Good Things Take Time Pt. III: Building a Legacy - Klaus’ Lessons on Purpose
Good things come in three :)
Welcome Back to Our Christmas Series on Klaus! Today is the last post of a 36-hour in the making series with 3 posts.
Over the past two posts, we’ve uncovered how great ideas often start tucked away in a drawer, waiting for the right moment to shine, and how extraordinary persistence brought Klaus to life as a modern Christmas classic.
For our last post, we’re rounding up this experience into the movie’s message and what it means to build a legacy, whether as Santa Claus or as a movie-maker. And we focus as well on the deeper themes of generosity, connection, legacy, and how they can inspire us to create meaningful things with lasting impact, at work or in life.
This Series is called “Good things take time” for a reason! It took Sergio Pablos 10 years to get it out of the drawer, into a 2 minute teaser that got the hype of the movie industry, to eventually have Netflix collaborate with them (aka help pay for the movie).
Haven’t read it, yet? Then here’s yesterday’s post!
Patience is a Superpower
Exceptional results take time: I’ve probably already repeated this idea a few times. Whether you’re working on a big project, developing a skill, or building your career, commit to the process. Klaus’ ten-year journey from concept to completion reminds us that perseverance and patience often lead to breakthroughs.
As Sergio Pablos shared, “It took 10 to 15 projects before one finally worked.” His persistence and willingness to learn from failure are what eventually led to the creation of Klaus, proving that success is built on patience and consistent effort.
Stay True to Your Vision
The creators of Klaus held onto their vision, even when it seemed impossible. Pablos wanted to honor the beauty of 2D animation while innovating with modern tools, like the groundbreaking KLaS lighting software. He refused to compromise on his dream of blending nostalgia with innovation.
In your work, staying clear on your goals and values is vital. Adjust when needed, but don’t lose sight of what makes your efforts meaningful. Purpose-driven work resonates deeply and creates a lasting impact.
What makes Klaus a great Christmas Movie? Its message!
Messaging of the Movie
At its heart, Klaus is about how small acts of kindness can spark profound change. Jesper’s journey from selfish motives to selfless acts mirrors the movie’s message: generosity has the power to transform individuals and communities. As Sergio Pablos put it, (and Klaus, as a character) “A true selfless act always sparks another” or “A True act of Good will always sparks another”.
This philosophy is present in every frame of the movie, from the hand-drawn characters to the intricate lighting that brings the story to life. The creators’ dedication to detail reflects their belief in the transformative power of purpose-driven work.
So, for us, here at Innovation from Within, what can it inspire in us? For me, it’s Legacy.
What Is Legacy?
If you believe that you work to create a Legacy, leaving something behind that endures beyond your immediate efforts or your time in the company or your life, then see how you can do it by looking at Klaus, behind the scenes and in the movie.
Personal Legacy: Beyond Klaus, Sergio Pablos’ work in animation has had a profound impact on the industry. From animating iconic characters in Tarzan and Hercules to creating the concept for Despicable Me, his contributions have shaped modern animation. His dedication to nurturing young talent at SPA Studios ensures that his vision will influence future generations of animators: because of the CGI wave, only older artists or fresh-out-of-university students were able to know or care about animation in 2D, so Sergio got a lot of fresh graduates that they needed to teach, but that allowed for a new generation of 2D artists to be born.
The Legacy of Klaus: The movie itself is a tribute to generosity, connection, and transformation. To me, this is a Christmas classic that is here to stay, not only because it reimagines the origin of Santa Claus in a way that feels timeless yet fresh, but also because it does so in a way that inspires us to be better. Home Alone is a bit of the opposite, if you ask me.
During Christmas, people should be united in good things, not laughing at people falling and other things typical of physical comedies. I don’t say don’t watch that movie, but personally, I just don’t get the entire concept.
To me, Klaus is an equally funny, but more educational comedy that is great for children and adults alike. The message, “A true act of goodwill always sparks another,” is also something that is quite true for your work. If you start innovating and bringing out new ideas and showing how they can work, you’ll inspire others. When you’re creative, others will follow.
Cultural Legacy: Klaus reignited appreciation for 2D animation in an era dominated by CGI, proving that traditional techniques can still captivate modern audiences. The innovation behind KLaS lighting software (our post explains it) set a new standard for blending artistry with technology.
Final Thoughts: Leaving Your Mark
Klaus reminds us that legacy is not built overnight. It’s shaped by the values we uphold, the kindness we show, and the dedication we bring to our work. Whether through small, consistent actions or bold, purpose-driven projects, we all have the ability to leave a lasting impact.
As we close this series, consider this:
What legacy do you want to build in your work or life?
How can you align your efforts with a purpose that transcends immediate goals?
By doing so, you not only build a meaningful legacy but also inspire others to do the same.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the lessons of Klaus. If you’ve enjoyed this series, share it with someone who might find inspiration here. And remember: even the smallest acts of kindness can spark something extraordinary. Good things take time, but they are always worth it.
Happy holidays, and here’s to building legacies that matter!
Great post.