Tip#360: Express Your Excitement - The Invention of Lying

I recently had the honour of being interviewed on The Sheri and Erin Show where we discussed superhero movies that motivate. It was an electric conversation where we talked about my top 10 superhero movies in blog tip#360. Read here

Lively host, Sheri Zampelli had her own superhero name, Gal Vanized and her equally energetic co-host Erin McElroy unveiled her superhero name of Perspecto-Girl. Together with me, Motivatorman, we unleashed super-powered movie insights across the airwaves! Listen to show: Click here

One non-superhero movie I brought up that excited the hosts was The Invention of Lying. Hearing their excitement from something that was meaningful to me is why expressing yourself is powerful. Sharing your passions can instantly bond you with like-minded new friends!

The Invention of Lying 2009

The movie The Invention of Lying takes place in a parallel reality where everyone always tells the truth as they see it. It can be a very dull and unimaginative world. But when one man named Mark (Ricky Gervais) discovers he can activate his imagination and he captures the attention of the world with his new ideas that people actually live on after they die. People are excited and want to hear more of what Mark has to say.

This movie motivates because it demonstrates that when you express your point-of-view, ideas and stories you can connect with like-minded people. It shows that no matter how different or unique your views are that someone somewhere will be excited about what you have to say.

Remember that your ideas and thoughts have the ability to positively affect others and even change the world for the better. All you have to do is believe in your own super abilities to express what excites you. Have the confidence in yourself to share your thoughts and feelings and you'll be amazed at the number of heart-to-heart connections you make!

YOU CAN LISTEN HERE
TO THE FULL RADIO INTERVIEW RECORDING: Click here

LIVE IN TORONTO - SEE MY KEYNOTE ON MOVIES THAT MOTIVATE
At The Arthritis Society Fundraiser
Sunday, May 30th, 6pm EST, Toronto Canada
More details: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez
Motivational Superhero
Re-energize your career & life
Inquire about keynotes & seminars for your organization:
www.motivatorman.com

Social Media Wingman
Helping you shine online:
www.socialmediawingman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#359: How Superhero Movies Inspire - Top 10 Superhero Movies

There is a new genre of movies that feature comic book superheroes. They dazzle us with amazing special effects and exciting visuals. They can also inspire us deeply by showing flawed human beings that still achieve greatness.

Greatness from Flaws

Stan Lee is the creator of many Marvel Comics superheroes like Spider-Man, Iron Man, The X-Men and The Incredible Hulk. What he set out to do was create characters with the same problems humans have in real life. Peter Parker is the alter ego of Spider-Man who is still picked on in school and has problems holding down a job. Parker just happens to be a superhero on the side.

Purpose and Passion

The stories of superheroes like Batman can be a journey because their alter egos (Bruce Wayne) must go through struggles and pain in order to discover their purpose in life. And when they do they truly shine. Their purpose helping others becomes their passion and they feel more fulfilled then ever.

Here is a list of my top 10 favourite superhero movies:

1) Spider-Man 2 2004
• Identifying and utilizing your gifts
• Building self-confidence

2) Iron Man 2008
• Perseverance
• Creative solutions

3) The Dark Knight 2008
• Creative solutions
• Sacrifice for the bigger picture

4) Superman - The Movie 1978
• Serving others
• Following your destiny

5) X2-X-Men United 2003
• Teamwork
• Accepting differences of others

6) Kick-Ass 2010
• Perseverance
• Teamwork

7) The Incredibles 2004
• Teamwork
• Utilizing your gifts

8) Unbreakable 2000
• Identifying and utilizing your gifts
• Building self-confidence

9) The Incredible Hulk 2008
• Sacrifice for the bigger picture
• Perseverance

10) Watchmen 2009
• Teamwork
• Utilizing your gifts

Look at your own favourite superhero movies and identify what excites you about the characters. See what they are mirroring about you. Ask yourself if they are demonstrating abilities, strengths and gifts you wished you had. Be inspired that despite whatever flaws you see in yourself that YOU TOO can achieve the extraordinary.

Most of all be open to the idea that your favourite superhero movies are reminding YOU of your own super powers. They are there to help you be the courageous person you were born to be. Feel your greatness now!

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE SUPERHERO MOVIES?
Please let me know and why!

