Now that the Kleenex boxes have hopefully been set aside and we are all moving forward embracing a future without the gut-wrenching and nail-biting journey of Walter White, and the rise and demise of the “blue stuff” empire, it’s a good time to reflect on what one of the most brilliant, engaging and clever shows on TV has taught us. To bid the adieu it deserves, here are six things that every young professional can learn from the man, the legend, the anti-hero we all grew to love with guilt, Walter White
Stay Humble.
This was Walter’s biggest downfall. Pride and ego took over his life where even family was second on the list after his empire was built. Not that we condone his actions leading up to that moment when Walter could have walked away with a big chunk of cash and called it a day… unfortunately his ego and his greed overshadowed it all and so his life spiraled away to the point of no return. Ambition and a competitive spirit are a great driver and motivator, but don’t forget to stay humble. Your peers will always respect you more and the road ahead will remain far more grounded when you’re level-headed.
Don’t Give Up Too Early
Maybe Walter’s biggest mistake in his “career” was walking away from “Gray Matter” too early and then seeing his brainchild explode and eat up success right in front of him with his old partners soaking up all the benefits and notoriety. The lesson here is to stand back, breathe and be patient. All good things take time and there are only very few lucky ones whose success comes quickly. Work hard and see the fruits of your labour slowly grow; it’s actually a beautiful thing that will make you appreciate all the hard work you put into it.
Be the Best. Period.
Not at cooking the blue stuff, of course, but we have to credit Walter White for always striving to be the best in his industry. Look around at your competition and evaluate what they are doing to stay ahead and on top. How can you differ from them? What can set you apart? What do you offer that can make you indispensible? For Walter, it was mastering purity and adding the blue colour as a marketing tool to brand his product. What will it be for you?
Make That Money, Save That Money
It’s easy to empty your bank every month on nights out, dinners, shopping and flying around the world. Then, a few years down the line, all you have to show for your work ethic are brand name shoes and a decent car. Take a small example out of Walter’s book, even if you don’t have millions in the bank. Open a savings account if you haven’t already. Look into investing and growing your cash. There are so many options out there for young professionals to help them grow their assets that there should be no excuses – even if you don’t think your income is high enough.
Loyalty Goes A Long Way
As much as Walter put his partner in crime, Jesse Pinkman, through, his loyalty was almost sickening to a sense. In the end, so was Walter’s to Jesse’s if you saw the finale last night. On your way up, don’t ever forget the people that have been there for you even through the small stuff. Always remember, thank and reward them if you can. Loyalty is a key ingredient in developing and growing yourself or your business and will always be remembered and reciprocated whether in the short or long term.
Family is Everything
What’s the biggest lesson we took away from Breaking Bad? Family is everything. All that work, sacrifice, useless violence, money and irreversible emotional damage Walt caused through his greed, ego and want for his family to be left with enough cash to last them multiple lifetimes blew up in his face. In the end, he was broke, sick and family-less. His season finale stunt to allocate $9-million-plus for his family through a fund will most definitely help them in the end, but we can all agree chemistry school teacher Mr. White would have been the real winner in their eyes – not Heisenberg. Never forget what truly matters on your way to the top. No money in the world can replace the love, care, advice and support our families and best friends offer us. Walter unfortunately realized this too late; let’s take notes from his journey.