Tip#126: The Good In A Virus - Pay It Forward

The term "viral" has become a positive term when it comes to internet marketing. It refers to the chain reaction of a message being passed on to others online. It is a reminder that there is a good side to a virus.

I recently became entangled with a mass email virus. It originated from someone else's email list and spread to 100's of others instantaneously. Whenever someone replied with a request to be removed from the e-list it replicated the virus even more. The next morning there were over 120 unwanted emails in my inbox.

The responses to this unexpected event were very interesting. Some were polite and simply asked to be removed while others were clearly irritated by the inconvenience. Some had a curious attitude to the mess while others saw the positive side that it was connecting strangers and presenting potential business connections.

Optimistic Responses

It was enlightening to read the optimistic responses. Everyone had a different default response to the situation and I was very inspired by those who embraced a sense of fun with the mass emails. It was a good example of how the term "viral" had its positive effects. It's like the word of mouth buzz that spreads about any intriguing message or product.

For example, remember the teaser trailer for the movie, CloverfieldI wrote about in tip#124. The mystery of the theatre teaser caused an instant viral curiosity and discussion among movie fans online. It attributed to the word of mouth buzz and success of the film's marketing campaign.

Pay It Forward

I'm also reminded of how a negative virus can spread in zombie movies like 28 Weeks Later, Dawn of the Deadand I Am Legend (see tip#114). Now take that negative viral zombie concept and flip it onto the positive side and you get a movie like Pay It Forward.

The film features actor Haley Joel Osment who initiates a class project to help change the world. His idea was to do a random act of kindness for 3 people and then have them each do the same for another 3. The concept quickly becomes viral and helped make positive changes for hundreds of people. (For more on 'Pay It Forward' see tip#2)

So be inspired to make your default responses an optimistic one. Look at the silver lining of your computer problems or other unexpected changes in your day. It could be life prodding you to learn something new or to make new connections with others.

In the end just being optimistic can be viral to others!

Emmanuel Lopez
Silverlining Specialist & Motivational Wingman
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008

Tip#125: A Knight's Tale - Heath Ledger

It is sad when death suddenly takes away our loved ones or our heroes. The news of a sudden passing can shock us out of our daily routines and look at life differently. This is the time to celebrate the gifts one has left behind.

A Knight's Tale

Every since I saw the movie, A Knight's TaleI was inspired by its story of a medieval peasant who believed he could change his destiny and become a knight. The lead actor was a newcomer named Heath Ledger and he became a new movie hero of mine.

This movie had many inspiring messages like pursuing your dreams with the importance of teamwork. It's about persevering against impossible odds while showing compassion to others along the way. The film style itself was a unique fusion of contemporary fashions and music interwoven into medieval dialogue, architecture and attitudes.

Sadly, Ledger recently passed away unexpectedly. He was only 28 and had a promising career ahead of him. But the gifts he leaves behind are his powerful roles in films like A Knight's Taleand Brokeback Mountain.

The Dark Knight

His final film role will be the next Batman movie called The Dark Knightwhere Ledger plays the Joker. It is ironic that his final movie also contains the world knight in the title. Heath Ledger has definitely left his knightly mark in the world.

So let this movie hero inspire you to focus on the difference your own heroes have made in your life. Celebrate the movies, books and other records they have left behind for the world. By celebrating their achievements they will live on forever.

Emmanuel Lopez
Silverlining Specialist & Motivational Wingman
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008

Tip#124: The Power In Documenting, Part 1 - Cloverfield

Documenting is a powerful method for recording the value of your experiences. Whether you are documenting through writing, photos, film or music you can always learn about yourself as well as help others learn from your experiences.

Cloverfieldmovie

I made it a point to see the new movie Cloverfieldon opening weekend recently because of the buzz it generated from the movie trailer a few months ago. In the trailer it looked like camcorder footage of someone's party when a sudden disaster erupts on the streets. It was riveting because it looked like footage anyone could have filmed.

In essence the entire movie concept is an unedited document of a disaster that strikes New York City. It feels like you are witnessing something that actually happened. At one point the person holding the camera says he's documenting everything because, "People will want to know what happened."

And it's true, people can learn from events whether they were disasters or moments of individuals making a difference.

Benefits of Documenting

The important point is to start documenting your own interests even if you currently see no value in doing so. It's like planting seeds to connect you to yourself or with others in the future.

Online resources have popularized many methods of documenting an individual's interests. YouTube.com is a big example and so is Facebook.com. And blogging is all about documenting and sharing with others. My blog tips record my life and career challenges and shares the solutions to help others all over the world.

Your story and your personal interests have the capability to help others, inspire others and even teach. You may have discovered the solution to something that someone else may be thrilled to apply to their own problems.

