Tip#252: Shredding Your Old Life – 3 Movies

Spring is here and with it comes a chance to do some spring cleaning. Recently I borrowed a shredder and shredded 15 years of paper work for my business. It ended up being a profound experience for letting of an old life.

Not that there was anything wrong with my old career as a full-time illustrator. It's just that physically seeing years of paperwork cut into hundreds of pieces seemed to release me from any old energy holding me back. With each year's worth of invoices, receipts and documents I put into the shredder I felt more and more free.

I was making room for more abundance to flow into my life. I felt I made space for more exciting business to come my way. So is it really a coincidence that my work for Zoomer Magazine manifested recently or that I was asked to co-host a weekly live podcast show around the same time?

There are many movie heroes that mirror this idea of shredding an old life in order for the new to come. Here are some examples:

As Good As It Gets 1997
All the lives of the 3 main characters in As Good As It Gets transform when they let go of their old ways of living. Greg Kinnear's character feels ruined after a robbery destroys his home and leaves him hospitalized. But this later leads him to break free of old fears that were holding him back with issues with his parents. In the end you see him ripping away the cast on his arm as a powerful metaphor for new freedom.

Jerry Maguire 1996
Tom Cruise plays Jerry Maguire whose old life as a sports agent is shredded when he shares a controversial mission statement with his company. And though he is fired from the company it leads him to an even more fulfilling career. Because of the passion he wrote in his mission statement and the few people that believed in his vision you see his journey was worth making the change in his life.

Peaceful Warrior 2006
The main character in Peaceful Warrior dreams of being an Olympic gymnast but his negative mindset holds him back. So when he gets into a motorcycle accident it shatters more than his bones, it shatters that old mindset. You later see him smash his old competition trophies and let go of his old self. These important steps lead him to a new way of looking at life and achieving great success.

So do your best to let go of an old life, job or belief system that no longer serves you. Do your best to shred what you already know has to be eliminated from your life. If you don't the universe may do it for you.

And it may not be pleasant but the silver lining is you will make space for more abundance to flow into your life. Life is a series of chapters. Are you ready to let go of the old and step into a new, exciting chapter?

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

Tip#251: Be Yourself - Fanboys

Authentic: Defined as not false or copied; genuine; real

Being yourself is all about being authentic. And being authentic is about standing your ground for anything that fills you with positive emotional energy.

As a kid I grew up loving the original Star Trek TV series and in my teens added a passion for Star Wars movies to my nerdy, geeky world. I was often laughed at by the "cool" kids at school for my personal interests. But no matter how much they made fun of me I focused on the passions that inspired my imagination. It didn't matter if they couldn't see my point of view.

Ultimately these passions growing up led me to my successes as a professional illustrator, recording artist and now a multimedia motivational specialist. They would later help sustain my spirit during times of depression and my mid-career transition.

Fanboys

The movie Fanboys celebrates every individual who is extremely and passionately devoted to favourite movies, TV shows, comics, etc. Set in 1998 this comedy is about a group of Star Wars fans who help one friend make a dream come true before he dies of cancer. They set out to steal the unreleased Star Wars movie, Episode 1: The Phantom Menace for him to see.

Along their road trip they encounter Star Trek fans they consider enemies. These confrontations are hilarious, exaggerated mirrors for real-life situations for anyone who has experienced persecution for their strong beliefs.

What is inspiring is witnessing the passion these fans feel for what they love. They are being authentic despite what others think of them.


Be Authentic

In the end being authentic in your life and career is something to strive for. It takes courage to stand your ground on something you feel strongly about especially when others do not agree with you.

What's most important is that your ideas or personal interests makes you feel good. They lift up your spirit. They feed your self-confidence. They fill you with positive emotional energy. And that is something no one can really take away from you.

So keep believing in your personal interests. Believe in your passions. Believe in the preferences you choose in your life even when no one else can see your point of view.

There are others in the world that share your interests and ideas so remember you are never, ever alone. Live an authentic life now!

