Tip#351: Who Is The Superhero Within You? – Kick-Ass

At this very moment ALL the pieces of my life, career and business have been tossed up into the air. It's because I've been shaken to the core of all my belief systems from the intensive, 3 day workshop I attended in Toronto 2 weekends ago. It was called MASTERY OF SELF EXPRESSION and it really kicked my ass.

This workshop was originally designed for actors who had lost their passion stemming from the pain of countless auditions and rejections. Some famous names that have participated in this workshop are Woody Harrelson, Ted Danson, Sigourney Weaver, Fisher Stevens, Mary Louise Parker and Marisa Tomei.

The MASTERY workshop helped me unearth factors about myself that were shocking to face. And yet I knew these blocks were the cause of the multiple life changes I've had to make this month. I'm even re-examining the future of this movie blog and my superhero inspired business name, Motivatorman.

Thankfully I was synchronistically led to seeing a new movie that would lift my spirits.

Kick-Ass 2010

The movie Kick-Ass is about an ordinary teenager named Dave (Aaron Johnson) who becomes a real-life superhero named Kick-Ass. However his first attempts to fight crime leave Dave beaten, stabbed and hit by a car. Despite all this brutal realism he demonstrates his desire and commitment for keeping his dream alive.

In one scene Dave is valiantly protecting a man from three attackers and proves that we was willing to die in order to protect a stranger in need. He proved he was willing to do whatever it took to follow his dream.

This scene reminded that there is a superhero in me somewhere waiting to be re-defined. I was inspired to do whatever it took to move forward despite all the uncertainty I face. Once again a movie has helped cut through the anxiety and emotional pain that can paralyze ANYONE dealing with unexpected change or crisis.

Do your best to stay positive and proactive in your own challenges. Be inspired to question your own belief systems holding you back. Question your personal identity and find that superhero within you. Most of all, feel free to kick your own ass in order to move forward in your life!

IF YOU WERE A SUPERHERO
WHAT WOULD YOUR NAME BE?
Let me know via email or the comments tab below!

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#350: What Movies Motivate You? – Your Responses #2

Here are more movies that motivate from contacts in my movie lover groups on LinkedIn. These choices demonstrate the diversity and timelessness of films that can affect each of us in meaningful ways.

Chariots of Fire 1981

The story of Eric Liddell, his incredible will and staying true to his belief, even in the face of unbelievable pressure. Perhaps my favorite movie of all time.
Gregg Young
Midland, Michigan, USA

Meatballs 1982

Any time I take myself too seriously or am about to pack it in, I remember Bill Murray's omniscient exhortation, "It just doesn't matter!" So, I say screw it and get back to doing what I really want to do. That's what motivates me most frequently.
Herb Blank
Greater New York State USA

Patton 1970

For me, one big inspirational movie is Patton, pretty much relevant in corporate context. Others include Jerry Maguire, The Pursuit of Happyness, Meet John Doe, Shichinin no Samurai (which teaches a lot about teamwork and leadership models).
Anindya Ray
Bangalore Area, India

Star Wars: A New Hope 1977

The original Star Wars: A New Hope when it first came out. It had that Gosh! Gee Whiz! factor that made me want to go to Film/TV school and made me become a Videographer.
Pancho Tarra
Costa Mesa, CA USA

What movies motivate you? Write back or leave a comment below of what movies have inspired you and why. Also share what city and country you are writing from.

I will be publishing your answers in upcoming blog entries and you'll help inspire other people all around the world!

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#349: What Movies Motivate You? – Your Responses #1

I am in a state of deep reflection after completing the intensive 3 day workshop in Toronto called MASTERY OF SELF EXPRESSION (see tip#348). It will take me awhile to articulate my profound experience of facing deep rooted blocks.

Thank you everyone who wrote in about your favourite films. Here is a selection of 4 movies that motivate from readers of this blog.


Flashdance 1983

"i always thought Flashdance was inspirational. cheesy but i just love how she fights for a dream and actually attains despite great adversity."
Candice Frederick
Queens NY USA
Blog: Reel Talk

Peaceful Warrior 2006

Movie: Peaceful Warrior,
Why: I learned to live in the moment and detach from any outcome
Patrick B.: Toronto Canada
Blog: Journeyman Stories

Now Voyager 1942

"The movie that has always motivated me is Now Voyager with Bette Davis. She breaks free from the negative self-image that was imposed upon her by her family and herself to blossom into a beautiful and generous woman. In the end, it is her strength and generosity that allows her to make a sacrifice that will ensure her a greater love."
Jane
Milwaukee, WI USA

Silkwood 1983

"The movie that has always sparked something within me is Silkwood with Cher, Meryl Streep and Kurt Russell. Yes, I realize that this might be an odd movie for one to be motivated by but it wasn't just the movie that inspired me, it was the theatre in which we saw it that made it special.

