Tip#483: Stay Light & Laugh – Paul – Bad Teacher

Recently I was about to cross an intersection when a man in his 80's came up and told me that the 2 secrets to life are jokes and laughing. I chuckled because I felt he was an angel reminding me of what I'm already doing to face my financial challenges. Laughter is a tried and true motivational method that balances my new daily meditations I mentioned in previous tip#482. I'm happy to say that cash flow solutions have been manifesting!

I also keep the front page of The Toronto Star from August 23, 2011 on my kitchen table because of the headline, "Optimism is better than despair." These were the last public words from Toronto politician Jack Layton who passed away unexpectedly from cancer. This powerful statement reminds me everyday to stay focused on the positives. So, of course, my spirit has guided me to see some comedies that helped me to stay light and laugh. (See tip#46: What Makes You Laugh?)

Paul 2011

The science fiction comedy Paul is about 2 British comic book nerds (Simon Pegg and Nick Frost) who take a road trip in America and come across a rude, foul-mouthed alien named Paul (Seth Rogen). Paul was hilarious and this movie also touched my inner nerd with countless references to other sci fi movies like E.T., Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Aliens.

Bad Teacher 2011

The comedy Bad Teacher is about middle school teacher Elizabeth Halsey (Cameron Diaz) who drinks, smokes pot and shows movies while she sleeps through class (I liked the movie idea!). This is one of those raunchy films that made me laugh at what Diaz was actually saying and doing on screen. Justin Timberlake also stars and was shockingly funny in certain scenes.

These and other comedies always help me to step out of despair or negative thoughts that arise from difficult times. They help me laugh and then take me to a place where I can become optimistic again. Adding daily meditation and that's where I discover solutions AND the silver linings of my challenges.

If you are facing life or financial challenges right now I recommend seeing movies that will make you laugh. Activate your funny bone and feel your laughter reboot your positive energy! Do things to make you feel lighter and you will enjoy the roller coaster ride you are currently on!

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2) Indestructible Optimism: Build a Leadership Mindset
3) Introduction to the Power of Social Media

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
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Use The Magic of Movies to Motivate
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© Emmanuel Lopez 2011

Tip#482: Activate Your Leadership Mindset - Morning Glory

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein

I will always see the summer of 2011 as yet another test of maintaining my faith and indestructible optimism (see previous tip#481). The Einstein quote exemplifies how I am facing my latest financial challenges and how I've taken steps to approach my problems using different thinking. I've discovered that daily, consistent meditation has helped me unearth an inner voice revealing answers I've been seeking (see Deepak Chopra's 21 day meditation challenge).

One of these answers came in remembering my first successful business as an illustrator. I was reminded of how abundant, full and flowing my work AND bank account was. I was given a vision of a time where I earned an extremely prosperous living because of the great business team I had AND how much fun my days were. Soon after this experience I was synchronistically led to watching a movie that mirrored that same bright excitement and energy of my past successes.

Morning Glory 2010

The comedy Morning Glory is about aspiring TV news producer Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams) who, after getting laid off unexpectedly, gets a chance to help a struggling morning show called DayBreak. Though she exhibits many quirky personality traits, Fuller demonstrates great leadership qualities such as assertiveness, perseverance, creative thinking and indestructible optimism.

When faced with difficult personalities like Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford), Fuller persevered with enthusiasm in helping him adapt and to create a team spirit among the morning show workers. She even showed a proactive, fighter mindset rather than a victim mentality when the network threatened to cancel her morning show. See: movie trailer

Remember Past Successes

This movie mirrored many aspects of myself that re-ignited my positive emotional energy. It had one character (Fuller) that mirrored the strengths and leadership mindset I know I already have inside me. And it had another character (Pomeroy) who reminded me that despite whatever age you are one can still make the changes necessary to adapt successfully with whatever life throws at you.

If unexpected change or crisis hits you do your best to activate your leadership mindset to persevere. One way to re-energize your positivity is to remember any of your past successes and achievements. Another is to find cinematic role models to inspire you. When you do you will recognize proof of your capabilities and re-ignite your passion, drive AND indestructible optimism in whatever challenge you face right now!

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1) How To Press Play When You're Stuck On Pause: Re-ignite Passion & Drive
2) Indestructible Optimism: Build a Leadership Mindset
3) Introduction to the Power of Social Media

SEE THE MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
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Use The Magic of Movies to Motivate
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2011

Tip#481: Show Courage for Change - The Help

As I mentioned in previous blog post tip#480 this summer has been full of personal and professional changes. I've had to find the courage to do whatever necessary to make deep rooted changes in my mindset that's caused me to keep "spinning my wheels". This especially applies to my dream of getting a book published.

During much soul-searching I realized I have a block about getting a book published. I have written (and illustrated) many motivational books as far back as 1993 and am dealing with the shock and confusion as to why none have been printed and shared with the world. I even posted in tip#40 in 2007 that I was inspired to get published after seeing author Chris Gardner (The Pursuit of Happyness) at a live presentation. That book is actually written and yet I've already put it aside and moved onto another book project on leadership mentioned in tip#478.

I realize now that I have a process addiction (read more tip#243) and that my priority now is to heal and transform this mindset. It is a big part of what caused my financial collapse last year (see tip#400) and my thinking needs to change as soon as possible. Writing this now and sharing with readers of this blog is a personal step towards breaking out of my "Groundhog Day" loop I've been caught in.

