Tip#491: Let Go of What You THINK You Know, Part 2 – 4 Movie Tips

Over the past few months and even at this moment I know of several close friends going through drastic life changes. It's as if they've entered a phase in their life and career where they are being forced to purge either their homes, relationships, jobs or all the above. Sound familiar? This has been my path for over a year now and thankfully my life has changed for the better (See tip#400).

These friends have reached out to me and I am more than happy to provide the movie tips and tools that helped me persevere and stay optimistic. It always comes down to transforming one's mindset. I'll repeat the Einstein quote from 2 previous blog posts because repetition is part of the transformation: "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."

Here are 4 movie recommendations:

The Beaver 2011

A deeply troubled husband, father and executive (Mel Gibson) adopts a beaver hand-puppet as a means of breaking out of his destructive and debilitating mindset. This radical concept is a mirror for how radical your ways of thinking must change in order for you to break free. Here is an inspiring quote from the film: "We reach a point where, in order to go on, we have to wipe the slate clean."

Groundhog Day 1993

A self-centered weatherman (Bill Murray) finds himself trapped living the same day over and over again. After trying countless ways and methods to break out he finally surrenders to his situation. Over time he learns to change his thoughts and attitudes. Changing himself inwardly eventually freed him in his external world.

Peaceful Warrior 2006

A university student (Scott Mechlowicz) who dreams of winning a National Gymnastics competition encounters an enigmatic and wise gas station attendant (Nick Nolte). For many months the attendant teaches a multitude of lessons designed to purge the student's thoughts and attitudes in order to achieve his goals.

The Ultimate Gift 2006

When a wealthy tycoon (James Garner) dies he leaves his spoiled and reckless grandson (Drew Fuller) 12 video taped assignments to teach him 12 gifts in life. In order to receive his inheritance the grandson begins by having all his belongings and home taken away. One by one he discovers the life lessons that take him to new levels of happiness.

If you are finding you’ve tried everything like self-help books, workshops, therapy, etc. and still feel stuck then it may be time to let go of everything you THINK you know. If the world around you is being stripped then see it as a sign that your ways of thinking need to be stripped too.

All you have to do is say YES to the path you are being guided down. Find the courage to begin your inner purge and supportive people AND inspiring movie heroes will be right by your side!

Related Tips:
Tip#490: Let Go of What You THINK You Know, Part 1 - Rise of the Planet of the Apes 
Tip#491: Let Go of What You THINK You Know, Part 2 – 4 Movie Tips
Tip#495: Let Go of What You THINK You Know, Part 3 – 4 More Movie Tips 
Tip#514: Let Go of What You THINK You Know, Part 4 – The Artist 

ANNOUNCEMENT:
I am the new Film Writer for Parvati Magazine online! Read selections from my Movies that Motivate blog with this month featuring "Morning Glory":
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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#490: Let Go of What You THINK You Know, Part 1 - Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Since the intense personal and professional challenges I experienced this summer (see tip#481) I felt I was backed up against a wall to finally face things about myself I didn’t want to acknowledge. But once I surrendered to the fact that my way of thinking needed to change I began to discover solutions.

One of those solutions was to let go of what I THINK I know. As I wrote in tip#482 Einstein said it best: "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." For example I am a big fan of the original Planet of the Apes movie (1968) and didn’t think the new reboot would be any good. I thought this because I read a few negative reviews from film critics that were "purists" and didn't give the direction of the new film a chance.

So when a sibling, who was passionate about the original Ape movies, told me the new film was "soooo good!" it shook up my thought patterns. It shook up what I thought I knew to be true and decided to see the movie. I ended up loving the re-imagined story of something I loved growing up!

Rise of the Planet of the Apes 2011

The film Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a reboot of the Planet of the Apes series. It is about scientist Will Rodman (James Franco) trying to create a cure for Alzheimer's disease and testing the genetically engineered formula on chimpanzees. The end result comes in the form of a baby chimp who Rodman and his father (John Lithgow) raises and names Caesar (Andy Serkis).

Over the years the formula increases Caesar's brain activity and quickly develops high functioning intelligence. The performance capture technology for Caesar is amazing and the movie was thoroughly entertaining. I am now looking forward to sequels. I feel grateful I kept an open mind about my first impressions of this film. That is attributed to the silver lining from the challenges I faced recently. I am letting go of what I THINK I KNOW in order to let exciting solutions and experiences flow into my life!

