Mac Gyver, Essay Example

Mac Gyver: Growing up With Characters

Growing up, MacGyver has been a distinct character in television that has lead many generations into realizing the importance of being resourceful and inventive especially in dealing with particular situations that challenges the being of an individual [specifically involving points of survival]. Personally, as a child, I have been accustomed to watching MacGyver’s character as somewhat one that shaped my understanding of what is meant by determined thinking. I have seen through those years that being resourceful does not only involve having the need to know what needs to be done. It involves the need from a person to take on the consideration over what needs to be thought about [not only during the situation being resolved, but also with regards how matters ought to turn out to be].

As a child, watching MacGyver face almost uncontrollable emergencies was rather an exciting part of my experience. I have seen what it took to take on a new sense of going through the hoops and becoming more involved in thinking outside of the box; making things happen out from practically hard situations that are almost impossible to get out of. Mac used non-violent means of solving conflicts whenever he was confronted. In fact, he never carried a gun, although  he could be seen carrying AK47 rifle that he only used on rare occasions. His calmness in approaching problems taught me to be a determined problem solver. In the series, MacGyver features as a problem-solver for the Phoenix Foundation, where he works. He serves as an ingenious secret agent who can solve various kinds of problems. Watching MacGyver solves a range of problems calmly taught me to be calm and collected when solving problems. He also used analysis to solve problems and often thought “out of the box”. One  thing I learned is that all problems need some level of critical analysis and depth of thinking. I have used the same methods for solving day-to-day work challenges. I have also changed my old habits of evading challenges. Instead, I face up to challenges whenever they arise. Indeed, the capacity to engage also in critical analysis and some depth of thinking has often enabled me to think out of the box. At the workplace, I have often been respected for my calmness and strategic approach to any challenge.

One other strong attitude I have developed from watching MacGyver is resourcefulness. Back at home and at the workplace, I have a tendency to use my resources to the best of their ability. MacGyver was a rather resourceful person and could leverage every resource at his disposal to produce results. He could use sign language, use maritime signal flags, Morse code, as well as play various kinds of games. At work, I am generally an all-rounded person. I have worked in various departments doing different tasks. At home, I have inventively used the scarce resources, rather than buy new items or hire a handyman. For instance, I repair my own electronics.

Another matter I have strongly adapted to was that of MacGyver’s sensitive character has also significantly influenced my approaches to personal tragedies or losses. On reflection, I initially was not such a clinger. However, watching MacGyver too much may have changed me. Today, I have developed a tendency to remain intellectually or emotionally attached to personal things of value. For instance, rather than throw or sell my old electronics, I prefer keeping them. MacGyver also tended to blame himself for a fatal accident, which sent him into depression. Like him, I began to blame myself even for misdoings that are not mine at the workplace. Through time, I have seen that the need to make amends affectively through critical thinking is an important part of personal, familial and professional growth.