Tip#187: Reinvent Yourself – Tropic Thunder

I love vanilla bean lattes from Second Cup! My first sip always sends a jolt of energy into me with its hot frothy deliciousness. It reminded me of when I saw the new Ben Stiller movie, Tropic Thunder recently. That sent a jolt filling me with such feel good energy and laughter.

The film was also motivating because I recognized that it was about reinventing yourself. I saw the movie during the suddenly hot September Labour Day weekend. August was like fall weather here in Toronto so it was a surprise to have a blast of summer heat that long weekend.

So to cool down I went with a friend to see Tropic Thunder in a soothing air-conditioned theatre with fresh buttered popcorn in hand.

Tropic Thunder

Tropic Thunder is the latest comedy written, directed and starring Ben Stiller. It's about a group of actors shooting a big-budget war movie who are dropped into a real war zone.

Robert Downey Jr. plays a white actor playing a black character playing a soldier. Downey Jr.'s character, Kirk Lazarus, reinvented himself by going through a surgical procedure to appear more black for his role as a black man. It is a ridiculous concept and controversial but that's where the humour comes in.

And in real life Downey Jr. has enjoyed a comeback with this hit movie and in his other role as Tony Stark in Iron Man. In the past he has had negative press for his substance addiction but has reinvented himself to move beyond all that and get rave reviews for both these roles.

Tom Cruise Reinvented

Tom Cruise also stars in Tropic Thunder although my friend didn't even recognize him until the end of the movie! Cruise plays a bald, slimy producer named Les Grossman and has truly reinvented himself.

Over the years Cruise has suffered much negative press but this flamboyant role will make you forget the past and make you laugh and celebrate this new direction he has chosen.

So don't be afraid of reinventing yourself if you don't like the person you are or have become. It is never too late to change. I just wrote a series of tips on taking control of your life and you just have to choose to take action. See tips #184, #185, #186

Madonna and Shatner Reinvented

Let the reinvention examples of Tropic Thunder inspire you. Look at other pop culture icons to also remind you that you too can rise from a negative position. Look at Madonna and her diverse and colourful career changes.

Look at William Shatner and how he evolved from his role as Captain Kirk on Star Trek to reinventing himself through his self-deprecating humour. Choosing to have fun with how the world saw him led Shatner to win a Golden Globe award for his role on Boston Legal.

So remember you can always turn your life or career around. Remember you are always in a state of evolution. Choose the role you want to play. You have the ability to reinvent yourself any time you want.

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