Mulan is one of the most beloved Disney heroines, known for her bravery, determination, and loyalty to her family. From a young age, she dreamed of being a warrior like her father Fa Zhou, but as a woman in ancient China, that was not an option. Undeterred, Mulan disguised herself as a man and joined the army, becoming a fierce warrior and ultimately saving China from the invading Huns.
As Mulan’s story unfolds, we see her grow and mature, not just as a warrior, but as a person. Her journey offers many lessons that can apply to our own lives, both personally and professionally. Let’s take a closer look at some of these lessons, as told through conversations with other Disney characters.
Lesson #1: Perfection is not the goal
As a young girl, Mulan was constantly told that she must be “perfect” in order to bring honor to her family. However, when she tried to live up to that impossible standard, she found herself constantly falling short. As she told her friend Mushu, “I could never be perfect enough for them. But maybe I can be perfect enough for me.”
In a conversation with Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Mulan explains, “I learned that perfection isn’t the goal. The goal is to do your best and be true to yourself. That’s what brings honor.”
Belle nods in agreement. “I used to think I had to be perfect too, until I realized that my imperfections were what made me unique. It’s our differences that give us strength.”
Lesson #2: Be open to new experiences
When Mulan first joined the army, she was completely out of her element. She had never been away from home before, and she had no experience with combat. However, she was willing to take a risk and try something new.
In a conversation with Moana, Mulan reflects on the importance of being open to new experiences. “Sometimes we get so caught up in what we know and what we’re comfortable with, that we miss out on new opportunities. But when we’re willing to take a chance and try something new, we can discover strengths we never knew we had.”
Moana nods. “I know what you mean. When I first set sail across the ocean, I had no idea what I was getting into. But it turned out to be the greatest adventure of my life.”
Lesson #3: Don’t let fear hold you back
When Mulan first disguised herself as a man and joined the army, she was terrified. She was afraid of being discovered, afraid of being injured or killed in battle, and afraid of letting down her family. However, as she faced her fears and overcame obstacles, she grew stronger and more confident.
In a conversation with Anna from Frozen, Mulan says, “Fear can be a powerful thing, but we can’t let it control us. We have to face our fears head-on, and trust that we have the strength to overcome them.”
Anna nods in agreement. “I was afraid to leave my sister Elsa’s side, but I knew I had to help her and save our kingdom. It was scary, but I knew I couldn’t let fear hold me back.”
Lesson #4: Stand up for what you believe in
When Mulan discovered that the Huns were planning to invade China, she felt compelled to do something about it. Even though it meant disobeying her father, risking her life, and facing an uncertain future, she knew it was the right thing to do.
In a conversation with Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, Mulan explains, “Sometimes, we have to stand up for what we believe in, even if it’s hard or unpopular. It can feel lonely, but in the end, it’s worth it. We have to be true to ourselves.”
Tiana nods in agreement. “I know what you mean. When I was trying to save my restaurant, I faced a lot of obstacles and naysayers. But I knew in my heart that it was my dream and I had to fight for it.”
Mulan’s journey to maturity and professional success serves as a powerful reminder that we can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals if we stay true to ourselves, face our fears, and embrace new experiences. As she says, “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.”
Lessons learned from Mulan’s journey include not striving for perfection, being open to new experiences, overcoming fear, and standing up for what you believe in.
“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” – Mulan