I was visiting my sister in a town called Invermere, British Columbia. We saw the movie in a small old theatre from the 60's. Everything was vintage and had all the old chairs and decoration. The movie was not my favorite one of all, but for some reason the experience of watching a movie in a time warp became an inspiration all on its own. I do love Cher though."
Dave Larsen
Toronto Canada

What movies motivate you? Write back or leave a comment below of what movies have inspired you and why. Also share what city and country you are writing from.

I will be publishing your answers in upcoming blog entries and you'll help inspire other people all around the world!

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#348: What Movies Motivate You?

As I write this I am currently attending an intensive, 3 day workshop in Toronto called MASTERY OF SELF EXPRESSION with Hollywood film actor/facilitator Larry Gilman and co-facilitator Tammy Cunningham. See

It is shaking up everything I thought I knew about myself and about my life purpose, career and even this movie blog. So in order to stay connected with the workshop this blog will be brief and unique.

I invite you to please tell me what movies motivate you? Write back or leave a comment below of what movies have inspired you and why. Also share what city and country you are writing from.

I will be publishing your answers in upcoming blog entries and you'll help inspire other people all around the world!

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#347: When Your World Is Turned Upside Down – 5 Movie Tips

The economic downturn of 2008 hit many people around the world. It turned their worlds upside down and forced them to see life differently and adapt in order to survive.

There was a NASA experiment in the 60's that fitted a group of astronauts with convex goggles that turned their visual world upside down. They had to wear the goggles day and night while dealing with the stress and hardships of stumbling blindly.

Then something amazing happened. On the 26th day one of the men suddenly saw the world right side up. He was still wearing the goggles! Over time his brain had created new neural pathways to adjust to what he was seeing. By the 30th day all the other astronauts followed suit.

This proves that whatever challenges you face can be overcome despite whatever you see in front of you. Your brain can adapt to unexpected change and crisis.

Here are 5 movies that inspire one's ability to overcome financial crisis...

Cinderella Man 2005

This is the true story of boxer Jim Braddock (Russell Crowe) and how his resilience and passion for his family allowed him to survive during the great depression.

It's a Wonderful Life 1946

This Christmas classic shows how George Bailey (James Stewart) discovers the value of friendships and supportive relationships during financial hardships and personal sense of hopelessness.

The Pursuit of Happyness 3006

Based on the true story of Chris Gardner (Will Smith) who finds himself homeless and surviving on the streets with a toddler. He demonstrates inspiring resilience and optimism as he trains to be stockbroker while homeless.

Seabiscuit 2003

This is the true story of an undersized racehorse named Seabiscuit whose victories lifted the spirits of the team behind it as well as an entire nation during the great depression.

Sullivan's Travels 1941

A wealthy film director named Sullivan (Joel McCrea) sets out in disguise as a penniless tramp to make a film about the poor. He gets a reality shock and learns how the poverty-stricken persevere through the power of laughter.

So if you find your world has been turned upside down because of financial challenges or other unexpected crisis feel positive knowing that you have the ability to successfully adapt. Know that you are fully capable in becoming more resourceful than ever. Your mind is a powerful, resilient muscle.

EMMANUEL-MOTIVATORMAN IS THE NEW
TORONTO CAREER TRANSITIONS EXAMINER
Read 3 success factors of movies that will motivate your success in overcoming career and job transitions. See here

ASK ABOUT MOTIVATORMAN'S
Social Media Consulting services for helping:
1) Individuals manage their career & connections
2) Organizations manage their message
See more info here under Consultations: www.motivatorman.com

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#346: The Power of Collaboration Part 2 – How To Train Your Dragon

One of the reasons I am passionate about social media and social networking is that it's all about cultivating a sense of community on a local and global level. It's about breaking down invisible walls between people and encouraging the power of collaboration.

Social media is helping people share information and learn more about each other on sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Blogging. These sites are showing we all have more in common then we do in differences. Seeing each other as allies rather than the enemy or competition is ultimately more productive whether it’s in the workplace or personal life.

How to Train Your Dragon 2010

The animated 3-D movie, How to Train Your Dragon celebrates the power of collaboration on many inspiring levels. Set in a mythical Viking world, a young teen named Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) aspires to become a dragon slayer. After capturing his first dragon he finds that he is unable to kill it and instead is compelled to help and befriend it.

In doing so Hiccup learns more about dragons and their motives and soon they develop a collaborative relationship. They find that together they are stronger and able to accomplish much more then apart. Later that synergistic spirit spreads to Hiccup's friends that once were enemies and then to the entire village.

Develop a mindset for collaboration and you'll discover how quickly you can accomplish your dreams and goals. Develop a team spirit mindset and you'll also be learning more about how differences can become strengths when you focus on working harmoniously together.

We are all living in an exciting new era of collaboration with the online social media world. Let it inspire you to cultivate more meaningful, supportive relationships in your work and life!