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

Tip#250: 7 Negative Emotions To Avoid - Twilight

Negative emotions can drain you of a positive attitude and your energy. So it's important to identify the emotions that can suck the life out of you.

In Tip#248 I outlined 7 major positive emotions that can help energize your self-confidence and self-esteem. Here I will discuss how negative emotions can deplete your energy whether the source is coming from yourself or others around you.

Some refer to these negative people as "energy stealers" or "energy vampires" because of how draining it feels to be around them. Napoleon Hill's classic book, Think and Grow Rich outlines lists for both positive and negative emotions to be aware of. Here are the negatives...

7 MAJOR NEGATIVE EMOTIONS
(To be avoided)

The emotion of FEAR
The emotion of JEALOUSY
The emotion of HATRED
The emotion of REVENGE
The emotion of GREED
The emotion of SUPERSTITION
The emotion of ANGER

Twilight

The movie Twilight explores most of these negative emotions in great cinematic style. The film is about the small town of Forks Washington and it's residents of modern day vampires. Through the relationships of humans and these mythical beings you can see many negative emotions played out.

Some emotions are obvious like FEAR, JEALOUSY and ANGER. While others like HATRED are quietly visible on certain faces. And yet they are still powerful because of the negative emotions that are boiling underneath. It's like the expression, "If looks could kill...". Negative emotion can radiate out on an unseen level to attack your energy.

What is ultimately inspiring about Twilight is the romantic relationship between the human Bella and vampire Edward. Despite all the negative emotions around them and within their own minds they are able to transform those feelings with the positive emotions of DESIRE, FAITH, LOVE and ROMANCE.

Transform Negative Emotions

Identifying negative emotions that come from others will help you recognize what to avoid. It will also help you recognize your own inner feelings that drain you. Remember it is always possible to flip those negative emotions into positive ones. It’s all about training yourself to have an optimistic mindset.

So look at the "energy vampires" in your life or workplace as a source of learning. You are learning about the negative energies you do not want. These people are a mirror for what you want less of in life.

Do your best to focus every single day on feeling positive emotions. Eventually you'll be able to transform negativity into empowering positive emotional energy!

See my new motivational video "Energy Stealers"
click here

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

Tip#249: Synchronicity Stories – Zoomer Magazine – A Knight’s Tale

Meaningful coincidences are gifts and signs from the universe that lead you to your goals. All you have to do is take action whenever they arrive.

One of my dreams has been to see my motivational writing appear in print like newspapers, magazines and a self-help book. And I'm happy to say that synchronistic encounters and events have led me towards one of my goals.

This week marks my inclusion in the Experts section of the latest issue of Zoomer Magazine founded by media innovator Moses Znaimer. I now have a regular column that features a motivational tip and movie recommendation based on my blog entries.

I'm very excited and grateful that I recognized the meaningful coincidences that led me to this fantastic opportunity.

Here is the list of synchronicities:

SYNCHRONICITY #1

March 2007: I decide to go for my dream of publishing a self-help book after I saw author of The Pursuit of Happyness, Chris Gardner speak live in Toronto. Focusing on a goal is key to creating more synchronicities. Read more: Tip#40 Why Getting Stuck Is Good

SYNCHRONICITY #2

The day after seeing Chris Gardner I was invited to a new networking event. At first I wasn't going to attend but pushed myself to try something new. To my surprise it was filled with professional writers! That's where I met my "writing guru" friend who has helped support and develop my new writing career ever since. Read more: Tip#83: Fantastic Chain Reactions

SYNCHRONICITY #3

January 2009: On the very first day of 2009 my friend the Scone Queen gave me a copy of Zoomer Magazine as a new year's gift (read more: tip#219). I had never seen the magazine before but I always loved the new term Zoomer which refers to active baby boomers age 45+. I knew I'd be perfect to write motivational tips for them and looked at the masthead for the editor to contact.

A stunning synchronicity then led me to recognizing the name of the executive editor and remembered I had attended junior high school with her! And looking at the associate art director I realized that we had already worked together when I was a full time illustrator.