LISTEN to LIVE MOTIVATORMAN INTERVIEW
On The Sheri and Erin Show
Thursday, May 27th, 11am PST - 2pm EST
More details: Click here

SEE MOVIES THAT MOTIVATE KEYNOTE
At The Arthritis Society Fundraiser
Sunday, May 30th, 6pm EST, Toronto Canada
More details: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez
Motivational Superhero
Re-energize your career & life: www.motivatorman.com

Social Media Wingman
Helping you shine online: www.socialmediawingman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#358: Tap Into Your Primal Instincts – A History of Violence

The success of dealing with my recent life changes (see tip#352) is due to my primal instincts kicking into action. I just accepted that I was in survival mode and needed to find a new home, putting all my focus onto the basic necessities for living.

I could feel the primal part of my brain become more active as my "fight-or-flight response" leaned toward fight. And that fight reaction was more about unleashing a positive, proactive energy that led me to the solutions I needed to put a roof over my head.

A History of Violence 2005

The movie A History of Violence features a mild-mannered man named Tom (Viggo Mortensen) who reveals a radically different, heroic side to himself through an unexpected act of violence. And though this is a violent film the motivational value comes from a man whose primal instincts for survival kicks in when it was needed most.

Tom is the owner of a diner in a small, peaceful town when 2 robbers threaten him and his customers at gunpoint. Despite appearing passive and soft-spoken Tom's instincts kick into action and he skillfully disarms and kills the robbers in self-defense.

This may seem like an extreme example but it illustrates that you have the ability to tap into a proactive energy within you when faced with overwhelming challenges. You have what it takes to fight through the obstacles you face. You have the primal instincts for being the courageous person you want to be.

Every hero in the movies or in real-life faces challenges that trigger their "fight-or-flight response". Be inspired to know you can access your ability to stand your ground and fight for what you want.

LISTEN to LIVE INTERVIEW on The Sheri and Erin Show
Thursday, May 27th, 11am PST - 2pm EST
More details: Click here

SEE MOVIES THAT MOTIVATE KEYNOTE at The Arthritis Society Fundraiser
Sunday, May 30th, 6pm EST, Toronto Canada
More details: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez
Motivational Superhero
Re-energize your career & life: www.motivatorman.com

Social Media Wingman
Helping you shine online: www.socialmediawingman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#357: Be Neighborly Using Social Media - Amal

Neighborly: like, characteristic of, or appropriate to neighbors; kind, friendly, sociable, etc.

One of the most uplifting feelings is to receive the unexpected generosity of friends, family and colleagues when you need it most. That's what I experienced during my recent life changes that were overwhelming to deal with alone. Generosity and giving is also at the heart of what social media is all about.

I just attended a wonderful evening of a book review hosted by the ever warm Judi and Nick Hughes of Your Planning Partners. The book was Mitch Joel's Six Pixels of Separation and was presented with enthusiasm by Faith Seekings of Rapport Communications and Design. She shared that the primary success keys of using social media is being authentic and to focus on providing value.

Providing value is about giving and helping others in a meaningful way. This is the underlying secret of social media which is to build community by giving and sharing information online. I believe social media is helping individuals get back to the fundamentals of a neighborly mindset.

Amal 2008

The movie Amal celebrates the concept of being neighborly. Amal (Rupinder Nagra) is an auto-rickshaw driver in contemporary India who exudes the spirit of customer service and generosity. You see how he goes out of his way to help and pay medical care for an injured little beggar girl.

And when faced with an unreasonable, irate customer (Naseeruddin Shah), Amal maintains his sense of honesty and integrity and allows him to pay for what the customer felt was the value of his ride. Amal even refused to accept a tip. The old man is so moved by Amal's actions that he chooses to put Amal in his will. The customer was in fact a billionaire.

Focus On Giving

Some say that what you give comes back ten-fold. I believe this is true and what is at the core to building a sense of supportive community in your life and in achieving success using social media. The key is to focus on giving from the heart AND provide value in other people’s lives without expecting anything in return.

Start today by being mindful of other people's needs. Hold a door open for someone. Give someone your seat on the bus. Or give advice to someone in need whether it's online or in person. Practice providing value and being neighborly any way you can. The uplifting energy you'll feel will be worth it!

What other movies do you know that inspire community or being neighborly? Let me know in the comments tab below or via email.

Emmanuel Lopez
Motivational Superhero
Re-energize your career & life: www.motivatorman.com

Social Media Wingman
Helping you shine online: www.socialmediawingman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#356: Feel Good from Nostalgia - Big Trouble In Little China

Nostalgia: A bittersweet yearning for things, persons or situations of the past

I recently attended the grand opening of a new movie lover's experience called the Toronto Underground Cinema. Situated in my own neighbourhood, the opening drew a full house and even a tweet by famed film critic Roger Ebert. See here

Opening night had a double feature of 2 cult classics, Clue and Big Trouble In Little China. Both were shown in the traditional 35 mm with all the film scratches and sound glitches of a pre-digital, surround sound world. They even showed film trailers from the 80's now looking joyfully cheesy!