Sharing your story can also help others to know they are not alone in their situations. And it can lift you up knowing you are not alone in your own challenges.

So find ways to document yourself. Write in a journal (see tip#94: Power of Writing) or document the music you love (see tip#43: Soundtrack of Your Life). Or update your resume so you can see your past achievements. Whatever method you choose you will instantly make your mark in the world.

There is value in your life experiences and others will see that value. All you have to do is take action.

Related Tips:
Tip#124: The Power In Documenting, Part 1 - Cloverfield
Tip#895: The Power In Documenting, Part 2 - The Visit
Tip#189: Storytelling Will Lift You Up – The Fall 
Tip#671: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 1 - Stories We Tell 
Emmanuel Lopez
Silverlining Specialist & Motivational Wingman
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008

Tip#123: Be Resourceful - 4 Movie Tips

When you get stuck and feel like you are out of options look more carefully around you. There are always solutions if you stop and observe what is already within your reach.

Be resourceful and make the most of what you have. Here are 4 movie examples to inspire resourcefulness in your life or career challenges.

The Edge

Anthony Hopkins plays an introverted billionaire who has a passion for reading and increasing his knowledge. His gift for retaining facts helps him survive after his plane crashes in the northern wilderness. His inner strength for being inventive and resourceful surprises his fellow survivors. Despite his age, he shows them how to make a compass, a fire and many other survival techniques. Click on tip number to read more about movie: #45, #47

Cast Away

Tom Hanks plays Chuck Noland who survives on a deserted island using the contents of the FedEx packages that his plane was carrying. A pair of ice skates become invaluable tools to chop coconuts and wood while the laces are utilized for fishing. For companionship he paints a face on a volleyball which helps Noland retain his sanity for the years he is alone. Click on tip number to read more about movie: #42, #45, #47, #86, #96

Shawshank Redemption

Tim Robbins plays a wrongfully convicted man who uses his intellect to survive many years in a prison. To improve the quality of his prison life and garner support and protection by cell mates and prison guards he simply offers his skills for tax advice and bookkeeping. Overall it is his will to live that feeds his resourcefulness.

The Terminal

Tom Hanks plays Viktor Navorski caught in an unusual problem. Due to passport and political complications, this foreign visitor is forced to live within the confines of the NYC airport he landed in. Navorski becomes resourceful by making a bed with waiting room lounge chairs in a part of the airport still under construction. With no money to eat he discovers he can collect quarters by returning baggage carts and then eat at the fast food service. In the end he is able to receive food and other essentials by helping others working in the terminal with their own needs.

So let these movie heroes remind you of your primary resources:
1) Your mind set
2) Your skill sets, talents and gifts
3) People

Remember to remain optimistic when you feel stuck in life. This positive mind set is the first step for you to begin recognizing your abundant resources within you. You already possess the basic skills and talents to take you towards the help you seek.

Ultimately it is the relationships you cultivate that will help you attain your goals. Remember that people can be one of your greatest resources.

SPECIAL 1/2 PRICE ON JAN 21st WORKSHOP...
Was $70 now $35. Must call now to book your spot. Space is limited:
Tel: 416-461-8688

Topic: How To Press Play When You're Stuck On Pause
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When: Monday Jan.21st 7-9pm
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Emmanuel Lopez
Silverlining Specialist & Motivational Wingman
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008

Tip#122: The Bright Side of Career Transitions - Top 10 Movie Tips

Unexpected career transitions can be a shock. They can be a blow to your self-esteem and self-worth. Thankfully there are benefits for being disconnected from your career path. All you have to do is focus on the bright side of your situation, the silver lining.

My first presentation of 2008 was at Feldman Daxon Partners, a career transitions firm here in Toronto. The room was filled with their clients who were in some form of career transition. They included executives or management level individuals who had suddenly lost their jobs or are looking for a position that is more fulfilling.

I shared with the group that they were all in a great place to be. By being disconnected they were now in the realm of all possibilities.

The silver lining includes the gift of time:
1) Time to pause (rest & clear your mind)
2) Time to rediscover one's passions & dream job
3) Time to acknowledge achievements (resume)
4) Time to reassess goals
5) Time to explore hidden or new options
6) Time to learn new skill sets
7) Time to build an optimistic mindset

There are also many movies featuring cinematic role models that persevere through unexpected career changes. Here are some examples to motivate you. Click on each tip number to read more on each movie.