These synchronicities were undeniable. All I needed to do was take action with these meaningful coincidences and pitch my articles to the executive editor. So I took action and within a month I became Zoomer Magazine's motivational expert!

A Knight's Tale

I am reminded of the movie A Knight's Tale starring the late Heath Ledger as William Thatcher. In the film he has the dream of becoming a legitimate knight and along the way synchronistically meets the right people who can help make his dream come true.

Thatcher first meets a writer who is gifted in creating powerful speeches to promote him in the tournaments. And then he meets a blacksmith who helps create a special suit of armour that leads Thatcher to his victories in jousting.

So let the synchronicities of this movie or real-life stories like mine or from others inspire you. Start believing in meaningful coincidences.

Believe that some random events happen for a reason. Start recognizing the unexpected gifts that come your way from people you encounter. Most of all you must take action when synchronicities fall into your lap.

When you are passionate about a dream or goal you become magnetic. You attract the necessary steps towards your goals. Start saying yes to whatever the universe is sending you!

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

Tip#248: 7 Positive Emotions That Energize – Stranger Than Fiction

Positive emotional energy is key to building self-confidence and self-esteem. So it is important to identify what those emotions are.

Recently I accidentally left the TV on and there was wave after wave of negative economic news. That heavy energy started to get me down and I got caught in a cycle of negative thinking. It was like being hypnotized by what I was allowing into my brain.

Luckily I was able to break out of that cycle, first by changing the TV channel and then start focusing on positive emotions to re-engage my optimistic mindset. It is the recognition of what makes you feel good that accelerates the process for positive change.

There is a great list of 7 major positive emotions in Napoleon Hill's classic book, Think and Grow Rich. Identifying these will help you remember the emotions that can help lift you up and feel more energized and positive.

7 Major Positive Emotions:

The emotion of DESIRE
The emotion of FAITH
The emotion of LOVE
The emotion of SEX
The emotion of ENTHUSIASM
The emotion of ROMANCE
The emotion of HOPE

Stranger Than Fiction

The movie Stranger Than Fiction is a real gem of a story that explores and demonstrates aspects of this list of positive emotions. Will Ferrell stars as Harold Crick who feels trapped in a very negative situation.

But by having FAITH he learns to overcome his unexpected crisis. Crick then surrenders to his DESIRES and ENTHUSIASM like playing the guitar, homemade cookies and pursuing a woman he is attracted to. This then leads him to experience the emotions of LOVE, ROMANCE and SEX.

Ultimately Crick experiences the emotion of HOPE which helps him become the hero of his own life story. The final narration at the end of the film by Emma Thompson provides an inspiring list of activities that re-energizes positive emotional energy.

So remember positive emotional energy activates an optimistic mindset. Remind yourself of Napoleon Hill's list of positive emotions for whenever you get stuck in a negative mindset. Let these positive emotions lift you up when you feel heavy and lost.

Just like your TV, it starts with switching off that negative channel to a program that makes you feel good. Feeling good is all you have to focus on.

"Positive and negative emotions cannot occupy the mind at the same time. One or the other must dominate."
Napoleon Hill
Think and Grow Rich

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

Tip#247: Are You Holding Back? – Forrest Gump

Sometimes we can feel a paralysis that holds us back in our lives or careers. Why do we hold ourselves back?

Over the years I have learned to build an optimistic mindset wherein I can act quickly on opportunities that come my way. So it is very humbling to realize that I am still holding back in certain areas of my life and career.

That's why my blogs lately have featured motivating movies like Yes Man (see tip#245). I am doing my very best to break free of my inner blocks.

Co-Hosting A New Live Show

A few weeks ago a good friend of mine had asked me to co-host a live weekly video podcast show with him. The offer was an honour and a fantastic opportunity and yet I didn't say yes right away. I knew I was holding back.

