Cinematic role models can bring out the best in you. Movie heroes can lift you up from life's troubles and transport you to a world where anything is possible. And when you are there all you have to do is listen to what your favourite movies are telling you about YOU.
Nim's Island
I recently saw a new family film in the theatres called Nim's Island
that was surprisingly motivating. It stars Abigail Breslin as a young girl living on an isolated island with her scientist father played by Gerard Butler. When her father is missing at sea she emails out for help to a reclusive author named Alexandra Rover played by Jodie Foster.It is the character of Alexandra that becomes another cinematic role model for facing one's fears. She is agoraphobic which is a fear of public places. So when Alexandra realizes it is up to her to save the young girl she must leave to safety and comfort of her own home and travel over air and sea to get to the island.
Though played as a light comedy it his her journey that becomes a mirror for you to recognize similar challenges in your own life. Alexandra demonstrates that by letting go of a mindset you can catapult yourself into action and overcome your obstacles. And at the end of the journey you can feel re-energized witnessing her positive transformation and all the additional rewards that come with it.
Since my unexpected changes in my career at the beginning of 2008 I've had many cinematic role models motivating me. It's as if they are with me on my journey helping me not to give up. Here are 2 primary examples:
The Pursuit of Happyness
Chris Gardner: Despite living in poverty while raising a toddler, this single father remains optimistic while taking a training course during the day to become a stockbroker. He keeps his situation hidden from his co-workers and bosses and stays focused to achieve his goal to great success.
Cinderella Man
Jim Braddock: This movie hero maintains his courage and faith in and out of the boxing ring during the great depression. Despite years of struggle Braddock maintains an inner strength and resilience to provide food and shelter for his family while revitalizing his career in boxing.
So take a look at your own favourite movies and identify the characters that inspired you. Here's a checklist:
1) Identify the movie hero's fear or challenge.
2) Look at the mindsets and qualities they represent you wished you had e.g. courage, faith, optimism, patience, resourcefulness, etc.
3) Identify these qualities as new skill sets you can learn and develop.
4) Look at the steps they took to face their fear or challenge.
5) Identify the people who helped.
6) Take note of the turning point when the movie hero takes action to overcome their challenge.
7) Ask yourself: What small step can you now take to overcome your own fear or challenge?
And finally, identify that positive emotional energy you feel when you finish the cinematic journey with your movie hero. Your cinematic role models have given you the gift of mirroring the strength you have hidden within you. Take action and release your hidden abilities!
"Be the hero of your own life story."
Nim’s Island
Related Tips:
Tip#698: Discover Your Cinematic Role Models, Part 2 - 12 Years a Slave
Emmanuel Lopez
Silverlining Specialist & Motivational Wingman
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008
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