To Infinity and Beyond – Thoughts and Lessons from Toy Story

The Toy Story movie and its subsequent sequels have placed some quotes and ideas into our modern culture and lexicon.  “To infinity and beyond” just might be the most memorable.  Can we really do that?  Can we go that far?  Can we achieve that much?

Today, there are so many phrases and mantras tossed around about believing in yourself, and I too, feel that this is an important trait to have. Teddy Roosevelt is credited with saying, “Believe you can and you are halfway there.” “You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them,” was stated by Michael Jordan. These statements are correct. If we do not believe in ourselves, we cannot accomplish anything.

In Toy Story, Buzz Lightyear has a very high opinion of himself and his abilities. He does look quite incredible with his wings and his laser. Woody is ever pragmatic. He continually tries to remind Buzz that he is “just a toy.” This builds into a rivalry between Buzz and Woody that would lead to nothing if continued. It takes a belief in self and a willingness to trust others to achieve. What is eventually accomplished is amazing. The belief grows within the toy community, and through trust and collaboration, the rescue from Sid and a return to Andy is a success. As individuals, we can accomplish much with a belief in ourselves, but let us not forget that we can accomplish so much more by adding trust and collaboration with others.

Jealousy begins to develop in Woody even before Buzz is revealed to the toy community. Woody has emotions that he will no longer be good enough. This jealousy begins to grow within Woody and he uses his only known defense since he cannot build himself up. He puts Buzz down. “You’re just a toy” and “That’s not flying, it’s falling with style” are two well-known phrases. Eventually, Woody has to accept his weaknesses and treat Buzz as a partner. The lesson is that jealousy gets us nowhere. The best route is to accept who we are and accept what we can do. Also, acknowledge the strengths of others and gladly ask for and accept their help.  Together we can accomplish so much more than we can alone.

The plot moves along in the movie and shows how the toys need each other. They all have strengths and they all have weaknesses. Who could forget a severely insecure Tyrannosaurus Rex? Relationships are precious and should be nurtured. Friends are needed and the toys show that so much more can be done when we all work together.

You’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got troubles, and I’ve got ’em, too
There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you

We stick together and we see it through
‘Cause you’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got a friend in me

Perhaps the message is that we CAN go To Infinity and Beyond………with the help from our friends.