Thanks to founders Charlie Lawton, Alex Woodside and Nigel Edward Agnew, the nostalgic feeling was amazing especially when shared by 700 other movie fans. And seeing Big Trouble In Little China was a surprise because after all these years it was still very entertaining and super fun to watch especially with a cheering, exuberant crowd.

Big Trouble in Little China 1986

The movie Big Trouble in Little China was a unique mix of a Hollywood action film, witty comedy and Kung Fu sorcery when first released. It stars Kurt Russell as Jack Burton a cocky, all-American hero who actually does very unheroic (yet hilarious) deeds throughout the movie as he faces Chinese gangs and mystical warriors and creatures.

The film also starred a young Kim Cattrall famous today from Sex In The City fame. Seeing her was another surprise because she reminded me of how funny and spunky she was in this movie. And seeing the director John Carpenter’s name on the screen brought back memories of his other films I grew up with like Halloween, Escape from New York and The Thing.

A Powerful Feeling

Nostalgia is a powerful feeling and for a brief moment I was transported back in time to what feels now like another life. I was taken away from the stresses of my current life challenges and bathed in the form of cinema I knew and loved growing up.

So if you are in Toronto check up the Toronto Underground Cinema and get transported to your past. Share your passion for movies with people who share the same enthusiasm. And if you get that loving, aching, bittersweet feeling then you know you are bathing in nostalgia. Enjoy the feeling!

JOIN TORONTO UNDERGROUND CINEMA
ON FACEBOOK: Click here

JOIN ME ON FACEBOOK: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez
Motivational Superhero
Re-energize your career & life: www.motivatorman.com

Social Media Wingman
Helping you shine online: www.socialmediawingman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#355: Passion Re-Energizes Your Purpose – 500 Days of Summer

Traumatic life or career changes can help shatter your old, destructive mindsets and steer you back on course with your life purpose. That is happening to me at this very moment as financial challenges and my life-changing experience with the Mastery of Self Expression workshop remind me of what I am passionate about.

After being disconnected from everything I "thought" was right in my life, my true passions are shining through. I've reaffirmed my love for movies and for writing this blog. And I love exciting people about social media. I've even realized how much I love making short video movies for social media.

All these passions revolve around a desire to make heartfelt connections with people and help them connect with others. And as I wrote in the previous blog tip#354 this all feels part of the legacy I want to leave behind on the planet.

(500) Days of Summer 2009

At the beginning of the movie (500) Days of Summer the narrator says "This is not a love story". This helps shake up your mindset because one of the key subplots revolves around rediscovering your passion.

In the story Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is devastated after his girlfriend Summer (Zooey Deschanel) breaks up with him. In a disconnected state of mind he quits his unfulfilling job and slowly begins to explore his buried passion for architecture.

His shattered mindset made room for his love of buildings to shine through and soon he goes on job searches in the field he truly desired. He looks and feels better and the ending of the movie will put a big smile on your face!

Tom was a big mirror for me. He was a reminder that out of my recent struggles I will be even more aligned with my passions and purpose.

Opportunity for Renewal

So if you are experiencing the pain of life or career changes know that there is a message within this uncomfortable situation. This is your opportunity for renewal. You get to reboot your life purpose or direction to be more fulfilling and passionate. You get to re-energize yourself.

Remember there is always a silver lining under any dark cloud you find yourself under. That silver lining will lead you back to your true passions.

SNEAK PEEK!
Take a look at my first Social Media Wingman Video Tip that I loved making: See here

And have a sneak preview of my new Social Media Wingman website: See here

I welcome your responses and feedback!

Emmanuel Lopez
Social Media Wingman
Movies That Motivate Specialist
www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#354: What Will Your Legacy Be? Part 1 – Iron Man 2

My recent move into a new live/work space (see tip#353) is one of several life-changing experiences I am going through right now. I have also been re-examining every aspect of my life and career because I know more drastic changes are needed.

One question that's been helping me is one that came from the Mastery of Self Expression workshop I took a few weeks ago (see tip#351 and tip#352). The question was to ask yourself: What is the legacy you want to leave behind? How do you want to be remembered?

I thought about friends and family who have died and how they continue to help me enjoy life or be a better person. My father taught me how to be incredibly resourceful with whatever I had in front of me. He has been with me every step of my life and career since he passed on. His legacy is helping me identify what mine will be.

Iron Man 2 2010

The movie Iron Man 2 is filled with non-stop action and a powerful message about legacy. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) discovers that he is dying and falls on a self-destructive path. Along the way he re-examines his father's legacy.