It took awhile to accept the offer and now I look back at how silly I was being because the show has been a great source of fun and learning for me. I've also met amazing new business contacts from the guests interviewed. See more about the show: click here

Breaking A World Record

And recently my friends at Dailychallenge.org held a special event day to break the world record of paying for the person behind you a cup of coffee at a coffee shop. On that day the weather turned icy cold with freezing winds. I could feel myself holding back from participating because of the winter-like day but now so happy I pushed myself to participate. I helped break the world record of 602 people committing random acts of kindness. See more: click here

Here are 3 films about not holding back that inspire me to do better...

Forrest Gump
In this movie you'll notice that the movie hero always achieves great successes. And despite his simple mind he never, ever holds back. Whether he is learning ping pong, running a shrimp boat business or rushing into a war zone to save his platoon, Forrest always says yes and moves forward without hesitation.

Pleasantville
In this fantasy film you'll see how individuals in an entire town learn not to hold back with their true feelings and passions. And through amazing movie magic, when each person expresses what they truly desire they turn from black and white into full colour.

Unbreakable
This movie represents a type of superhero movie that explores how a man with super powers holds back from being who he was born to be. The story is about how he slowly accepts his role in life with the help of his son who believes in him.

So do your very best to break free of whatever is holding you back. Be inspired by movie heroes and real-life heroes who push forward no matter what. Be fearless with whatever comes your way.

And when you get stuck think about this question: What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?

"While one hesitates because he feels inferior, the other is busy making mistakes and becoming superior."
Henry C. Link

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

Tip#246: Recognize Gifts from the Universe – The Ultimate Gift

Your journey through life will be filled with obstacles. So it's important to remember that these blocks actually bring gifts made especially for you.

3 months ago I had a powerful conversation with someone (see tip#222) who helped me see I still had a core issue blocking my ultimate dreams and goals. Since then I have been consciously aware of gifts from the universe helping me unearth my issues while enjoying the journey.

Here are 4 key gifts that could inspire you:

Dog Whisperer:
Several friends synchronistically recommended this TV series about a dog psychologist who helps dog owners with problem pets. I don't even have a dog and yet inspired by these real-life stories. The gift I am learning from this show is how to be more "calm assertive" and a "pack leader" in my life and work.

Money and the Law of Attraction:
Listening to the audio version of this book has been a profound gift. The insights are a whole new, radical approach to problems that I've been learning to embrace over the years. It has helped me see that I am the one attracting all the positive and negative situations in my life and that I have the power to make positive changes.

Lucky Man by Michael J. Fox:
This audio book is narrated by the author himself and truly inspired me to keep moving forward in spite of obstacles. The gift was in hearing Fox's own voice sharing his optimistic attitude with his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease.

The Biology of Perception, The Psychology of Change:
This DVD features cellular biologist Dr. Bob Lipton and psychologist Robert Williams with powerful insights on how our perceptions of life actually change our cellular structure. The gift I received was that understanding our cells and subconscious was key to dealing with our core issues once and for all.

The Ultimate Gift (2006)

I always feel that movies I am led to are a gift. And recently I was compelled to watch The Ultimate Gift again. The story is about Jason (Drew Fuller) who must pass several tasks in order to receive his inheritance from his grandfather who had passed away. These tasks were each presented in the form of a pre-recorded video by the grandfather played by James Garner.

With each task Jason learns 12 gifts like: The gift of friends, The gift of work, The gift of gratitude, The gift of problems and The gift of giving. For Jason the journey is not easy but he does transform to becoming a richer man in spirit with every gift he embraces.

So recognize the gifts the universe is sending your way. Be aware that if your intention is to face your fears or issues then you will magnetize the tools and opportunities to do so.

See your obstacles as part of a learning process to become a better person. All you have to do is embrace the gifts that arrive on your doorstep!

SEE MOTIVATORMAN ON
NEW WEEKLY VIDEO PODCAST "MENSCH LIFE"
(mensch = a good & decent person)
Tuesdays, 10am to 11am est
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#245: Just Say Yes! – Yes Man

Constantly saying "no" can create a block to the opportunities we want in our lives. So it's important to remember that saying "yes" more can lead to amazing benefits.

