Tip#160: What If You Had 7 Days Left To Live? - Life or Something Like It

"Someone once said, live everyday as if it were your last because one of these its gonna be."
Lanie Kerrigan
Life or Something Like It

Recently, I've been feeling under the weather and unsure of how to deal with some health and fiancial challenges. What amazed me was how aware I was of my calm state of mind and lack of stress or anxiety.

As I wrote in tip#152, I was practicing being an empty cup and allowing myself to be in the moment and receive the insights I needed to move forward with my challenges. One of those insights was to simply turn on the television in the middle of the afternoon and watch the movie that was playing. Once again synchronicity led me to a film that had a message my soul needed to hear.

Life or Something Like It

The movie was Life or Something Like It starring Angelina Jolie as Lanie Kerrigan. Lanie is a TV reporter who interviews a psychic homeless man who tells her she is going to die in 7 days. As his other predictions come true Lanie is forced to accept this possibility and review what was most important about her life and career. She is compelled to make decisions in all her relationships such as her fiancé, father, sister and the one man who truly cares about her.

That unexpected deadline on life gave Lanie a gift to unearth what she truly valued. That wakeup call helped her live her life more fully for the time she had left.

The movie reminded me that it is so important to take time to break out of your daily mindsets to see if you are doing what you truly value. This online blog and regular motivational tips I write was the result of making decisions based on a "what if" on my own life. I thought that it was important to document my successes as well as the challenges I've faced and the movies that helped me through making sure it was accessible free via the internet.

So no matter what happens to my life I already know that anyone in the world and in the future can access these tips you are reading. Every day now becomes a bonus and gift for living.

Look At Your Life Now

So what would you do if you only had 7 days to live? Take time to think about this "what if" question. This powerful inquiry could lead you to doing more of what you love doing. It could help you say what you've always wanted to say to someone. It could help you break through your fears.

Let this life-altering question cut through your daily mindsets. Contemplate the answers you come up with. These could be the keys to the happier life you've been seeking.


MOTIVATORMAN SPEAKS AT THE ROM
Friday May 30th 7pm
Royal Ontario Museum
How To Press Play When You’re Stuck On Pause
(or how pop culture saved my life!)
More details: Click here

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

Tip#159: Get Excited & You’ll Get Magnetic - Son of Rambow

Passion is fuel. Passion is also magnetic. So if you are excited about a dream, goal or task you will become a magnetic energy that will attract others to you.

Son of Rambow

Recently, I was compelled to see a new movie that was getting rave reviews despite its unusual title and poster featuring a little boy. Called Son of Rambow this film has a strong reference to Sylvester Stallone's character Rambo in the movie First Blood. This is a whimsical story set in 1980's England and is about a boy named Will whose religion prevents him from watching any television. Still, he has a vivid imagination and a prolific gift for drawing.

When he accidentally sees scenes from First Blood it excites and unleashes his passion for movie making. Will explodes with energy and with a pumped up creative spirit he embarks, with new friend Carter, on creating a home movie sequel to First Blood called Son of Rambow.

You get to witness how magnetic the film project becomes from the enthusiastic reactions of other students at his school. Despite his previous anonymity, Will becomes an energy the students are drawn to get involved with the film.

With more and more students helping on the production this little movie expands and becomes even better. And it all started with one small person's spark of excitement and passion.

Law of Attraction

This is the law of attraction in action. Like attracts like. It's how your goals and dreams can be accomplished if you just focus on what excites your soul. Keep feeling good about your personal interests and passions and it will light up a way for others to follow.

So remember the multiple benefits of following your passion: it is your fuel and it is magnetic. By focusing on what you love doing doors will open up for you and create direct links to like-minded people. All you have to do is take action with whatever excites you!

