What Was Your Takeaway?

Summary

Destiny Harris reflects on the habit instilled by her mother to critically analyze media content for valuable lessons, emphasizing the importance of observing and learning from every screen experience.

Abstract

The article recounts the author's personal experience with a family tradition initiated by her mother, who would ask about the takeaway from every movie or show watched together. Initially, the author found this practice somewhat annoying, preferring to be entertained without analysis. However, over time, this habit developed into a critical thinking skill, enabling the author to extract lessons from nearly all visual media consumed. The article suggests that this approach can also be a strategy for content creators struggling to find inspiration; by engaging with media critically, one can observe and internalize elements that can enrich their writing. The author, Destiny Harris, invites readers to adopt this reflective practice and offers resources for further reading on writing, as well as a recommendation for an AI service.

Opinions

The author values the critical thinking skills developed from her mother's insistence on discussing the lessons learned from movies and shows.
Destiny Harris believes that there is always something to learn or take away from every screen experience, even from content that may seem trivial or low-quality.
The author suggests that this critical viewing approach can be particularly beneficial for writers seeking content ideas, as it encourages active observation and thoughtfulness.
Destiny Harris promotes the idea that continuous learning and self-improvement can be integrated into everyday activities, such as watching television or movies.
The article implies that the habit of critical analysis has become second nature to the author, influencing not only her entertainment choices but also her personal and professional growth.

Think critically through every screen experience

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Way back when, after every movie or show we watched as a family, my mother would always ask: what was your takeaway / what did you learn?

It got a bit irritating at times because I didn’t want to chat about what I learned; I simply desired to be entertained. But there was always a takeaway from everything we watched — whether I wanted to admit it or not.

After a while, I could no longer watch a show or movie without thinking critically throughout it. I now find a lesson in about 99.99% of the movies and shows I watch. I’m trained to look for new pieces of information and lessons in every screen experience. It’s difficult for me to get completely lost in a show or movie without observing myself and my thoughts throughout the movie and thinking about what I can apply to my daily life.

If you’re struggling to find content, watch one movie or one episode, and challenge yourself to think critically throughout the entire screening. As you’re watching, be observant and think about what sticks out to you and what you could share in your writing.

What was your takeaway? Because there’s always a takeaway — even for the dumb movies and shows.

Hi there! I’m Destiny. Join my newsletter, and get free books daily. Read more articles on writing: here. If you’re not a medium member, sign up here