Movies inspire me to see things differently and think outside the box. The Hundred Foot Journey was no exception. It reinforced several key ingredients in achieving meaningful success.
A highlight of The Hundred Foot Journey was a talented cook, Hassan, who immigrated with his family from India to a quaint village in the south of France. Hassan was the head cook for the family-style Indian restaurant they opened right across the road from a well-established elegant French restaurant. This bold move along with the lack of foot traffic ignited Hassan’s desire to learn about French food and be recognized as a chef.
Hassan had no formal culinary training. His education took place in the kitchen of the family restaurant in India with his mother before a fire destroyed everything. Cooking was part of who he was, and it was what he was passionate about.
There are seven key moves Hassan made that led to success while honouring what was most important to him:
#1 – STAY CURIOUS
Hassan was already a talented cook familiar with making Indian cuisine. Once in France, he became intrigued with French cooking and decided to explore. It wasn’t about abandoning what he already knew; it was about integrating new knowledge to enhance his craft.
Takeaway: As a leader or a professional, curiosity allows you to see beyond your comfort zone.
Ask yourself: Where can I be more curious to elevate my skills or achieve more satisfying results?
#2 – ASK, ASK, ASK
To get what you want, you need to ask for it. Hassan’s questions began with the basics: what books to read, what techniques to master, and what steps to take to grow. He approached Marguerite, the sous chef at the Michelin-starred French restaurant, just across the road, because she was where he aspired to be.
Takeaway: Asking questions fast-tracks your growth. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, guidance, or feedback—especially from those who have achieved what you desire. It takes courage, but the results are worth it.
Ask yourself: What do I need to ask for today that could accelerate my learning or progress?
#3 – TAKE ACTION
Success is built on taking action. When Hassan received advice to master the five basic French sauces, he immediately put that advice into practice. He didn’t simply learn; he applied what he learned.
Takeaway: There is a significant difference between knowing something and doing something. Taking action transforms knowledge into results.
Reflect: What is something I know but haven’t yet applied to move closer to my goals?
#4 – ASK FOR FEEDBACK
Hassan knew feedback was essential to mastering his craft. After making the five sauces, he presented them to Marguerite for her input. Her approval signalled that he was on the right track.
Takeaway: Seek feedback from people whose opinions you trust—especially those who have achieved what you’re striving for. Be specific when asking for feedback, it can sound like, “I am working on presenting more confidently, on a scale of 1 to 10, how did I perform?” If it’s not a 10, follow up with: “What can I do to make it a 10?”
Pro Tip: When receiving feedback, listen without interrupting, defending, or explaining. Then thank the person.
Reflect: How can I use this information to grow?
#5 – BE ADAPTABLE
Hassan and his family faced a major cultural shift when they moved to France. To succeed they learned to adapt without compromising their roots. The Indian restaurant introduced flavours that honoured their heritage along with appealing to their French patrons.
Takeaway: Success often requires flexibility. It’s not about changing who you are but about evolving to meet the opportunities around you.
Reflect: Where in my life am I resisting change? What benefits could come from adapting?
#6 – TAKE RISKS
Hassan took a leap when he crossed the road—literally and figuratively—to enter the world of French cuisine. He stepped away from the familiar into something unknown, surrounded by people who initially didn’t welcome him.
Takeaway: Achieving greatness requires taking risks. You may face discomfort, disapproval, or fear, but growth lies on the other side.
Ask yourself: What’s one risk I can take today that would bring me closer to my goals?
#7 – FOLLOW YOUR HEART
While Hassan achieved fame as a chef, his greatest joy came from creating food that honoured his Indian roots with a French twist. He realized that success wasn’t about media recognition—it was about doing what made him happy and seeing people enjoy his cooking.
Takeaway: Life can sweep you in a direction that may not align with what truly fulfills you. Perform regular check-ins with yourself.
Reflect: Am I doing what makes me happy? If the answer is no, ask: What’s missing, and how can I change that?
The Journey and the Lesson
The Hundred Foot Journey beautifully illustrates the emotional, physical, and mental steps it takes to go from where you are to where you want to be. Hassan’s story is a reminder that success comes from staying true to who you are, embracing challenges, and taking bold actions to pursue meaningful work.
As you reflect on your journey, consider:
- Are you staying curious and open to learning?
- Are you taking consistent action?
- Are you willing to adapt and take risks?
- Most importantly, are you following your heart?
Let Hassan’s story inspire you to step outside your comfort zone and pursue success on your own terms.
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