Top 10 Movies To Inspire You:
The Artist (2011) #581
As Good As It Gets (1997) #41, #45
Baby Boom (1987) #45, #61
Cinderella Man (2005) #3, #41, #47, #54
Erin Brockovich (2000) #25, #47
The Incredibles (2004) #117
Jerry Maguire (1996) #96, #97
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) #22, #23, #40, #47, #84
School of Rock (2003) #59, #67
Stranger Than Fiction (2006) #21, #52, #63, #93

So remember that every cloud has a silver lining. Remember to look at the bright side of your career transition. This is a gift of time for you to reassess where you are and where you truly want to go. In this way you will rebuild your self-esteem and self-worth. The value of your strengths and skills will then radiate out into the world!

KEYNOTES & SEMINARS
FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION...
"THE BRIGHT SIDE OF CAREER TRANSITIONS"
See more info under "Keynotes & Seminars: Here

Emmanuel Lopez
Silverlining Specialist & Motivational Wingman
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008

Tip#121: You Can Change Your Future - Minority Report

Sometimes the future can look dire and hopeless. But despite how things look you must believe you have the ability to change this future.

On my current path of my new motivational career the future can sometimes look pretty grim if I allow it. Thankfully previous life challenges have helped me feel more confident in positive outcomes despite how things look in the present. I am simply choosing to keep my eye on the silver lining of this cloud that's over me.

Minority Report

"You can choose." is a reoccurring message in the Steven Spielberg sci fi movie, Minority Report. Tom Cruise plays Chief John Anderton who prevents crimes before they happen with the help of 3 individuals who can see the future.

When Anderton sees his own future and it involves him murdering someone he is faced with a challenge of allowing this to happen or to change his future. He thinks he doesn't have a choice but in the end realizes he was always in control of his destiny.

Stranger Than Fiction

Choosing your future is a theme that also runs through the Back To The Future trilogy starring Michael J. Fox. While surrendering to your situation is what Will Ferrell's character does in the film, Stranger Than Fiction(See Tip#93: Power of Writing). In the movie he hears a voice in his head that is narrating a novel where he is the central character that's suppose to die. Despite this frightening message he eventually becomes the hero of his life and lives.

So be the hero in your own life. Believe that you are in control of your destiny. Believe that no matter what anyone else say that you can choose to change your future. Choose to be optimistic and see the silver lining of your clouds.

JUMPSTART YOUR NEW YEAR GOALS
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Topic: How To Press Play When You're Stuck On Pause
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Emmanuel Lopez
Silverlining Specialist & Motivational Wingman
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008

Tip#120: Find Your Golden Compass - The Golden Compass

Wouldn't it be great to have a magical compass to help navigate you through your life? Imagine a resource that can help point you in the direction of your dreams. In a way we encounter tools and methods every day that guide and direct us towards our goals.

I finally saw the movie The Golden Compass which I enjoyed and was inspired by. It's a fantasy movie starring Nicole Kidman and newcomer Dakota Blue Richards who plays Lyra a little girl with the power to read a magical golden compass. This compass fits in the palm of a hand and could answer any question Lyra had as she embarks on a journey to help her friends.

I loved the idea of having this golden compass and feel I already discovered one in the form of the Rich Dad, Poor Dadaudio books I've been absorbing (see Tip#115 Gifts from Heaven). It's core ideas for improving my financial intelligence has pointed me towards the next important steps in my career growth.

In retrospect I see that my self discoveries since my life crash of 2000 have prepared me to understand what's been missing in my life so I could fully understand the new skills I am learning to achieve my financial freedom. I have found amazing comfort knowing I have this golden compass showing me the door I was meant to go through all along.

So keep your eyes peeled for the golden compasses that come into your life. Watch out for road maps for your journey that come in different forms. They may be books or people with insights, tools and proven methods that can guide you. It's also like the oracles I wrote about in the previous Tip#119 who help you understand the choices you will make.

There are sign posts everywhere so use your intuition to take action when they arrive. Trust your gut and you will accelerate forward on your journey.

Happy 2008!

JUMPSTART YOUR NEW YEAR GOALS
WITH NEW TORONTO WORKSHOPS...

Topic: How To Press Play When You're Stuck On Pause
Option 1: Jan 21st, Overview
Option 2: Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, Four Part Workshop
Click here for more details

Emmanuel Lopez
Silverlining Specialist & Motivational Wingman
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008

Tip#119: Messages From Oracles - The Matrix - Peaceful Warrior

There is an abundance of information out there available to help us when we are stuck in life. It's like a buffet of choices and all we have to do is pick and choose what works for us. Some messages can even be delivered by unexpected oracles.

Online Oracles

As I wrote in my previous Tip#118: Feed Your Open Mind, I enjoy reading a few favourite astrologers. I find them surprisingly motivating at times when I'm feeling lost or stuck in life. This morning I synchronistically turned on the TV and saw astrologist Georgia Nicols give overview readings for 2008. She reminded me that Cancers will greatly benefit from collaborations with others and that information was a great start to my morning. Her readings have motivated me for years with her playful, down to earth style.

