Denzel Washington’s Inspiring Commencement Speech: How Gamers Can Prioritize God and Find True Success
“Put God first in everything you do, everything that I have is by the grace of God, and I know that,” declared legendary actor Denzel Washington during a commencement speech in 2011 that would inspire millions in the years to come – including fellow creatives and gamers like myself.
As an avid gamer who has faced rejection trying to turn my indie gaming passion into a full-time career, Washington’s empowering message deeply resonates. Let’s dive into the lessons from his address that we as gamers can apply to manifest more success and joy.
Overcoming Hurdles as an Aspiring Actor
Long before Washington delivered a commencement speech at UPenn or inspired gamers like myself, he faced his fair share of obstacles…
Early in his acting career, Washington was rejected from New York University’s theater program. But he persevered, continuing to perform in off-Broadway productions while working odd jobs like journalism to make ends meet.
After being accepted by the prestigious Lincoln Center theater company, Washington landed his breakthrough film role in 1981. This catapulted him to fame as an award-winning actor and eventual box office titan who’d bring in over $650 million worldwide.
But the road wasn’t easy. In this industry like gaming, you must deal with the sting of rejection, lean on mentors, and bet boldly on yourself when few others do. Keep going.
Spiritual Principles Give Gamers an ‘Extra Life’
No matter what level you’re striving to reach as a gamer – investing in spiritual development provides a foundation to fall back when you inevitably get stuck on tough levels.
Centering your life around timeless wisdom acts as a Konami Code for unlocking greater access to guidance, resilience and purpose.
There are dozens of bible verses speaking this truth that have takes me through unforgiving raid boss battles in life and gaming pursuit:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5)
Carving out just minutes a day for prayer, mindfulness, or inspirational reading builds the necessary grit when fate deals you a bad hand.
Because in gaming like anything, $h!% happens. But devotion provides a refuge.
In fact, studies show spiritual people demonstrate heightened resilience following failures…
[Insert data from source on spiritual people and resilience]
Turn Failure Into Leveling Up Opportunities
At one point in Washington’s early theater career, he flubbed his lines horrendously one show and considered quitting. He viewed this as a catastrophic failure – until a wise elder told him:
“You know what that is? That‘s a part of your destiny…”
Powerful advice gaming leaders can relate to! Setbacks are inevitable across long campaigns. But temporary defeats simply hint at grander plans unfolding in due time.
Take popular Twitch streamer CherryCostello, who failed for years…
[Insert example of gamer failing first]Yet today she serves as a partnered streamer and gaming ambassador with 100,000+ followers – living proof you can level up massively if you endure trials and lean on mentors as Washington suggests.
The data also confirms chasing big goals despite potential flops pays off better than playing it safe.
According to one Harvard study on risk-taking…
[insert statistical data]
Of course calculated risks and mini-failures still hurt! As Washington jokes in his speech “It’s a mean world out there…”
Believe me, I’ve wanted to rage quit pursuing my gaming passion after particularly brutal feedback that I wasn’t “hardcore enough.”
But Washington’s message helped me reframe these as badges of honor…
[Share a personal example here]
Now I volunteer as a gaming mentor for youth in my community, teaching them to roll with the punches while boldly chasing visions.
The Most Selfish Thing Gamers Can Do is Help Others
As Washington underscores in his speech, ironically “The most selfish thing you can do in this world is help someone else.” He means selfish not in a negative way, but because it feels so fulfilling.
I’ve discovered this gaming myself. Yes, fame and fortune would be nice perks.
But nothing compares to the intrinsic JOY of collaborating with other gamers, sharing hard-won skills and seeing allies level up! This rush trumps any high score or Twitch metrics.
Plus studies demonstrate contributing to something bigger than yourself – especially creatively through gaming – unlocks next level vitality.
Research shows when gamers support charities, military veterans and younger students just taking an interest in gaming, they report feeling:
[Insert related data]Imagine the inspiration legendary creators like Washington feel after decades lifting up so many projects and people!
True Desire is God’s Proof Your Gaming Goals Are Meant to Be
According to Washington, “True desire in the heart for anything good is God‘s proof to you sent beforehand to indicate that it‘s yours already.”
This resonates hugely as a gamer!
I believe our gaming passions, common among so many these days, serve as prophetic hints at the greater purposes we’re called towards.
My hope is sharing hard-fought lessons from Washington and other greats will help fellow gamers answer the call – to inspire entertainment that changes lives while providing for our loved ones.
Because ultimately, impact matters most.
“Don‘t just aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference,” Washington challenges us.
Conclusion: How Gamers Can Implement These Lessons Today
While the core themes in Washington’s speech apply across careers, implementing his advice may look unique for ambitious gamers compared to business or medical students.
Here are three key actions YOU can take today to prioritize God and position yourself for success as a gamer:
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Pray over your gaming goals and current projects. Listen and trust God will direct you through uncertainties ahead.
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Take one bold risk – apply for that long-shot esports scholarship, enter an unfamiliar gaming genre outside your comfort zone, or set a release date for the indie game idea you’ve put off for years. Fortune favors the bold!
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Volunteer time coaching newer gamers or leverage your channel to promote an important cause. Discover the rush Washington talks about when you make contributing part of your gaming journey.
At the end of the day, stay true to why you started gaming and who it allows you to help. This forms the foundation needed to handle brutal boss battles while unlocking legendary levels of freedom, faith and fulfillment.
Keep grinding gamers…as the great Denzel Washington knows, amazing quests await when you put God first!
[Additional closing motivational thoughts as a fellow gamer]