If you find yourself stuck and spinning your wheels in life it may be time to surrender and discover new ways of thinking. Find the courage to let go of what you THINK you know and exciting solutions will rush to you!

Related Tips:
Tip#490: Let Go of What You THINK You Know, Part 1 - Rise of the Planet of the Apes 
Tip#491: Let Go of What You THINK You Know, Part 2 – 4 Movie Tips
Tip#495: Let Go of What You THINK You Know, Part 3 – 4 More Movie Tips 
Tip#514: Let Go of What You THINK You Know, Part 4 – The Artist 

SEE NEW 72 sec. VIDEO INTRO TO MOTIVATORMAN
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1) How To Press Play When You're Stuck On Pause: Passion & Drive
2) Indestructible Optimism: Build a Leadership Mindset
3) Introduction to the Power of Social Media

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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#489: Be The Real You - Bridesmaids

I am still recovering from a whirlwind week of being around so many people. When I returned from my Detroit adventure (see tip#488) I attended a Toronto Film Festival party hosted by actor/musician Bokeem Woodbine. He was in town filming the remake of Total Recall with Colin Farrell and Jessica Biel. Bokeem was a super nice guy and so down-to-earth and real.

And though I was exhausted, over the weekend I checked out the Toronto Ukrainian Festival and Polish Festival. Yes I ate many Polish sausages! I even got to ride the new, spacious TTC subway where, from inside, you can see all the way down the train. It was very surreal seeing all these people down a seemingly infinite tunnel!

I also launched my new, updated video intro to my motivational services. It's been getting some enthusiastic responses especially for a photo of me as a child doing a silly headstand. I was a silly, playful child growing up and wanted to share that with the world! That's the real me! See: video

Bridesmaids 2011

The comedy Bridesmaids is about Annie (Kristen Wiig) a single woman in her mid 30s dealing with the challenges of being a maid of honor for her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph). What unfolds is a series of crazy, hilarious explosions of jealousy and public catastrophes. Brace yourself when you see what happens at the wedding dress boutique!

The film is filled with raunchy dialogue and outrageous characters like future sister-in-law Megan (Melissa McCarthy). Every time she opens her mouth she says something utterly shocking! She was just being herself. At the same time there are many heartfelt moments that reflect the realities of changing relationships and the need to make positive change in yourself.

We all have our quirks and foibles. And when we embrace our uniqueness it makes us confident to be ourselves. It makes us memorable. So put your ego and fears aside and do your best to be yourself wherever you go. Be inspired by the crazy characters you meet as well as the down-to-earth people you encounter. Just be the real you!

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SPEAKER TOPICS:
1) How To Press Play When You're Stuck On Pause: 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!
Look up your favourite movies and the motivational tips
written for them: Click here

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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#488: The Positive Concept of Viral - Contagion

Viral (adjective) refers to an object or pattern that is able to induce agents to replicate it, resulting in many copies being produced and spread around

The internet has introduced the positive concept of "viral" when used in spreading information, news and marketing quickly around the world. I mentioned my Passion video on YouTube last week on my blog (see tip#486) as having had over 160,000 views. The video is so viral that it has already had over 2,000 views within the week. See: video

This has been an amazing week of experiences. I helped a friend (Karen Beach of Ptah Design Inc.) who is a custom apparel designer for corporations at the Chrysler Diversity Trade Show in Detroit where she unveiled prototypes of a new lighting technology stitched within clothes. It excited so many people that I got to witness how viral it became when they told other colleagues to come and see these prototypes throughout the day.

Contagion (2011)

The movie Contagion follows the rapid progress of a deadly virus that kills within days. You see how Beth Emhoff (Gwyneth Paltrow) and other individuals pass on the virus by whoever they encounter or the surfaces they touch. It also parallels the viral use of the internet through online journalist Alan Krumwiede (Jude Law). He posts video blogs claiming he recovered from his sickness using a cure called Forsythia and builds millions of supporters quickly.
See: movie trailer
Watch now: Amazon Prime Video

This is a disturbing film and yet very riveting and educational on the concept of viral. It shows how fear and positive attitudes become viral. It will also make you more conscious of the people and surfaces you touch on a daily basis. And the movie itself will become a viral agent for educating audiences on its messages of self-care, pandemics and the power of the internet.