As I wrote in the previous blog tip#244 I had just come through a debilitating 4 day funk that left me unfocused and feeling lost. And as I was starting to get better I received a call asking if in 2 days I could do a live 1 hour radio podcast interview. Despite my lack of energy I just said yes even though 1 hour seemed overwhelming.

I'm so glad I said yes because I ended up feeling more myself the day of the interview and it turned out to be one of the best on-air experiences I've had. And it's already generated more interest in my motivational services with people who saw the interview. See interview in 12 short clips: Dare to Dream Show

Two days after that interview it was raining hard the morning I had go to a meeting of fellow career practioners. I almost didn't go because of the weather but in my mind said "yes" despite the heavy rain. It ended up being an outstanding gathering with everyone sharing useful tips for generating more income.

Yes Man (2008)

The benefits of saying yes are explored in the movie Yes Man starring Jim Carrey as Carl Allen. It's based on a true story where a man learns the magical results of saying yes more in his life and career.

The quality of Carl's life quickly improves as he continues to say yes to everyday requests like someone wanting a minute of his time, someone wanting to sell something or a homeless person needing money. His "yes" actions lead Carl to receive a job promotion, a new girlfriend and to becoming a more self-confident person.

A Proactive Attitude

By practicing "yes" actions you build a more optimistic mindset a little bit every day. So if you are feeling stuck in your life or career start saying yes to the little things that come your way. Despite your feeling of the opposite do your very best to say yes to requests you receive. What you are doing in most cases is committing random acts of kindness for someone else.

And remember when you say yes you are helping yourself to be more fearless. You are training your mind to have a more positive, proactive attitude. Start saying yes today!

"We need to practice acting in spite of fear, in spite of doubt, in spite of worry, in spite of uncertainty, in spite of inconvenience, in spite of discomfort, and even to practice acting when we’re not in the mood to act."
T. Harv Eker

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
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© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#244: When You Feel Lost – Into The Wild

I just came through an unexpected 4 day, low energy funk. It seemed to come out of nowhere leaving me unmotivated and feeling disconnected and lost. Everything started to worry me: Why couldn't I focus? Was something wrong with my health? Why am I still having financial issues? Am I on the right path?

I had to surrender to the moment and have faith that everything was flowing exactly as it should. Being in the moment and not dwelling on the past or worry about the future was a lesson I was forced to face.

Finally my gut was telling me that an unresolved core issue of mine was surfacing. No matter how unpleasant it felt I was being told to be in the moment. Core issues are blocks that subconsciously sabotage your dreams and goals. So the melancholy state I was in was helping me pay attention to blocks that were coming up.

For more on core issues see:
Tip#225: Peel Your Inner Onion - Good Will Hunting
Tip#226: 5 Movies To Help You Peel Your Inner Onion

Into The Wild

Just before my 4 day challenge an interesting synchronicity occurred when a contact on LinkedIn.com recommended a movie to me. That film was Into The Wild and it helped immensely to identify my surfacing blocks. It is based on a true story and stars Emile Hirsch who plays Chris McCandless compelled to leave a traditional life and career to go on a road trip to Alaska.

He cuts up his credit cards, burns his money and even abandons his car along the way. McCandless had a calling to experience life that was not part of societal or mainstream expectations. He wanted to be in the moment and live life to the fullest.

His journey became a mirror for my own path in my career and reminded me that I am following my own personal calling. McCandless also inspires with his fearlessness to soak in every delicious moment of living through the towns and the wilderness he travels through.

Finally there is this message of revelation McCandless writes near the end of the movie…

"Happiness only real when shared."

This statement, like the entire movie, touched me deeply as if a core issue was being revealed to my face. Today I feel better and realize the silver lining of my 4 day funk was to just be in the moment. It helped disconnect me from the routine of my workday and face these blocks that subconsciously sabotage what I want in life and in my career.

So if you are feeling lost and disconnected in your life or career, recognize that it is a pivotal time for core issues within you to reveal themselves. It never feels pleasant but these blocks are necessary to face if you want your dreams and goals to manifest.

Pay attention even when your state of mind feels weak. A message is being told to you.

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