Other related tips on how excitement is magnetic (click title):
#2: Unleash Your Inner Energizer Bunny
#3: Get Strength From Your Passions
#9: The Secret Will Change Your Life
#82: Be A Magnet


MOTIVATORMAN SPEAKS AT THE ROM
Friday May 30th 7pm
Royal Ontario Museum
How To Press Play When You’re Stuck On Pause
(or how pop culture saved my life!)
More details: Click here

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

Tip#158: Power of Perseverance - Battlestar Galactica 2004

Perseverance is defined as:
Determined continuation with something: steady and continued action or belief, usually over a long period and especially despite difficulties or setbacks.

Recently in the news there have been devastating natural disasters that have caused much death and destruction. As of this writing the Myanmar cyclone death toll hit 15,000 and the China earthquake has exceeded 50,000.

Everyone has a different response to disasters that appear in the news. Some may be of shock, of compassion or just indifference. Whatever your response is it is important to recognize the strength of the human spirit in these situations.

Battlestar Galactica

The new, updated TV series Battlestar Galactica celebrates perseverance and the enduring human spirit. Despite previous mindsets of the original TV show of the 70's this re-imagined version quickly became popular for it's gritty, realistic, documentary style stories. The battles are so epic that each episode feels like a theatrical movie.

And though it is set is in a science fiction world the show's success comes from developing realistic characters and situations that reflect current issues our society is facing.

In the TV show world of Battlestar Galactica the humans from several planets are almost wiped out by an enemy threat. Only a small group of space ships with human survivors come together and are protected by a warship named Galactica. Each episode shows how they continue to persevere towards a safe planet and survive as a species despite ongoing, relentless attacks from the enemy.

The show becomes a metaphor and mirror for the viewer to see how inspiring it is to witness characters remain resilient against incredible odds. The images and stories you see can be used to motivate you in your own struggles.

Be Inspired

So when you see and read the news of the aftermath of survivors in disasters around the world allow yourself to feel the strength they must possess to persevere. Witness how quickly individuals and the global community can unite to help one another.

Acknowledge the pain the survivors must be going through and then focus on the power of the human spirit. Let that be your silver lining to motivate yourself in your own struggles.

Wherever you are stuck in your career and life remember to keep moving forward and that you are not alone. You have an enduring strength within you waiting to be accessed.

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

Tip#157: You Are In Training - Wax On Wax Off - The Karate Kid 1984

Sometimes we feel we are forced to do tasks that are unpleasant. It might be a task that was dumped on you in the workplace or pushed upon you in a personal relationship. In all cases it is your primary job to see the silver lining of each situation and ask yourself - What are you learning?

Since the beginning of 2008 I began to have a cascade of deeper epiphanies for the reasons why an early mid-life crisis hit me in early 2000. Looking back I have grown to realize that I've been in training to change ALL my mindsets that no longer served my purpose in life and in my career.

At the time I felt forced to do things in my life that felt very uncomfortable like cut back in my spending in all areas of living and in running my business. My financial crash forced me to shake up my usual routines in order to adapt and survive. Looking back I realized I was learning new skill sets on how to be resilient and resourceful.

Karate Kid 1984

The movie Karate Kidis one I grew up with that helped plant the seed that we are always in training even when we don't recognize it. The film stars Ralph Macchio as Daniel a teen wanting to learn karate to defend himself from neighbourhood bullies. He is taught by Mr. Miyagi, played by Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita who first makes him wax his car.

Daniel does as he is told but is frustrated because he feels he is not doing anything of value. He just spends many hours repeating what Miyagi told him to do, "Wax on wax off."

Finally Daniel confronted Miyagi stating he saw no purpose in what he was doing and demanded to be taught karate. That's when Miyagi suddenly threw karate punches at Daniel which he instinctively blocked using the motion of his arms from the waxing task.

Daniel realized that he was already being trained though he didn't see it at first. Miyagi was secretly teaching Daniel the karate moves necessary to defend himself in a fight.

See The Bigger Picture

So whenever you feel you are spending time on a task that feels like a waste of time always remember, "Wax on wax off". See your situation from a more positive angle. Change your mindset so it always defaults to seeing the silver lining of any situation. Be optimistic and identify what you are learning.

