Tip#243: When Personal Interests Become An Addiction – The Number 23

Process Addiction:
A compulsion to engage in a pattern of behaviours (gambling, shopping/spending, working, internet, video game) and continue the process despite adverse consequences.

In my experience synchronistic signs and events constantly flow in my life. It's a passion for me to recognize and act on meaningful coincidences because they have helped accelerate my dreams and goals into reality.

And like any personal interest it is key to never let a belief or activity go overboard and cause consequences in your life or career. That's when it turns into an obsession or a process addiction.

The Number 23

The Number 23 movie is similar to the film Knowing (see tip#241) in that it explores the pattern of numbers. It also explores when synchronicities become an addiction. Jim Carrey stars as Walter Sparrow who discovers a fascinating book introducing him to the 23 enigma. This is the belief that all events are connected to the number 23 such as adding up the number of letters in your name or the address of where you live.

In the film, Carrey also plays another character from the book he is reading, named Fingerling. His obsession with the number 23 is a perfect example of how destructive a process addiction can become.

On the flipside, Sparrow's synchronistic obsession leads him on a profound journey of self-discovery. So one's inner drive and process addiction can also be a fine line.

During the production of the movie other synchronicities with the number of 23 were discovered. The film was director Joel Schumacher's 23rd and Jim Carrey's production company is called JC 23 Entertainment. Read more at this link: click here

The 23 enigma is also a real topic and you can read more at Wikipedia: click here

Your Well-Being

These links are an example of how a belief or activity can attract and hold your attention. In the end it's okay to be passionate or fascinated about an idea but be mindful when it becomes destructive to your well-being.

So if you are stuck in your life or career take a closer look to see if you are stuck in a process addiction. See if something you are passionate about is taking time away from other important aspects of your life.

Only you can define a balance in your life with all your personal interests and passions.

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#242: Question Your Destiny & Purpose – I, Robot

One good thing about getting stuck in your life or career is it allows you to question. And when you question your place in the world you get to start an amazing journey of self-discovery.

Recently a number of career opportunities and initiative seeds I had planted over the years have been growing. And they all started from having dreamed and visualized this would one day happen.

Along the way I was always fascinated with how much of my life and career has been predetermined or was random. That was one of the thought-provoking messages in the movie Knowing (see tip#241).

In order to make sense of destiny versus random events I've used this blog to document some of the amazing synchronistic messages I've received during my long career transition. I now believe there is some higher purpose guiding me.

And at the same time I believe the random factor is also true. We are still in control of making certain choices that ultimately guide us to our purpose here on planet earth. Forrest Gump says it best in his movie...

"I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floating around accidental-like on a breeze, but I, I think maybe it's both. Maybe both is happening at the same time."
Forrest Gump

I, Robot

The same director who directed Knowing also directed the film I, Robot with an inspiring message about destiny and purpose. In the year 2035 Will Smith plays Detective Spooner who is in pursuit of what is believed to be a faulty robot named Sonny.

It turns out Sonny is just following some inner guidance or programming that, surprisingly, involves dreams he is having. He questions his existence and his purpose for being. He even looks to Spooner to affirm the idea that we all have a purpose.

In the end the images of Sonny's dreams and his perseverance of a higher truth leads him to discovering his true purpose. And, ironically, it is a robot that becomes a powerful mirror for us to do the same.

So if you are stuck in your life, career or workplace choose to look at it with an optimistic mindset. Look at this as an opportunity to question whether you are doing what you are meant to be doing. Question whether you have ignored your inner voice and now paying the price for a job or life that is unfulfilling or missing something.

Believe that you do have a bigger purpose and destiny. And trust in the random, synchronistic messages the universe is sending you. Both beliefs go hand in hand and in the end you get to choose how your journey unfolds!

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#241: New Ideas To Shake Up Your World - Knowing

Some believe that life is either predetermined or random. Whatever you believe keep an open mind that your current beliefs can be shaken up to seeing your world in a brighter way.

