a unique role. Although they may seem independent, they are interconnected. These characters talk to each other and shape our journey. Let’s imagine a live dialogue between them.

Self-Esteem: I'm the foundation of your sense of self-worth. I'm the character who whispers to you, telling you, you are enough. How you view yourself determines your interactions and the paths you choose.

Self-Efficacy: True, Self-Esteem, but without belief in our abilities, your self-worth is just a castle in the air. I'm the voice that speaks of possibilities; I'm the character that influences whether you believe you can conquer the challenges that come your way.

Self-Discipline: Hold on, both of you. Belief and worth are vital, but they need structure. I'm the silent architect; I'm the one who orchestrates your daily routines and your habits that pave the way for consistent progress. I make sure you're on track to reach your goals.

Grit: Y’all need to chill; remember that life's story isn't all roses. When the going gets tough, that's where I come in. Resilience, perseverance, that's what I represent. Life throws curveballs; It's my tale that keeps you moving forward when the journey gets rough, teaching you the strength to endure and rise.

Self-Esteem: But what good is discipline and perseverance if you don't believe you're deserving of success? It is like building a palace on quicksand; I lay the foundation for you to even embark on this journey; I dare you to step into the arena.

Self-Efficacy: Yet, Self-esteem, your belief can crumble like a house of cards without the structure of discipline. Believing is one thing, but acting on that belief is where change happens. It's the actions you take that breathe life into your potential. That's my domain.

Self-Discipline: Both of you make valid points, but without structure, your actions are haphazard. Without my guidance, how can you turn belief into accomplishment?

Grit: And even with all these elements, life will inevitably test you. Even the most disciplined person might falter in the face of adversity without the resilience of Grit. Life's challenges can break your rhythm.

Self-Esteem: (softly) Perhaps you're right. My narrative isn't complete without the actions driven by Self Efficacy and the structure provided by Self Discipline.

Self-Efficacy: I find strength in the conviction fostered by Self-Esteem, while I'm fueled by the habits maintained by self-discipline.

Self-Discipline: Even I am bolstered by the persistence taught by Grit as I strive to maintain routines and structure despite life's curveballs.

Grit: But even my determination can be ignited by the spark of belief from Self Esteem and the confidence from Self Efficacy.

Grit: It's a cycle, then. Self-esteem initiates the drive, Self-efficacy propels it forward, self-discipline maintains the rhythm, and I keep the flame burning through storms.

Most of us know these characters, but we don't make the most of them. Our life story can be a masterpiece if we learn how to listen, understand, and respond to them thoughtfully and intentionally. They are here to help you grow and find fulfillment. Remember, you are the author of your tale, and the way you answer their calls will determine your journey.

How each character wants to be understood.


Self-Esteem: I stand here, ready to infuse your story with self-worth and confidence. How you embrace your values sets the tone for your interactions and decisions.

Self-Efficacy: Alongside Self-esteem, I echo the sentiment of belief. It's how you respond to the challenges life presents that define your character and capabilities.

Self-discipline: While belief is crucial, without structure, potential remains dormant. I'm the character that offers you the tools to forge consistent paths toward your dreams.

Grit: Don't forget me. When faced with adversity, I'm the unwavering spirit that urges you to persevere, dig deep, and keep marching forward.

You see, it's not enough to merely acknowledge these characters. Your response to them shapes the chapters of your story in profound ways:

How can we respond to each character?


Respond to Self-esteem by embracing your inherent worth, and your narrative will brim with courage to seize opportunities.

Respond to Self-efficacy by not just believing but acting on your capabilities, and your story becomes one of empowerment and growth.

Respond to Self-discipline by creating routines and structure into your days, and your tale unfolds as a disciplined journey toward your aspirations.

Respond to Grit by summoning resilience in the face of trials, and your story transforms into an epic of triumph over adversity.

It's a balance, a collaboration of characters that harmonize to define your journey. As you look back on your experiences, keep in mind that although these characters might clash at times, they are all part of the same narrative. They may disagree, but they understand that they are interconnected. Their interactions create a rich and meaningful story that is uniquely yours. So, as you journey forward in the new year, embrace the conversations between Self-esteem, Self-efficacy, Self-discipline, and Grit. Your choices will determine which character has the greatest impact on your story and, ultimately, which one shapes the narrative you create.

share 1

Amani Shayo
Written by

Amani Shayo

Amani Alphonce Shayo is an aspiring Consultant and Human Capital enthusiast. Currently working at Empower Limited, a dynamic Human Capital Consulting firm. He is Passionate about People and Innovation. He loves reading and writing to a greater course that is to inspire others to be more and do more.

Join #TheMovement Now

Empower helps millions of job seekers and employers find the right fit every day. Start hiring now on Africa’s #1 job site.*

Become a Mover

What People Say About Us