10 Leadership Quotes And Principles From Soul Surfer
April 9, 2011 
13 Comments
Normal is overrated. That is the main principle I took from the inspiring true story of Bethany Hamilton, played by AnnaSophia Robb, in the movie Soul Surfer. Hamilton was a teenage surfing champion who lost her left arm in a shark attack but worked her way back to champion status once again. It is a great movie that I recommend for everyone, especially people dealing with self-doubt or feelings of inadequacy.
The following are the leadership quotes and principles that I took from the movie.
- “It’s hard to look at things that are too close.” - Those are the words of Hamilton’s Youth Minister Sarah Hill played by Carrie Underwood. Often we don’t understand why we face the struggles in our life. We only understand them with perspective that comes with time.
- “A small step in a good direction.” Bethany was struggling with a decision she made to participate in a competition rather than fulfilling a previous commitment to Hill to go on a Mexican mission trip. Her mother Cheri, played by the marvelous Helen Hunt, communicates that often our internal struggles point us in positive directions. If you are currently struggling with a decision in your life, press into that and don’t simply dismiss the struggle.
- Peace – What ultimately saved Bethany’s life during the shark attack was staying calm. If you are feeling attacked in your life, one of the most important things you can do is stay calm.
- “I don’t need easy. I just need possible.” Leaders and champions just want a chance.
- “Compassion can drive us to do amazing things and give us perspective.” - The turning point in the movie for Bethany was a relief trip to tsunami-ravaged Thailand with World Vision. It was there that she received the perspective needed to move forward. If you are feeling down or hopeless, the best remedy is often serving someone less fortunate than yourself.
- “Normal is overrated.” - If you don’t fit in, that is a good thing. You are uniquely and wonderfully made.
- “Love is bigger than any tidal wave or fear.” – The Hamiltons are a great example of what a loving and supportive family can do in a child’s life. Conversely, it also occurred to me that often dysfunctional families are more dangerous than sharks are.
- “Why would they want me to compete?” asks Bethany to her father Tom played by Dennis Quaid. This was asked after a difficult first competition back but also after receiving hundreds of letters from people inspired by her. “(Because) You tried” he answers. Effort and a desire to compete in spite of our circumstances honors God and inspires people.
- “When you get in the Impact Zone, get back up because you never know what’s over the next wave.” – Surfing has a period of time called “The Impact Zone” when things can get very difficult. Like life, often the difference between a champion surfer and everyone else is when the Impact Zone knocks them down, they simply choose to get back up. Some of you reading this simply need to get back up!
- “I could never have embraced this many people with two arms.” – Jeremiah 29:11 is quoted in the movie and states “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Often what you think is one of your greatest defeats or challenges is something that God is using to give you more blessing and influence than you ever imagined.
I encourage everyone to see this movie. We all face things that seem impossible either currently or in the future. It’s inevitable and no one is immune. The principles contained in this movie will help carry you through that difficult time.
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This looks like a great movie adapted from an unbelievable story. Very inspirational.
“I dont need easy. I just need possible.” is quickly becoming my favorite quote.
Thanks for this post Brian.
Saw this movie last night and it reall as inspirational as it looks. I have a ton of quotes written down from it and this page helped me with some of the ones I missed or overlooked. Thank You!!
My thirteen year old daughter has been wanting to see this. It sounds very good and very inspirational based on your quotes. Thanks!
Dana,
Thanks for your comments. I hope you and your daughter enjoy the post and return to this site often.
Blessings,
Brian
Great review about the movie..
“Often what you think is one of your greatest defeats or challenges is something that God is using to give you more blessing and influence than you ever imagined.
Effort and a desire to compete in spite of our circumstances honors God and inspires people.”
Every human should see this movie… It will gives you an inspiration and encourage to move forward in life whatever happens to it.
Share the love to other people and never let go of God hands. I really love this movie.
Allan,
Great words and I couldn’t agree more. Bethany’s story and life have literally touched thousands, including my daughter. I hope you re-visit this site and comment often.
Thanks,
Brian
My wife and I watched this movie last weekend. I was searching for the Bible verse that became one of themes, Jeremiah 29:11, and I wanted to remember the words. I really enjoyed the top 10 list you put together. It was a very inspiring movie on a number of levels and brought my wife and I closer together, made us reflect on how we want to raise our two young daughters (5 and 2) and also brought also closer to the Lord. Thanks for posting.
David,
Thank you for the comments. I am thrilled the film brought you and your wife closer together and also closer to the Lord. It is amazing how He can use a human life like Bethany Hamilton or an artistic medium like a movie to do that. I’ll be praying for your continued growth.
Please feel free to comment on future posts. I’d love to hear how you’re doing in the future.
Brian
Hi,
I really loved this movie I’ve watched it 2-3 times and it inspires. me to try new things like now I want to learn to try surfing and also. When I get down I try my best to get right back up so thanks for showing this website yo millions of people never forget this thank you. <3
Love, Kyrastl.!!
Krystal,
Thank you for your kind words. The movie is definitely inspiring. Keep us updated on how learning to surf goes. I can’t wait to hear the progress.
Thanks again,
Brian
I did to get attacked by a shark. And these quotes and the movie really insirered me also to surf again. I loved the movie. And the quote:when u get u get into the impact zone, get back up because you never know what’s over the next wave.”
This movie was VERY inspirational. If everyone looked at life like Bethany did, this world would be so much better off. Sadly, society is so materialistic… We can only pray they find our Lord, Jesus Christ<3
God Bless