I recently watched the grand finale of the re-imagined TV series Battlestar Galacticaand was left thoroughly inspired by the journey. This revision of the late 70's Sci Fi TV show inspired me in so many ways like witnessing the perseverance of these characters struggling against constant adversity (see tip#158)

The TV show also explored thought-provoking concepts that I've always been passionate about like ancient prophecies and the existence beyond death and our physical world like angels and aliens. As one reviewer from the Chicago Tribune said about Battlestar Galactica, "Battlestar got into my soul." See review

The themes of prophecies, angels and aliens also inspired the creation of my debut music CD, Rain of Angels. The album was always meant to be optimistic even in end-of-the-world prophecies like my song and video called "2012". See video

For more on Rain of Angels CD: click here

Knowing

There was amazing synchronicity the day I saw the Battlestar Galactica finale on March 20th and the first day of spring. I was compelled to see the new Nicholas Cage film called Knowing but had second thoughts because of the brutal reviews it was receiving. Thankfully I saw a positive write up by film critic Roger Ebert which inspired me to ignore the negative reviews. See review

This amazing thriller shook me up. It was about synchronicity, end-of-the-world prophecies, perseverance and life beyond our world. And the disaster scenes in the film were the most emotionally devastating I've seen in comparison to other disaster movies. But scenes like this and the metaphysical concepts discussed are all meant to shake us up. They can help shake up our old belief systems and what we truly value in life.

Daring Concepts

Daring concepts can lead to new, positive ways of looking at your life challenges. It can wake you up to a bigger picture of what your existence is all about.

So this first weekend of spring has left me more awakened and optimistic than ever. Thanks to the finale of Battlestar Galactica and the movie Knowing I will continue to keep an open mind to new ideas and concepts.

Do your best to keep an open mind as well. After all we are living in a time where we have the first black president in the United States that has already shaken up old belief systems around the world.

When you come across new concepts that shake you up keep an optimistic mindset. It may contain hidden inspirational messages you've been looking for.

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#240: Evolve With The Times - Quantum of Solace

The world is always in a state of evolution, globally, culturally and personally. We are always in a state of change. That's why it is key to learn how to adapt to changing times.

Growing up I loved watching the original Star Trek TV show and, later in my adult life, all the other series and movies. I loved seeing the futuristic technology they used like the hand held communicator. Now our technology has created cell phones that are even smaller than the original Star Trek communicators!

Quantum of Solace

The latest James Bond movie Quantum of Solace has also evolved to take Bond into current times. It presents amazing technology that combines science fiction and science fact. The film shows amazing touch screens, glass wall displays and active graphics executing a vast amount of information at rapid speeds.

Now this technology is being seen in other movies like the remake of Day the Earth Stood Still and on TV shows like C.S.I I hope this means that this futuristic technology already exists in some form and that we will all get to utilize it personally. Microsoft Surface and the Apple iPhone already offer elements of these exciting futuristic features.

The James Bond brand has also evolved and adapted to changing times. In the new Bond film his character has been updated for our current times as a rougher and more humanized man. And the villain incorporates the global importance of environmental issues such as the value of water. The Bond franchise has experienced new success because the filmmakers understood the importance of evolving the brand for today's world.

The internet is also another resource that has evolved how we communicate with one another. If you are still not aware of the tremendous value of social online resources like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter just spend a little time each week to get to know how these powerful tools can help you achieve your own goals.

Learn To Adapt

So let all these examples reflect the importance for adapting to changing times. Learn to incorporate new technologies into your life or work. Learn to adapt to our current economic challenges. Learn how you can be a better person.

Evolving is about keeping a flexible mind and building an optimistic mindset. It is actually important for the brain to stay active at any age. Get excited about the new technologies all around you. Let it inspire you to learn more of how you can benefit from these fantastic tools. In the end you are helping yourself to evolve!

SEE MOTIVATORMAN ON NEW WEEKLY VIDEO PODCAST:
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#239: Why Your Buttons Get Pushed - Evan Almighty

Getting your buttons pushed does not feel good. But if you can see the hidden opportunities it will open your mindset to a whole new world of learning.

For the past several weeks amazing career opportunities have unfolded for me. They include writing motivational articles for Zoomer, a national magazine, being asked to co-host a weekly podcast and to develop a partnership with a business consulting organization.

I believe I made these opportunities happen through the tools I learned from the audio books Think and Grow Rich: The 21st-Century Updated Edition (see tips #218, #221, #224, #227) and Money and the Law of Attraction. Some may see my recent successes as great luck and yet I know deep down I simply learned tools and methods on how to magnetize these opportunities.

On the flipside opportunities have manifested that appeared to be the opposite of what I've wanted in my business relationships. One of my goals for 2009 was to have the best business team and I've met a few individuals who seemed to be what I wanted but then ended up pushing my buttons!

Thankfully, it was a movie that helped me focus on the silver lining within these "button pushers". It reminded me that the law of attraction was still in action leading me to my goals.

Evan Almighty 2007

The comedy Evan Almighty is a sequel to Bruce Almightywhere God (Morgan Freeman), gives Bruce (Jim Carrey) an important task. In the sequel God gives Evan (Steve Carell) a task to build a modern day Noah’s ark.