We are living in an exciting new world where ideas can spread quickly and globally via people and the internet. Embrace the positive concept of viral and hopefully you can use it for good intentions. The power of WORD OF MOUTH has evolved to the power of WORD OF MOUSE!



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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!
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
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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#487: Amazing True Stories Part 2 - Mao’s Last Dancer

It's another sunny day and the 36th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is underway here in Toronto. I'm reminded of acclaimed movies that have premiered here like Slumdog Millionaire, American Beauty, Black Swan and Chariots of Fire. Recently I was recommended to see a film that premiered in 2009 and it inspired me on so many levels. It's power came from being an amazing true story.

Mao's Last Dancer 2009

The movie Mao's Last Dancer is based on the autobiography of ballet dancer Li Cunxin (Chi Cao). At 11 years old Li was sent from his rural village commune to Beijing for ballet training. Despite his weak physique he finds a supportive teacher named Chan (Su Zhang) who helps him transform his mindset and build his strength.

Teacher Chan tells Li the story of a man who wanted to be an archer but wasn't strong enough. He was determined so everyday he carried heavy logs for a year. One day his master handed him the heaviest, most powerful bow and when he pulled the bowstring it felt as light as a feather!

Li learned from this story and strapped weights to his ankles while he trained. Eventually he was able to build his body strength and fly gracefully through the air. That resulted in being discovered by American ballet director Ben Stevenson (Bruce Greenwood) leading to success and acclaim in the US and then around the world. See: movie trailer

Seek Out Inspiring Stories

This film captures the magic of the movies shown at TIFF. It also inspired me for the strength, perseverance and courage the main character had to endure years of hardship. It was also inspiring to learn Li became a motivational speaker. See his website: click here

If you are finding yourself struggling with challenges in your life, work or career seek out true stories of real-life heroes that persevered through their challenges. And seek out movie heroes based on amazing true stories and they will help show you that anything you want to achieve is possible!

See blog post for Tip#448: Amazing True Stories Part 1 - Secretariat

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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!
Look up your favourite movies and the motivational tips
written for them: Click here

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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#486: The Magic & Power of YouTube - 9/11 10 Year Anniversary – Brad & Angelina at TIFF – Back to the Future Nikes – Life in a Day

Today is the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, the day the twin towers fell in New York City and thousands of innocent people lost their lives. I've been spending time on YouTube watching stunning video of that tragic day. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is also underway here in Toronto and I found great videos from stargazers and movie trailers of films premiering here. YouTube is so amazing because I even found videos promoting the new Nike shoes based on the futuristic "auto-lacing" shoes Marty McFly wore in Back to the Future Part 2!

• See mesmerizing 9/11 compilation of the plane crashing into the south tower from multiple angles: See video

• Great footage of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie being very generous with fans at TIFF. See video

• There are 2 movie trailers for new 3-D animated movie called A Monster in Paris (Belgium) premiering at TIFF. See: English
See: French (original version)

• 2 Nike promos for their Nike MAG shoes from the film Back To The Future. Second one features Christopher Lloyd as Doc! See: 1st promo
See: 2nd promo

Life in a Day 2011

The documentary Life in a Day is video footage of a single day on Earth. It was created using 80,000 submissions from people all over the world via YouTube. You see how diverse people are in what kind of breakfast they enjoy and you learn what people fear and love. There is breathtaking scenery and moving moments of people being human. This film shows how beautiful and precious the human spirit is and will get you to reflect on your own life. See trailer

Today on September 11th it's been a time of reflection for me. Through the magic of YouTube I've remembered the fun and nostalgia of the Back to the Future movies. I've been able to see a stargazer's video that made me feel part of the excitement of seeing movie stars. And I've seen videos uploaded by countless individuals who captured the tragic events of 9/11.

All these videos have documented history forever online. YouTube is one online resource I will forever be grateful for because of its power and magic. Even my own short video clip about passion has over 160,000 views which astounds me (see here). Whatever you are doing on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 I hope it is time of reflection. I wish you all the best in wherever you are in your life and hope you celebrate all your blessings.

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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!
Look up your favourite movies and the motivational tips
written for them: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
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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#485: Inspiring Movies About Authors Part 2 – Miss Potter

Do you have a dream to publish a book but feel blocked? I've felt that for years and am now discovering solutions through the magic of social media. As mentioned in previous tip#484, I sent out messages to authors I am connected with on Facebook to ask advice on identifying and overcoming my blocks and fears. I received immediate responses within hours! Here are some highlights...

