The Essential Traits of James Bond: Resourcefulness, Charm, and Loyalty

I grew up watching James Bond movies. I love the character, the thrills, and the service he provides to his beloved England.

When I was a child, all I noticed was the action, the girls, and always getting the bad guy. As an adult, I see things a little differently.

Here's what I see now:

• Resourcefulness
• Charm
• Loyalty

Resourcefulness: The Key to Survival

It seems like James Bond is always in a tough situation. It's never easy with him. And that's the point of the character. I would think a spy doesn't have it easy when working on a case.

He's always trying to survive the next thing. Whether it's a car chase through the Italian Riviera or the French woods, James Bond is always on the move.

"It's harder to hit a moving target." - James Bond, Skyfall

How does he do it? He's resourceful. That's the bottom line.

Etymonline defines 'resourceful' as "rich or abundant in resources". Etymonline defines 'resources' as follows:

• A means of supplying a want or deficiency
• A source or spring
• To rally, raise again
• Rise again

So what does James Bond actually do? He rallies his acquaintances, partners, or gadgets to get him out of tough spots. In short, he always makes something happen. Even though he fails at times, he comes back to finish the job.

That's one of my goals in life. I want to become resourceful to the people around me. Not only for my sons but also for the people I serve.

Charm: The Secret Weapon

James charms everyone he comes across. This is one of his tools to get close to people and gather the intelligence his country needs.

I presume there's no easy way to do it if you don't have charm. I mean would I trust a guy that smiles too much? Nope. Would I trust a guy that I don't like? Nope.

His charisma gives him access to people. He's able to gain the trust and confidence of others. Of course, the circumstances of others weigh in on it as well.

This is where we see the fine line between influence and manipulation. And while James may do both, he's still loyal to those around him.

I don't think I have ever wanted to be charming. I do want to be influential, though. Thus, I have to develop a level of charm to do this. I can't be an asshole and pretend that people are going to accept me right away.

Whatever the case, I must develop a relationship with people. The easiest way to break the ice is with a smile and a greeting. This is the first step to becoming charming.

Loyalty: The Driving Force

James has a license to kill. Thus, part of his job description is to kill. He does understand that there are times when you don't kill.

James understands the value of human life. He doesn't kill out of sport. He kills when it's his duty, in self-defense, or defense of others.

Besides that, James depends on trust in others to do his job. That's why is so hurt when Vesper Lynd betrays him in Casino Royale. Vesper earned James' trust and love to gain access to money. She needed the money to rescue her kidnapped boyfriend.

So let's think about that. You fall for a woman. She loves someone else and is working on getting back to that person by committing treason to the crown. She uses the money that James won at a poker tournament to bring down a financier of terrorism. After this, she gets kidnapped and James goes to rescue her. He crashes his car, gets kidnapped, and the kidnappers torture him.

Even after all that, James still attempted to rescue her after again. This time, Vesper fell into the water while trapped in an elevator. James jumped in the water after disposing of the bad guys.

James failed to pull her out in time because Vesper refused James' help. She realized that she betrayed James and couldn't live with herself.

James was unable to forgive himself since that moment. Even though Vesper betrayed him, James remained loyal to her and her memory.

The same holds true for the other people around him. I'm talking about "M", Money Penny, "Q", Felix, and Madeleine. Let's not forget that he is very loyal to his country as well.

Conclusion

These three traits make James Bond unique and legendary. It can also make you and me the same. In our own way, of course.

I'm not going to be shooting my way out of the laboratory in Russia any time soon. Or ever for that matter.

I do intend to become more resourceful, charming, and loyal.

How about you?