This puts incredible strain on his wife, played by Lauren Graham, when Evan is portrayed in the media as a crazy man. All she prayed for was to have a closer family and decides to leave Evan with her kids. Soon after she receives a revelation when she encounters God (in disguise) and hears him say this...

"Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?"

Hidden Opportunities

So let this movie message inspire you to see your hidden opportunities. Let this help you to deal with the people or situations that are pushing your buttons. Do your best to exercise patience and see how your situations are helping you get what you really want or pray for.

Believe that every encounter you have is meaningful. All you have to do is focus on the message or lesson being offered.

Read more:
Tip#176: The Good in Getting Your Buttons Pushed
Tip#531: Recognize the Emotional Charge When Your Buttons Get Pushed – It Happened One Night

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#238: The Importance of Team Spirit - Zappos -Celebrity Apprentice - Watchmen

Ego: Defined as an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others.

In order to get any job done it requires teamwork. And sometimes the biggest challenge is when your team is filled with extremely diverse personalities, talents and ego!

Celebrity Apprentice

For years I've enjoyed the TV series The Apprentice with Donald Trump and recently caught the latest episode of the Celebrity Apprentice series. The unique spin on having celebrities participate in team projects reveals how even superstars can behave in ways that are shocking OR very inspiring.

The teams are divided between men and women with famous people like comedienne Joan Rivers, poker champion Annie Duke, Heisman trophy winner Herschel Walker and country star Clint Black. Each week they have to beat the other team in projects as simple as selling homemade cupcakes.

In this recent episode their task was to create a superhero character for Zappos, North America’s #1 online shoe store. What was amazing for me personally was seeing the CEO of Zappos, Tony Hsieh standing next to "The Donald" and all those celebrities. I met Tony back in December during my tour of the Zappos head office in Las Vegas and wrote about the experience in 2 tips (click here).

Part of the draw of this reality TV show is, of course, seeing how these individuals interact with one another. You get to see who are natural leaders and who can function in a team environment. You see how dysfunctional teams can become.

Watchmen

These dysfunctional teams reminded me of the new Watchmen movie. Based on the highly acclaimed comic book of the late 80’s it features a unique view of a superhero team with members having deep personal issues and ego challenges. One character called the Comedian and causes much friction with team members with his cynical, rebellious attitude.

On the other hand there is another team member named Dr. Manhattan who is so powerful he is almost God-like in his super abilities. And yet he does not see himself or others as better than one another.

The movie shows how despite having amazing skills and talents that they can be useless when ego gets in the way of teamwork.

The Zappos Culture

The irony is that the Celebrity Apprentice teams could have learned a lot from the Zappos work culture. From my first-hand view of their head offices back in December (see tip#213) I witnessed a fantastic example of team spirit. The Zappos workplace radiated a positive energy that was simply low on ego. They made 1 billion in web sales in 2008 and that definitely came from the result of team spirit.

So remember that individual talents and skills mean nothing if you cannot interact with others as equal human beings. Team spirit is about putting aside ego and working towards a common goal. It's about putting away all those awards and "superstar" labels and focus on how individual talents can solve a problem or task bigger than any one person.

Team spirit, most of all, is going to help us all during these economic challenges. We each have important skills and talents that can be used to build a supportive community. That sense of community is what will help everyone to overcome crisis.

More tips about Zappos:
Tip#205: Follow Your Passion No Matter What - Zappos
Tip#213: Zappos Inspires, Part 1 - Office Space
Tip#214: Zappos Inspires, Part 2 – Patch Adams
Tip#261: Synchronicity Stories – Zappos & Twitter – I Heart Huckabees
Tip#374: Create Your Own Universe – Tony Hsieh’s Delivering Happiness - Inception

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#237: When Positive Change Happens - The Day The Earth Stood Still

When crisis happens, like our economic downturn, we have the chance to make profound changes in how we each deal with disasters. We are given a chance to change the way we face problems.

Movies inspire me to see problems differently. And when it comes to negative reviews of certain movies I do my best not to listen to them. It relates to my previous blog entry, tip#236 where every person can see the same thing totally different from other people.

So when I finally see some of these unpopular films I am always amazed to find powerful, energizing messages that my soul needed to hear. These movies become surprising new resources for change.

The Day the Earth Stood Still 2008

One of these movies was the 2008 remake, The Day the Earth Stood Still starring Keannu Reeves as the alien visitor called Klaatu. It was amazing to see Klaatu utilize his highly evolved abilities to control technologies with his mind and heal the injured.

