Life hacks from Clark W. Griswold

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is an unforgettable holiday classic. No matter how many times I’ve seen it, every time is like the first. I can’t get enough of Clark W. Griswold and his family, especially Cousin Eddie and his antics. Alongside the film’s many humorous moments there are some worthwhile life hacks we can take from this holiday favorite. Not only can we apply them to our daily professional and personal lives but also to the management of our personal finances.

If you have a plan, stick to it

Clark is absolutely determined to have the most decorated house on his block (and maybe even the city). He tries and tries to get his excessive lighting display to work, and despite many failed attempts and countless hours of labor out in the cold, he never loses sight of his vision. Whether you have a work project, a personal life goal, or a financial objective (such as saving money for something special or putting money in a long-term savings account) keep your eye on the prize. No matter what you’re working toward or how long it takes, if you stay focused your hard work will pay off.

Grin and bear it if things don’t go your way

When things don’t go as planned, whether it’s when his annoying family takes over his house or he gets unexpectedly locked in his cold attic, Clark always seems to take things in stride. This is something we can all learn from. It is easy to get frustrated when we face obstacles (such as when a home repair costs you more money than you were prepared to pay), but take a deep breath and remember that everything will turn out okay in the end.

Keep calm when others look up to you

When Clark gets a “Jelly of the Month” club subscription from his employer instead of the Christmas bonus he was expecting (and was planning to use for a new swimming pool), he completely loses his cool in front of his entire family. They are shocked and disappointed by his meltdown and Cousin Eddie even kidnaps Clark’s boss in a wild attempt to remedy the situation. We all get angry and upset but when others are looking up to us either in a professional setting or for comfort in our personal lives, it’s important we keep calm and set a good example.

Christmas Vacation is a holiday favorite not only because we love to laugh at Clark W. Griswold’s misfortunes, but also because in the end, we are happy he learns to appreciate his kooky family. We may be confronted by professional hurdles or personal challenges, but if we remain optimistic and composed, these unexpected things in life can end up being learning experiences that shape us and make us stronger.

Wendy Moody

Wendy Moody

Wendy Moody is a Senior Editor with CUInsight.com. Wendy works with the editorial team to help edit the content including current news, press releases, jobs and events. She keeps ... Web: www.cuinsight.com Details