"Go for it, Emmanuel. You never know what fantastic thing will come of it once your book is out. More than money."
Paul Kyriazi, Author
How To Live the James Bond Lifestyle

"There is a book that's been around awhile that might help you to focus your attention on understanding what you fear.... it's called Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway... no one else on the planet can express what you express in exactly the same way as you. Let your brilliance flow..."
Ruth Garrett, Author
Resilience: are you a carrot, an egg or coffee beans

"YES... acknowledge the fear... AND... do it anyway! Some people will love it some people won't care... there may even be a few who don't like it... SO WHAT! Screw the ones who don't support you.... or use them as motivation. There are so many people who can be supported and uplifted by your work!"
Barry Spilchuk, Co-author
A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul

I felt so empowered receiving these messages of encouragement. I also found it extremely synchronistic that two of these authors suggested that I "feel the fear and do it anyway!" I hope these words of wisdom inspire you in whatever dream you want to achieve.

Miss Potter 2006

The movie Miss Potter is a magical biopic about children's author and illustrator Beatrix Potter (Renee Zellweger) creator of the Peter Rabbit books. The story shows the close relationship she formed with her publisher Norman Warne (Ewan McGregor) and the challenges she faced with an unsupportive and difficult mother (Barbara Flynn).

Potter also demonstrated a strong leadership mindset especially for her times in the early 1900's. She was strong willed, assertive and resilient as a single woman in her 30’s. Potter was also an optimistic visionary whose books ended up delighting both children and adults. She simply followed her passion and imagination on an amazing life experience. See movie trailer

So Timely

It was so timely and magical that I was led to seeing this film recently and it affected me deeply. It was close to my heart because I too am an illustrator and writer with several unpublished children's stories I've created (see example). In Miss Potter I recognized a new cinematic role model that exuded great strengths I KNOW I will find within me.

If you are stuck on your road towards your dreams do your best to find your own cinematic role models. Let them help mirror your own hidden strengths as well as remind you of good people around that support your dreams. And if you feel you have a book inside you know that there are real-life authors that did whatever it took to share their stories with the world!

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER AT YOUR
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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!
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

Tip#484: Inspiring Movies About Authors Part 1 - Midnight in Paris

As I mentioned in tip#482 this summer had been another test of my faith and indestructible optimism. It was also a time of miracles. These miracles came in the form of diverse income streams that magically came to me exactly when I needed it! So now I have breathing space to follow my dream of getting a motivational book published.

At the same time I've realized that I have subconscious fears about being an author or of getting my writing published (see tip#481). This is strange to me because I've been a published illustrator since the 1980's AND a songwriter in 1999 for my Rain of Angels music CD. Whatever the deep fears are that block me I am dedicating myself to facing and overcoming them! This article begins a series of blog posts on inspiring movies about authors I am using to motivate myself.

Midnight in Paris 2011

The romantic comedy-fantasy Midnight in Paris is Woody Allen's movie about Gil (Owen Wilson) a successful Hollywood screenwriter who has a dream to finish his first novel. He is following his passion. Unfortunately Gil's dream is not supported especially by his fiancé Inez (Rachel McAdams).

While they are vacationing in Paris Gil takes a magical walk one night at midnight and is transported to the 1920's. There he meets numerous writers and artists he has admired like Ernest Hemingway (Corey Stoll), F. Scott Fitzgerald (Tom Middleston), Gertrude Stein (Kathy Bates), Pablo Picasso (Marcial Di Fonzo) and Salvador Dali (Adrien Brody). Through this amazing and surreal experience Gil is able to get encouraging feedback on his writing from Hemingway and Stein.

As usual I was synchronistically led to seeing this film at this specific time in my life. And it inspired me to seek out advice from other authors about my situation. I just sent inquiries to authors I am connected with on Facebook and will share responses. My goal is to overcome this block or fear inside me about being a published author once and for all! And I intend to enjoy the process!

If you have a dream or desire that seems blocked remember this quote from author and spiritual entrepreneur John Assaraf. In his book The Answer, Assaraf says "Habits are thousands of times stronger than Desires." If this feels true in your case then the answer is to take a journey and face subconscious beliefs and habits holding you back. Find the courage to do this now! And remember you are not alone, you can always ask someone for help.

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

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!
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