I remember reading Susan Miller's September 2007 reading for Cancer which inspired me with her predictions that my value after many years will finally be recognized and income will improve. That was the same month I received unexpected increases in my workshop payments and began building my working relationship with the new wellness centre connection. Miller's monthly forecasts have been a tremendous source of inspiration during difficult times along my journey.

One other astrologer I find entertaining is Rob Brezsny's Freewill Astrology. I always look forward to reading his column in Toronto's weekly Now Magazine. He has a creatively wacky and thought provoking way of writing out his predictions.

Movie Oracles

One of my favourite on screen mystics is the Oracle from The Matrixmovie trilogy. Her messages to Neo, played by Keannu Reeves, seem to always resonate deeply with me. One thing she said that inspired me in the second movie was that sometimes you don't need to know what choice to make in life. You've already made it. It's your job to understand why you made the choice because "we can never see past the choices we don't understand."

Other favourite movie oracles include Socrates from Peaceful Warrior(see Tip#69: Be In The Moment). In the end any character in a movie that says something that touches you could be a movie oracle. It doesn't matter where the message comes from. What matters is that you feel better in some way.

Messages Are Guidelines

I remember taking the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test several times and it never felt accurate to who I was. These are one of many personality tests you can take to better understand yourself and your interactions with others. I was later told by a professional skills trainer that the test is only meant as a guideline and it was up to me to discern what was applicable or not to my well being.

So remember that there are oracles all around giving you messages and answers. Remember to take notice of information that moves you in some way whether they come from astrology, movies, books or articles you come across. Discern for yourself what works for you.

The world is a buffet of information. Pick and choose what feels good for you and enjoy the abundance of choices.

Happy 2008!

JUMPSTART YOUR NEW YEAR GOALS
WITH NEW TORONTO WORKSHOPS...

Topic: How To Press Play When You're Stuck On Pause
Option 1: Jan 21st, Overview
Option 2: Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, Four Part Workshop
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Emmanuel Lopez
Silverlining Specialist & Motivational Wingman
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008

Tip#118: Feed Your Open Mind - The Italian Job

Keeping an open mind is all about receiving answers from unexpected sources. The best gift you can give yourself this new year is to be open to responses from the universe. Your questions are always answered for getting unstuck in your life or career.

The Italian Job

Over the holidays I was feeding my mind, body and spirit. And I'm not just talking about all the gut busting food overflowing at my family gatherings! I had just finished Robert Kiyosaki's book Rich Dad, Poor Dad(see Tip#115) and started his 2nd book Cashflow Quadrants. I could feel my brain getting energized and nourished with all this exciting new information.

I also enjoyed a dinner party during the holidays hosted by the "scone queen" mentioned in Tip#111. It was an Italian theme with marinated bocchini cheese spheres, crispy garlic bread and hearty lasagna servings. There was also a surprise movie viewing of The Italian Jobstarring Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron.

Once again amazing synchronicities came from a movie I did not expect would inspire me. The movie had a similar concept as the Ocean's 11movie series (see Tip#70) where a group of thieves used their individual expertise to accomplish a common goal. I saw the movie as a powerful message for me that collaboration was key to my career goals.

The synchronicities of this collaboration message also came from Kiyosaki's books and other unexpected connections I made. I'm a big fan of the TV series remake of Battlestar Galacticaand the latest episode they showed over the holidays was called "Collaborators". What was so interesting was that the TV guide a week before made an error and printed that week's episode as "Collaborators" too. It was as if the universe was making sure I got the message.

More synchronicities continued. I am also a fan of 2 horoscope websites and found both of their current messages identical for my sign as a cancer. Both Astrologyzone.com and Georgianicols.com talked about the importance of working with others and for partnering up.

Having an interest in horoscopes and astrology may not have value for others but over the years I have found them to be inspiring, entertaining and very uplifting. After all, if you have an interest that gives you energy why not drink it in?

It's all about keeping an open mind. By having an open mind you can receive answers, synchronistic messages and encouragement from sources you'd never have thought of before. And by feeding your mind with new resources and ideas you'll find more options for moving forward in your life and career.

Happy 2008!

JUMPSTART YOUR NEW YEAR GOALS
WITH NEW TORONTO WORKSHOPS...

Topic: How To Press Play When You're Stuck On Pause
Option 1: Jan 21st, Overview
Option 2: Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, Four Part Workshop
Click here for more details

Emmanuel Lopez
Silverlining Specialist & Motivational Wingman
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008