In retrospect it is always easier to discover the value of what has passed. Make it your primary task to see that value RIGHT NOW!

For more movie examples for your secret training click here:
Tip#54: Recognize Your Secret Training


COMING SOON:
Emmanuel-Motivatorman
Keynote Speaker at the Royal Ontario Museum
Topic: How To Press Play When You’re Stuck On Pause
Or How Pop Culture Saved My Life
Friday, May 30, 2008 7pm
For more information: Click here


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

Tip#156: What Drives You? - Speed Racer

Recently I felt myself slipping from a positive frame of mind that was being fueled by doubts about my career direction. I sat here in front of my computer surprised to feel this way since I just had a great week of positive strides forward. So I realized I had simply slipped into an old mindset of negative thinking.

Just then I suddenly got a call from a friend who I hadn't seen in awhile who was passing my building and invited me out to see the new movie Speed Racer.The timing was so synchronistic that I took immediate action, grabbed my jacket and joined my friend.

Speed Racer

Speed Racerwas just the medicine my spirit needed. We saw it at the Imax screen in the Scotiabank Theatre and we were immersed visually and sonically into this surreal, colourful world of futuristic race car driving. The film was directed by the Wachowski brothers who created The Matrix trilogyso they brought their unique brand of storytelling to this movie based on a popular Japanese animated series from the 60's.

The visual style of Speed Racerwas saturated with rich, juicy colours and a fusion of musical themes and imagery from the 50's, 60's and of a futuristic time. And yet there was a clear message for all ages about finding what drives you and to keep going no matter who tries to stop you from your goals.

Being in front of the huge Imax screen made me feel like I was in a re-energizing chamber receiving all that light and colour to saturate my soul with positive, electric energy. And witnessing the young hero discover what drives his passion inspired me to persevere in what I feel is my own mission in life.

Remind Yourself

So when your career or life feels like it has moved into the slow lane remind yourself of what is driving you. Passion is fuel and can be re-ignited by your desire to be the best you can be. Or maybe you want to make a difference in the world. Or perhaps it's to light up those special people in your life.

Whatever drives you always remember to keep going. Stay true to your heart and your mission will always be fueled.

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

Tip#155: Embrace Uncertainty - Raiders of the Lost Ark

Life is suppose to be an adventure. And yet when we are faced with life challenges we can be paralyzed by uncertainty. The key to overcoming this negative mindset is to do your best to just BE with the moment.

This may sound like an uncomfortable thought but it is all about building your courage for facing the unknown. I've been dealing with my own uncertainties these past few months and it has truly taught me to hone my own skills in remaining optimistic and resilient.

Eckhart Tolle & A New Earth

During these challenging few months I was synchronistically drawn to Oprah's groundbreaking live webcast classes each week. Available free on the internet to anyone in the world, Oprah discussed each of the 10 chapters of the motivational book, A New Earthwith author Eckhart Tolle.

This has been a powerful gift for me to be able to listen or watch each Monday night class on Oprah's website, Oprah.com. They addressed many issues we all face that prevent us from achieving our happiness or goals. Embracing uncertainty was a key factor.

Tolle says, "When you become comfortable with uncertainty, infinite possibilities open up in your life. It means fear is no longer a dominant factor in what you do and no longer prevents you from taking action to initiate change."

Raiders of the Lost Ark

This quote reminded me of my favourite cinematic role models and how they've embraced uncertainty, able to take action and overcome their obstacles. One example is Indiana Jones from his first movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Right from the beginning of the film you witness how action-oriented Indiana Jones is. When faced with relentless challenges from villains or a variety of impasses he is able to embrace the uncertainty and be in the moment. It is in these cinematic moments we can derive positive emotional energy to fuel ourselves in facing our own fears.