What moved me the most was a core message of the movie which states that "Only on the brink do people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve."

Klaatu came to save the Earth from the thoughtless actions of humans destroying the planet. But over a brief time he learns to see that people can change when faced with crisis. That crisis was Klaatu's message that humans had to be purged from the Earth.

On The Precipice

Let this movie message mirror your ability to face your economic challenges. Let crisis inspire you to transform your negative thinking and create an optimistic mindset. Remember that positive change can happen when you are on the brink of disaster. Recognize the gift of being on the precipice.

And if you find inspiring resources that others do not agree with then do your best to trust your gut. It might be a controversial or unpopular movie, book or person whose message excites you. Let it fill you with positive emotional energy despite what others may say.

You can adapt to unexpected change and crisis. Open your eyes to all the hidden resources within the storm of the economic climate. You are being asked to evolve your way of thinking. Accept the challenge!

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#236: Everyone Sees A Different Reality - My Kid Could Paint That

People can look at the exact same thing and see something different. It's like looking at an abstract painting. Each person can see something completely different from the other.

It's the same with viewing the current economic climate around the world. One person may see crisis while another sees opportunity. Whatever you choose just know that you are creating the reality you want.

I remember the peak of my illustration career was in the late 80's. By 1991 business was still booming, my company was featured in the media and life was just great. I was shocked to look back years later and read that there was a major recession going on. I didn't even remember the recession. It wasn't part of my reality.

And that was the same time Donald Trump was going through his famous bankruptcy. My focus was simply on something completely different. I experienced a totally different reality than that of an economic downturn.

My Kid Could Paint That

I'm reminded of a documentary called My Kid Could Paint That. The movie demonstrates how different perceptions can be. It features a 4 year old artist named Marla who created stunning abstract art. Even art experts were amazed by the quality of the artworks. And I personally loved some of the pieces I saw in the movie.

Surprisingly what unfolds in the story is the validity and truth of who really created the art. People and the media choose sides of either: believing she created the artwork; or she was a fraud; or that she had help.

The documentary let's you make your own decision based on the evidence captured on film. You are the one who gets to choose to believe what is real.

You Get To Choose

So what reality are you choosing when it comes to the current economy or other challenges in your life or career? Are your seeing crisis OR opportunity? Remember whatever you choose creates the reality you will experience.

Even if there are those around you trying to convince you of what is true or false do your best to listen to your gut and heart. What you believe in is what makes your character shine.

Life is like an abstract painting full of colour, shapes and textures to experience. Feel good about how you choose to see the world around you.

See my own abstract art in my "2012" music video:
click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#235: Failure is Okay - Tucker - The Man and His Dream

For some people any kind of failure can be a blow to self-confidence and self-esteem. So it is important to recognize that the success you want can only come from the process of failure.

I often talk about Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling in my motivational keynotes and seminars. She is a great example of a success story that stemmed from what others may view as failures. While she was writing her first book she was an unemployed, poor single parent living on government assistance.

And despite having her first book rejected 10 times before getting published Rowling maintained an optimistic mindset. Rowling has gone on to say her failure ended up as the catalyst for her tremendous success.

History is also filled with stories of failures leading to success. Henry Ford went bankrupt multiple times before he got Ford Motor Company off the ground. And another failed automotive entrepreneur, Preston Tucker, was celebrated in a movie made by Francis Ford Coppola.

Tucker - The Man and His Dream

Jeff Bridges plays the lead character in Tucker - The Man and His Dream. The Tucker was the name of a revolutionary car made in the late 40's. At the time it looked like a car from the future with innovative safety features like seat belts.

And though the Tucker company failed and only created 50 cars it was his story for maintaining a positive, enthusiastic attitude that inspires. Tucker himself treated life like an adventure.

And through the love and support of his family and business partner Tucker was able to ride out the unexpected crisis that would test his ability to stay positive.

Failure Is Part of Your Journey

So be inspired by famous failures in history. See that successful people you admire or read about all had to go through the process of failure in order to evolve and improve. Recognize that you are not alone in whatever downfalls you have experienced.

Maintain a strong sense of enthusiasm no matter what happens in your career or life. Your ups and downs are all part of your journey to success. And most of all remember you are never alone along your path!

"Success is the ability to go from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm."
Winston Churchill

"The knowledge that you have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks means that you are, ever after, secure in your ability to survive."
J.K. Rowling

"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently."
Henry Ford

Read more about other success stories in this great article on the positives of failure in Ode magazine: click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009