By Bemi Idowu (found tweeting at: @mr_bemi)
For the last 50 years, James Bond has set the standard for men in many respects. He has all the cool gadgets, fast cars, friends in high places and is not bad with the ladies. Men want to be him and women want to be with him or at least with a man like him. And while he might not be the best at his job (being the spy everybody knows) , he is still the envy of men across the globe.
Regardless of background, James Bond has continued to have remarkable appeal across the generations. The popularity of his style and methods does not seem to have waned over the years – something that saw him voted as 2012’s most influential man in a recent survey.
To the untrained eye, it might look like 007 is just charming his way through situations and bulldozing his way through life with his charisma but a deeper look reveals some interesting character traits that a discerning gent would do well to have. Elysium Magazine has taken a closer look and put together a short list that we believe could act as discerning guidance, and help you be more like Bond.
1. Bond is assertive
Whether it is business or pleasure, Bond always knows what he wants and goes for it. Everything, even down to his drink of choice, (Dry Martini; shaken not stirred) comes with exact instructions and detail, giving an air of authority. It is important to endeavour not to complicate issues – this only leads to messy situations and distracts you from getting on with what really matters.
2. Bond values what matters
There is no bigger waste of time than to focus a huge portion of your valuable resources on trivial things. While Bond might give off the carefree vibe, it is clear to see that he takes his relationship with M and Q at MI6 very serious. He understands that these guys are essential to what he does and that everything else he gets to enjoy comes after he has fulfilled his responsibilities to them. It is all about setting priorities.
3. Bond always has a plan B
Whether he is in a confrontation with a super villain or on a date with a beautiful lady, Bond always has a back up plan. Bond has developed the ability to not only plan ahead but also to be able to spot when a situation is not going to plan and make the right changes. This is a very valuable skill to have as it means less time is wasted and situations are dealt with in a smoother way.
4. Bond doesn’t panic
Bond is always confident in his own ability and is never daunted by the task in front of him. He has mastered the ability to stay calm, even in the trickiest of situations and make informed decisions based on the knowledge he has gained from past experience. It’s very much the discerning gent way of life. As with Bond, it is not only important to know what to do, it is also important to train yourself to be confident and assured in what you know.
5. Bond is evergreen
Bond is always up to date with the latest developments. In an ever-changing world, he always finds a way to adapt to new situations with enthusiasm and verve, without being afraid of what might go wrong. This enthusiasm makes the world a less threatening place and enables him to face whatever challenge comes his way. And like Martin Luther King said, “the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Despite the fact that 007 is an entirely fictional character, there are many lessons to be learnt in the way he goes about his business. But perhaps the biggest lesson we have learnt from Bond over the last 50 years is that the world is always changing and those who stay relevant are the ones that make themselves relevant. That’s the challenge we all face and hopefully you’ll all be one step closer to doing that after reading this.