While in that reflective mindset Stark finds answers to solve his current challenges. It was his father's legacy and a special message from the past that helps Stark move forward as a man and as a superhero.

Explore What Legacy Means To You

So if you feel stuck in your career or life ask yourself what your legacy will be? What do you want to leave behind for others to benefit from? How will you contribute to helping people or help the planet?

Look at loved ones who have passed on and recognize how they have added value to your own life. Think about how your heroes throughout history have influenced you in being a better person. Explore what legacy means to you and you will open your mind and heart to the answers you seek.

Related Tips:
Tip#354: What Will Your Legacy Be? Part 1 – Iron Man 2 
Tip#709: What Will Your Legacy Be? Part 2 – David Bowie Exhibit – Paul Walker – Good Ol’ Frida
Tip#734: What Will Your Legacy Be? Part 3 – Harold Ramis – Alice Herz-Sommer – The Straight Story
Tip#923: What Will Your Legacy Be? Part 4 - Alan Rickman – Top 5 Films 

Emmanuel Lopez
Social Media Consultant
Movies that Motivate Specialist
www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#353: Who Are Your Super-Friends? - Mystery Men

We did it! The main move into my new live/work space (see Tip#352) took 5 solid hours with the help of 7 super-friends. And even in prepping my move, painting and cleaning, there were even more amazing people that helped. I am so grateful for all their big-hearted assistance. We worked as a team.

In fact, my move gave me the opportunity to witness the secret super powers of these friends. They each surprised us all with hidden abilities that made the move incredibly efficient. And they all LOVED what they were tasked to do!

One of the groups I called the "Super Workhorses" who tirelessly moved furniture "in a single bound"! And there were the "Super Scrubbers" who loved eliminating dirt and grime with their super sponges. Then there were "Super Declutterers" who for months helped me let go of kryptonite junk that had been draining me of my own super powers for years!

Mystery Men 1999

There are many superhero movies out there and one that has many fun superhero names is Mystery Men starring Ben Stiller. Based on the Dark Horse comic book series, the film is a comedic take on superheroes with unusual and/or made up powers. Here is a list of superhero names from the movie:

Mr. Furious
The Shoveler
Blue Raja
The Spleen
The Bowler
The Waffler
Pencil Head
Squeegee Man
Ballerina Man
PMS Avenger

Though some of these titles are silly they exemplify the uniqueness of one's own preferences, gifts and talents for something they ENJOY or LOVE to do. And in any collaborative situation where team spirit is crucial it's important to recognize the natural skill sets of those around you.

Whether it's in your workplace or personal life you definitely have individuals around with the skills you lack that can help you with your dreams or goals. Be open to recognizing and identifying your super-friends. And remember to shine your bat-signal up in the sky whenever you need help!

WHAT WOULD YOUR SUPERHERO NAME BE
BASED ON YOUR TALENTS OR SKILL SETS?
Let me know via email or the comments tab below.

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#352: Keep Movin' and Groovin' – Shall We Dance?

I'm in good spirits considering I am moving from my fantastic live/work space after 15 years. For past several weeks it's been a little stressful having to let go of a home I loved while decluttering and packing.

It's been physically, mentally and emotionally taxing especially with all the other big changes I am experiencing. I am also still moving through the epiphanies of the life-changing Mastery of Self Expression workshop I've been writing about. See: Tip#351

What surprised me was the night before the main moving day and I was feeling my aching, sore muscles I ended up getting re-energized by a movie about dance.

Shall We Dance? 2004

The movie Shall We Dance? is about a lawyer named John Clark (Richard Gere) who feels he is missing something in his life. After seeing the lost look in Paulina (Jennifer Lopez) through a window during regular commutes home he impulsively signs up for dance lessons at her dance studio.

Through dance John awakens something inside him and helps Paulina lift herself up from her sadness. There is a scene where she dances with him to show how more alive he can be for an upcoming competition. It is electric to see. You'll be inspired to witness these characters re-ignite their passion through the power of dance.

I can get transported from the stresses of life through exciting Sci Fi movies or loud action/adventure films. In this case a movie about dance took me to an exhilarating world away from my aching muscles. I was re-energized to make the big, final move into a new home and new chapter in my life.

Remember that the magic of movies can energize your spirit. They can help keep you movin' and groovin' no matter how down or exhausted you may feel. Whatever movie genre you prefer, be open to any story that will re-ignite your passion.

WHAT MOVIES RE-IGNITE YOUR ENERGY OR PASSION?
Let me know via email or the comments tab below.

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010