Tip#97: Jerry Maguire Motivates

Some movies can resonate deeply with your own life experiences. Some can even become powerful mirrors for where you've come from, where you are presently and what you still yearn for in life. These movies can become a road map to help make your dreams come true.

In my previous blog tip#96 of films that are full of life lessons I noticed that one stood out which I had yet to write about. Jerry Maguireis one of my favourite films and somehow there were no tips discussing its fantastic benefits for motivating. So I watched it again recently and was reminded of the overflowing number of lessons to finally dedicate this entry to the movie.

The Mission Statement

First of all Jerry Maguirewas a mirror for the early mid-life crisis I experienced. I saw myself right away in the opening scenes with Maguire, a sports agent played by Tom Cruise, having a breakdown in his hotel room. That was me in the year 2000. And they do make a reference in the film that Maguire was going through an early mid-life crisis.

We all know the famous lines that have come from this movie like, "Show me the money". Andy yet one I love is in the opening scene of his breakdown where Maguire says, "Breakdown, breakthrough!"

That's when he is compelled to write a mission statement of his epiphany to go back to the roots of his job. He rediscovered what he loved most about his profession which was about passion and the importance of personal relationships.

Maguire chooses at that pivotal moment to live an authentic life again. The mission statement becomes his catalyst for change, his document of what he stands for and his underlying drive for when his transition gets tough.

Believing In Each Other

Maguire later impulsively sends copies of his 25 page mission statement to everyone at his sports agency firm and, to his surprise, gets fired for his beliefs. He leaves the firm and is able to take only one loyal client, Rod Tidwell, played by Cuba Gooding Jr. One other person that leaves with Maguire was an accountant, Dorothy played by Renee Zellweger who was deeply moved by his mission statement. Her love for Maguire is apparent and it leads the story into the romantic side of the movie full of relationship lessons and memorable quotes like, "You complete me."

Together all 3 characters become a fantastic model of building a business together based on the primary importance of believing, loyalty, passion and people coming first. They become living examples of what their new business stands for. And if one was not acting upon the mission statement principles they would help each other learn their lesson.

Let Maguire, Dorothy and Tidwell become mirrors for those individuals in your life that push your buttons to help you be a better person. Everyone around you has a puzzle piece of experience to pass on to you. Maguire's quest for an authentic life provided him with the perfect individuals to help him change his unauthentic attitudes to finally attract the success he wanted. And success came both monetarily and personally for himself and for all the relationships around him.

We Determine Our Worth

There is a scene where Maguire and his only client, Tidwell, are waiting for an important fax for his football contract offer. When it arrives it is clearly a disappointment and not even close to the amount of money they expected. Tidwell's wife tells him to reject the offer and keep believing he is worth more. She says with conviction, "We determine our worth."

Through patience and faith Maguire, Dorothy and Tidwell eventually uphold their worth in themselves and help each other accomplish their individual goals. The results end with another contract offer ten times the original. Plus we see a burst of interest from other sports stars to have Maguire be their agent after witnessing the personal relationship and attention Maguire had with Tidwell.

Let that inspire you to maintain your belief in your own worth. Stand your ground. Believe in the value of your skills, knowledge and services. It may take time but in the long run your passion and personal attention towards people will lead you to great success money wise and in your personal growth.

The Late, Great Dicky Fox

As a bonus this movie also includes great motivational tips that can be applied to any career by Maguire's mentor, the late, great Dicky Fox. Here are some examples:

"The key to this business is personal relationships."
"Roll with the punches. Tomorrow is another day."
"I love getting up in the morning. I clap my hands and say this is gonna be a great day!"
"Unless you love everyone you can’t sell anyone."
"If this [points to heart] is empty, this [points to head] doesn't matter."
"Hey... I don't have all the answers. In life, to be honest, I have failed as much as I have succeeded. But I love my wife. I love my life. And I wish you my kind of success."

Be Filled With Hope

In the end the film Jerry Maguirecontinually fills me with hope that in my own life I will achieve all my career goals by maintaining my passion and nurturing of the personal relationships around me. And perhaps the new epiphany I have right now is that my dream for finding my soul mate includes the excitement of having her be a full time business collaborator like Dorothy was for Maguire. Now I have something thrilling to visualize and magnetize.

So if you feel stuck in your career or feel compelled to live a more authentic and passionate life then look at Jerry Maguire's journey towards success. Start by writing a personal mission statement of what your passion is and what you value most. Find one or two individuals in your life that will believe and support you.

And whatever happens on your journey remember to walk your talk and be a living example of what you stand for. Your example and actions will eventually attract others to your mission and your dreams.

Emmanuel Lopez
Life Skills & Career Development
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2007