So when you feel stuck and uncertain in life just do your best to be in the moment. Don't dwell on the past or worry about the future. Be in the present and face your fears and challenges head on.

Make your life an adventure by becoming comfortable with the unknown. And then you'll see the infinite possibilities awaiting you.

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

Tip#154: Iron Man Inspires Personal Power

It takes fierce conviction to overcome a painful crisis. Superheroes in pop culture today are there to inspire us that we each have the power to overcome whatever life throws at us.

Iron Man

You may have heard the positive buzz around the movie Iron Manand it's true, the film is incredibly entertaining and energizing. It continues to celebrate the mission of Marvel Comics to portray superheroes with the same flaws and foibles all ordinary humans possess.

Iron Manstars Robert Downey Jr. as wealthy entrepreneur, inventor and arms manufacturer, Tony Stark who is forced to face a life threatening crisis. With fierce conviction he disobeys his captors and creates a suit of armor that he uses to escape his predicament.

This leads to the turning point in his life and career where he chooses to use his gifts, talents and skills to help the world instead of being part of its problems.

Iron Manreminds us that even though we all have flaws we are all born with skills and talents that we can use for overcoming adversity. And Stark is far from a positive role model with some of his thoughtless attitudes. In the end it is his heroic actions that make him an exciting cinematic role model.

Missions Need Support

Tony Stark's mission to make the world a better place was not just a solo mission but one that required the trust and support of at least two individuals. Once he showed what he could do with his suit of armor he attracted even more support for his mission.

This movie was a big mirror for me because it took my early mid-life crisis to wake me up to my calling for helping others. And as I began to just show people what my motivational services were about I cultivated more and more support.

So let this be a reminder to you that accomplishing your goals takes fierce resilience and a positive state of mind. It also takes the trust and support of people who believe in you.

And don't dwell on your personal flaws. Remember you already possess the innate skills and talents to overcome your problems. All you have to do is believe in your strengths and you will no longer focus on your weaknesses.

UPCOMING:
Free Call-in Radio Show and Podcast
Topic: How To Press Play When You're Stuck On Pause
Thursday, May 8th, 2008 12:00-1:00pm EST
More info: Click here

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

Tip#153: The Positive Pause - Stranger Than Fiction

Hitting a roadblock in your career or life is the signal that an old mindset doesn't work anymore. The pain of unexpected change or crisis is your wake up call to let go of the old and create new habits of thinking.

The first challenge is to realize and accept that you have hit a brick wall or an impasse. So even if you feel your life is stuck on pause do your best to see it as a positive pause. You are about to go through a transition so this pause is a gift of time.

Stranger Than Fiction

The movie Stranger Than Fictionstars Will Ferrell as Harold Crick and it demonstrates the process of changing a mindset. In the story Crick experiences a big impasse that shakes up his life. After much resistance he finally accepts the process of transforming his “crisis mindset” to an “opportunity focused mindset”.

You get to see him take advantage of his positive pause by having the courage to take time from work to clear his mind. It ends up leading him towards positive transformations in his life, career and even his personal relationships. More on this movie see tips: #21, #52, #63, #93, #130

Steps To Take When You're Stuck On Pause:
1) Identify your impasse
2) Surrender and accept the positive pause
3) Identify and explore your passions, values & goals
4) Stay open to new information, new attitudes and options
5) Take action and risks for new directions

Seeing movie heroes overcome their challenges is one way of motivating you. When you witness them going through their positive pause it will help you see that doing nothing initally is actually doing something. A positive pause helps clear out your old mindsets.

So if you are experiencing the pain of crisis or change in your career, life or relationships know that this is a signal for an opportunity of transformation. The shake up is a gift of time for you to clear your mind. It's the only way to make room for the new mindset that will magnetize all your goals and dreams you desire.

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein

UPCOMING:
Free Call-in Radio Show and Podcast
Topic: How To Press Play When You're Stuck On Pause
Thursday, May 8th, 2008 12:00-1:00pm EST
More info: Click here

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