READ PART 1:
Tip#306: The Power of Collaboration – Funny People

EMMANUEL-MOTIVATORMAN IS THE NEW
TORONTO CAREER TRANSITIONS EXAMINER
Read 3 success factors of movies that will motivate your success in overcoming career and job transitions. See here

ASK ABOUT MOTIVATORMAN'S
Social Media Consulting services for helping:
1) Individuals manage their career & connections
2) Organizations manage their message
See more info here under Consultations: www.motivatorman.com

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#345: 2 Key Tips for Job Seekers - The Terminal

Job and career transitions can be life changing, emotional experiences especially when they come out of nowhere. And yet there is great learning and personal development that can blossom from these adversities. Resourcefulness and collaboration are 2 important keys.

After I discovered The Washington Post had featured my blog during my own career transition, I was able to use social media to track down the writer, Vickie Elmer. I found her on LinkedIn and thanked her for writing the article. Recently she asked if I could contribute movie recommendations for job seekers on her own blog called Working Kind. See here

I recommended Cinderella Man and The Shawshank Redemption as powerful movies that can inspire job seekers. These titles are among others I am currently writing articles on as the new Toronto Career Transitions Examiner on Examiner.com. See here

It was exciting to be able to collaborate with someone like Vickie who helped make a big difference during my career transition. And it reminded me of another favourite movie that is highly motivational for anyone going through a job or career change.

The Terminal 2004

Steven Spielberg's film, The Terminal is filled with tips to encourage and inspire job seekers. Based on a true story, Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks) is thrown into a situation where he is forced to live within the confines of a NYC airport.

With no money, no English and no one he knows to help him, Viktor shows how resourceful one can be in the face of unexpected adversity. You see how he makes himself a bed, discover methods of collecting change so he can eat and you see how he teaches himself to speak English from television monitors and guide books from the airport book store.

When Viktor demonstrates his skill sets in construction he is immediately given a paid job within an area being redeveloped in the terminal. He soon cultivates many collaborative friendships within the airport where they all help one another achieve certain goals and dreams.

So if you find yourself in a job or career transition remember to see it as an opportunity to increase your resourcefulness and supportive relationships. Choose to see your transition as a time to learn new methods and tools to proactively achieve your goals AND collaborate effectively.

Any situation can be a blessing in disguise once you develop an optimistic mindset and see the hidden gifts within.

3 other resources to inspire you:

1) Working Kind blog - 10 job seeker movies: See here
2) Toronto Career Transitions Examiner - Movie Tips: See here
3) Tip#122: The Bright Side of Career Transitions - 9 Movie Tips: See here


ASK ABOUT MOTIVATORMAN'S
Social Media Consulting services for helping:
1) Individuals manage their career & connections
2) Organizations manage their message
See more info here under Consultations: www.motivatorman.com

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#344: Accept Big Changes – Hachiko: A Dog's Story

There have been big changes all around me in downtown Toronto on Queen St. West. My favourite breakfast place called The Stem has closed forever (see tip#20) and other favourite restaurants of over 15 years, like Taro Bar & Grill, have closed their doors. It's like they represent the ending of an era for me.

And it would be very synchronistic because I am going through a pivotal and profound change in my life and work at the moment. Seeing these restaurants shut down reminded me of how loyal I was to them and how I must emotionally let go in order to move forward to new life experiences.

It's like any unexpected change in career, relationships or life situations you must face. It's our responsibility to let go of emotional attachments that no longer support us because they will never allow us to be truly free of the past.

Hachiko (Hachi): A Dog's Tale 2009

The movie, Hachiko (Hachi): A Dog's Tale inspires with its themes of loyalty, devotion and letting go. It's based on a true story about a puppy shipped to the US from Japan and being found at a train station by a professor named Parker (Richard Gere).

Parker and his family adopt the puppy calling him Hachi, the name on his collar. Over time Hachi would go and wait faithfully every day at the train station when Parker arrived home from work. Sadly, Parker dies unexpectedly while at work. To Hachi, his master just hasn't arrived home yet.

For many years, Hachi continued to return to the train station at the usual time Parker usually came home. The movie is a powerful story of undying devotion and love. It is also thought-provoking for knowing when to let go in your own life.

When big changes happen in your life, relationships or career it can be an extreme challenge to change your deep-rooted thoughts and emotions about these things. And yet it is your duty to learn how to accept these unwanted changes and release the invisible tethers keeping you in the past.

So accept the emotions that envelop you when unexpected change or crisis occurs. Be mindful not to stay stuck in this "grieving" period of shock or loss for too long. You are in control of your life so have the courage to know when to let go of the past.

ASK ABOUT MOTIVATORMAN'S
Social Media Consulting services for helping:
1) Individuals manage their career & connections
2) Organizations manage their message
See more info here under Consultations: www.motivatorman.com

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010