Tip#53: The Self-Confidence of Spider-Man - Spider-Man 3

Spider-Man 3just opened and broke all worldwide box office records for it's opening weekend sales. And if you've seen the first two films you will know the reasons are far beyond just a fantasy movie full of action and special effects. It's because these films are infused with relatable characters with every day human issues they must deal with. They all make choices that define who they are.

Just hours before I saw Spider-Man 3I happened to be reading this Shakespearequote:

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts...
"As You Like It"

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Playing many parts is one of the main themes in Spider-Man 3that's about revealing the hidden dark sides to our selves as well as the good in others who may appear bad. You see one villain called the Sandman whose motivation for crime is actually noble and not evil. He ultimately chooses to play the role of a bank robber.

Peter Parker (Spider-Man)unleashes a different side to himself that is highly aggressive and yet brimming with self-confidence. That's the reason why he has a new black version of the red and blue costume he wears. Extreme changes occur in his personality both in his real life and when he is Spider-Man. Without revealing why this happens it becomes an interesting metaphor for the beneficial sides to ourselves that can be coaxed out. There are hidden strengths buried deep within us all.

Parker demonstrates a more primal form of self-confidence that crosses the line into arrogance. Some of the scenes are humorous because the audience doesn't expect to see this audacious, testosterone filled side of a soft spoken, introverted character like Peter Parker. But when you really look you can see this powerful new side to Parker exposes a very self-assured capability.

Parker becomes more assertive and stands up for himself. He exerts more control over situations that are important to him. He is free from any doubt. We all have those qualities inside ourselves. We just need to learn how to unleash them and at the right times and without going overboard to being obnoxious.

Self-confidence and self-esteem issues were also explored in Spider-Man 2. In that film Parker was questioning his role as a superhero because he felt no one was appreciating that he was saving others. So when he began to lose his belief in himself he would lose his spider powers. He'd be swinging in mid-air, try to shoot out a web and nothing would come out. He'd come crashing back down to earth.

It was only when he chose to accept his hero role and his special gifts and skills did his powers come into full swing (pun intended!). Parker's self-esteem was recharged and self-confidence intact. He discovered that he did have great value and was appreciated for his good deeds.

So it all comes down to making choices. Choose to believe in your gifts and skills. Then choose to become a self-confident person. And if you haven't seen the Spider-Mantrilogy I recommend you start with the first film. You will be inspired by how Peter Parker grows in his self-confidence. And you'll also see how his courage and belief allows him to express himself to the girl he loves.

Choose the role you want to play in your life. Remember you are already the main character and the hero of your own action/adventure movie. Choose to be a self-confident one.

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