Read more about addictions on Steph Miller's Live Lighter blog: Click here

The Help 2011

The movie The Help is an adaptation of Kathyrn Stockett's novel and is about a young white woman, Skeeter Phelan (Emma Stone), in the early 1960s who writes a book called "The Help". The book is based on the experiences of black maids who spent their lives caring for white children. Two maids Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) and Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer) resist the book idea at first but ultimately show great courage in sharing their stories.

The courage shown by these 3 women were inspiring in that they faced their own fears in order to create a book that would help change society's harsh treatment of black maids. The story was also inspiring in how it demonstrated the immense impact their written words had on readers both white and black. They were all great leaders of their time.

This movie has helped me look at myself and to find the courage to do whatever it takes to face my fears of publishing a book. The movie heroes are mirroring the inner strength I have within me.

Let stories inspire you to find your own courage for change. Let movie heroes mirror the inner strength you'll need to transform your life or career. You are not alone. Your movie heroes will be cheering you on!

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SPEAKER TOPICS:
1) How To Press Play When You're Stuck On Pause: Re-ignite Passion & Drive
2) Indestructible Optimism: Build a Leadership Mindset
3) Introduction to the Power of Social Media

SEE THE MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author | Speaker | Movie Blogger
Use The Magic of Movies to Motivate
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2011

Tip#480: Anything is Achievable - Miracle

This summer has been full of many personal and professional changes. This is one of those times I'm not able to openly blog about it but can at least share the films I am discovering that help me to stay positive and optimistic. Amazingly the book project I've been working on (see tip#478) has been an incredible resource for new, inspiring movies to see.

The book is on great leadership movies and I continue to receive recommendations on a daily basis from my LinkedIn group discussions I posted back in June. I was compelled to see one of those movies recently and it injected me with so much energy that I felt my indestructible optimism soar into the skies!

Miracle 2004

Based on a true story, the movie Miracle is about head coach Herb Brooks leading the United States hockey team to winning the gold medal in the 1980 Olympics. The win had an astounding affect over the nation because the Soviet team seemed unbeatable AND of the political stress of the times.

Brooks demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities that pushed his young team members to go far beyond their abilities and talents. He was assertive, strategic, extremely confident and had a strong vision from the very day he was hired to form a winning team. And although the training was rigorous every team member gave everything they had and more.

Its movies like this that helps me feel that anything is achievable even if whatever I currently see appears impossible. The Soviet team had been playing together for 15 years and yet the United States team trained together only 6 months and beat an "unbeatable" team. I was reminded that miracles can and DO happen.

Let this historic sports event remind you that miracles can happen in your life too. Remember that anything is achievable!

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e.g. X-Men: First Class, Captain America
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
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Use The Magic of Movies to Motivate
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2011

Tip#479: Deal with Unexpected Changes, Pt.1 – The Change-Up – Crazy, Stupid, Love

News of the US debt ceiling has been in the headlines all week. The fears people in the US are facing are what came to pass for me last year. After years of relying on credit to survive I faced a final debt ceiling and I was forced to make drastic changes in my work, life and home (see tip#400). Today I continue to deal with the aftermath of my financial decisions over the years. I realize more changes in my mindset are needed.

Synchronistically I had seen two comedies this week that mirrored the idea of personal change. Both featured men who faced an unexpected life crisis or unusual situation that forces them to see they need to make big personal changes. If not they would suffer even more in their current lifestyles and habits of thinking.

The Change-Up 2011

The comedy The Change-Up is about two friends, Mitch (Ryan Reynolds) and Dave (Jason Bateman) who lead very different lives. One night they magically change into each others' bodies and forced to live the other person's lifestyle. Over the course of several grueling days they each begin to see they are benefiting deeply from their individual experiences.

This is an extremely raunchy comedy and it is getting some harsh reviews. And yet it is an example of how a movie comes into my life at a specific time that triggers a meaningful insight. I know I have to make more changes in my life especially in my financial habits. I believe anyone can receive insights from movies as long as they are open to the possibilities.

Crazy, Stupid Love 2011

The romantic comedy Crazy, Stupid, Love is about Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) suddenly faced with his wife Emily (Julianne Moore) wanting a divorce. The shock leads him to a bar where he meets Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling) who helps Cal rebuild his self-confidence and self-esteem through new clothes, new attitude and learning how to approach new women.

Both Cal and Jacob experience profound changes in their lives and in their relationships with women. Again this movie was mirroring a critical message that I had to change specific mindsets and debilitating habits in my life. This summer I've painfully realized I've been caught in my own Groundhog Day movie loop when it comes to my financial wellness. These two movies have inspired me that I will be successful in changing.

If you are facing a need to change I wish you much success. The US debt ceiling is announcing a time of great change so do your best to recognize where changes are necessary in your mindset. Remember that change can be good! You can do it!

NOTE: This August I will be blogging on Sundays only as part of changes I am implementing into my life and career. Thank you for your continued support over the years!

Related Tips:
Tip#479: Deal with Unexpected Changes, Pt. 1 – The Change-Up – Crazy, Stupid, Love
Tip#657: Deal with Unexpected Changes, Pt. 2 - Star Trek into Darkness
Tip#871: Deal with Unexpected Changes, Pt. 3 - Before We Go 

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER AT YOUR
ORGANIZATION, ASSOCIATION or EVENT?
SEE MY VIDEO SAMPLE of my LECTURES, KEYNOTES, SEMINARS: Click here

SEE MY SUMMER MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS:
e.g. X-Men: First Class, Captain America
Click here

SEE THE MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
Look up your favourite movies and the motivational tips
written for them: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
JOIN ME on YOUTUBE: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author | Speaker | Movie Blogger
Use The Magic of Movies to Motivate
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2011