The other day I was watching a movie on Netflix.  Very interesting and captivating movie.  Nice action, a little indie in its production, star studded cast, and very well written. The name of the movie is The Gentleman.  I suggest you watch it when you get a chance.  I’ll add a link to the trailer but here’s a synopsis of this movie, and yes I used ChatGPT for it.

My Prompt: Summarize the movie The Gentleman in a paragraph.

The Answer: The Gentlemen (2019), directed by Guy Ritchie, is a stylish British crime comedy that follows American expatriate Mickey Pearson, who has built a highly profitable marijuana empire in London. As he looks to sell his business and retire, word gets out, sparking a web of schemes, blackmail, and betrayals among rival criminals and opportunists. The story unfolds through the perspective of a cunning private investigator, Fletcher, who attempts to sell his findings to Pearson's right-hand man. With sharp dialogue, unexpected twists, and a layered narrative, The Gentlemen blends wit, action, and classic gangster elements in a modern setting.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B0RpUGss2c

It wasn’t just the plot that stood out, it was a line near the end of the film that hit like a punch to the gut:

It’s simple in theory, hard in practice, and it stuck with me.

Talk Is Cheap. Being Is Everything.

Here’s my takeaway: It’s not enough to say you’re something. It’s not enough to wear the look, talk the talk, or even feel inspired in the moment. You have to BE that thing. Completely. Wholeheartedly. Without even a shadow of doubt.

Think of a real King. That title comes with real responsibility. Protecting the kingdom, making tough decisions, and sometimes doing things you’d rather not. A true King has to govern wisely, anticipate threats, and lead even when it’s inconvenient and or painful. There are always people trying to take his position, some out of envy and others out of revenge. Whether he’s loved or hated, he must remain unshaken in his identity.

It’s no different for any of us striving for something greater.

The Weight of the Crown

When we say we want to be financially wealthy, that comes with more than just vision boards and affirmations. It comes with responsibility. It comes with discipline. It comes with the daily, sometimes boring, choices that few see but everyone feels the results of.

You can’t just act wealthy, you have to become wealthy. To do that, you have to put in the work in real life. Manage your money. Make sacrifices. Learn new skills. Make smart decisions even when they don’t feel good in the moment.

It’s not glamorous all the time and I think that’s the point. The hardships aren’t a distraction from the path. THEY ARE THE PATH.

Rule Your Kingdom

Your life is your kingdom. Your mindset is your palace. It’s your duty to rule it well.

Doubt is the first sign of disorder. The moment you start second-guessing yourself, or worse, you let other people’s doubts become your own, you open the door for chaos. That’s when confidence crumbles, and opportunities slip through your hands.

So don’t just say it. Don’t just affirm it. Be it.

All I ask is while you’re being it, do it with some joy. Some style. Some OG Millennial-level perspective. Whether you’re making a hard decision in your career or grinding toward your financial goals in silence, it’s all part of the role YOU signed up for.

Just like a CEO who gets the glory when stock prices rise and the blame when they fall, you have to be prepared to wear the crown when it’s heavy AND when it’s shining.  It’s the same crown.

Own It. Protect It. Embody It.

Wherever you are right now, whatever title, role, or vision you’re stepping into, embrace the responsibilities that come with it. Embrace the tough moments. Learn to spot challenges early and handle them like the person you say you are.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being true.

So the next time you say “I’m this” or “I’m that,” pause for a second. Are you acting like it? Or are you actually being it?

There’s a difference and that difference is everything.