Tip#708: Being Genuine & Being Strategic - The Hunger Games Catching Fire

I was listening to an interview with motivational speaker and author Jason Frenn who said the most important factor any speaker can be is genuine. He says speakers don’t have to be articulate, smooth or polished, they just need to be passionate and genuine. Synchronistically I saw this demonstrated in a scene from The Hunger Games Catching Fire where the two main characters, Katniss and Peeta, are on tour speaking to the districts and families of individuals that were killed in the games.

At first Peeta reads a scripted speech but then puts it away and made eye contact with the huge audience. He then just spoke from his heart which connected more deeply with the people. Katniss then does the same and you can see how her heartfelt words touched the mother of the daughter she tried to save in battle. The scene showed how powerful being genuine can be.

The Hunger Games Catching Fire (2013)

The science fiction adventure, The Hunger Games Catching Fire, is the continuing story of the Hunger Games series where the winners of the last film’s games, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), must deal with harsher conditions set upon them by President Snow (Donald Sutherland) and the Capitol. As a rebellion brews Katniss and Peeta must make decisions to either support the growing unrest of their people or support the corrupt government. See: movie trailer

Both Katniss and Peeta demonstrated great strength and strategic thinking when faced with their political adversities. But they had to find a balance of being genuine and being strategic in what they said in public. And though some of what they said was strategic in order to survive they ultimately chose to be genuine and do whatever actions necessary for a greater good.

Movies are amazing because they can entertain as well as show how movie heroes deal with adversities. And hopefully they can show you how to overcome the challenges in your own life or career!

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SUPERHERO TO SPEAK AT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Ask about Motivatorman’s new topic:
“Indestructible Optimism”
How to Stay Positive & Proactive in Your Career & Life

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Providing Inspiring Movies to Empower Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#707: Cultivate Community, Part 8 – Movie Nights - Christmas in Connecticut

The first snowfall came yesterday here in Toronto and it started to feel like the holidays were on its way. The chill in the air and the blowing snow also added to the festive spirit of a movie night I helped arrange at a friend’s beautiful condo theatre. With deep brown leather seats, good food and a warm group of movie lovers we started a series of screenings with a Christmas classic most hadn’t seen before called Christmas in Connecticut.

This group of friends originated from The Gift Circle I featured in tip#683 where we first met in the spirit of helping each other and building community. We then discovered that we also loved cinema so we continued to meet for movie nights. We also loved food so there are always sweet and savory goodies for the screenings!

Christmas in Connecticut (1945)

The romantic comedy, Christmas in Connecticut, is about a food writer Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck) who has lied about being the perfect housewife, mother and cook living at a country farm. She then must cover her deception with her boss (Sydney Greenstreet) and a returning war hero (Dennis Morgan) invited to her home for a traditional family Christmas. The film starts up slow and then accelerates into hilarious scenes of Elizabeth and her friend Felix Bassenak (S.Z. Sakall) keeping up the charade.

"Everything is hunky-dunky!"

Its classics like this film that can help get you into the festive mood. Our group is planning another Christmas movie night and we will screen either The Shop Around the Corner (see tip#705) or It Happened on 5th Avenue (see tip#606). Whatever the movie it will really be an excuse to get together, cultivate community, laugh and have fun!

Do you do regular movie nights with friends or family? Please let me know!

Related Tips:
Tip#172: Cultivate Community, Part 1 – Witness
Tip#651: Cultivate Community, Part 2 - Defiance
Tip#656: Cultivate Community, Part 3 – Swapsity - Phenomenon 
Tip#658: Cultivate Community, Part 4 – Into the White
Tip#668: Cultivate Community, Part 5 – Be Kind Rewind 
Tip#686: Cultivate Community, Part 6 – Ip Man
Tip#687: Cultivate Community, Part 7 – Rotary Club - Groundhog Day
Tip#707: Cultivate Community, Part 8 – Movie Nights - Christmas in Connecticut
Tip#781: Cultivate Community, Part 9 - The Hundred-Foot Journey
Tip#853: Cultivate Community, Part 10 - Endurance - McFarland, USA

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SUPERHERO TO SPEAK AT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Ask about Motivatorman’s new topic:
“Indestructible Optimism”
How to Stay Positive & Proactive in Your Career & Life

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Providing Inspiring Movies to Empower Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#706: Benefits of Planting Seeds – Twitter Success Stories - Delivery Man

Here are details of the exciting news I mentioned in tip#700. Disney Studios saw my tweet about a sneak preview film I attended called Delivery Man and they used one word "Inspiring" with my Motivatorman name in a TV promo! It comes up with a group of other tweets raving about the film. See: TV promo

Here is the original tweet: Saw sneak preview of comedy drama DELIVERY MAN and it’s instantly one of my top INSPIRING films of the year! HIGHLY recommend. Out Nov.22nd!

This is thrilling because it proves that sharing a passion, such as films, via social media also plants seeds for amazing opportunities. And this can apply to anyone like business owners or people seeking a more fulfilling career. Communicating what you love or love doing in face-to-face conversations or online like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter can help connect you faster with like-minded people. Planting seeds can eventually grow to help you achieve your dreams and goals.

Delivery Man (2013)

The comedy drama film, Delivery Man, is about underachiever David Wozniak (Vince Vaughn) a sperm donor who learns he has fathered 533 children. Talk about "planting seeds"! When a large group of them want to learn his true identity under his alias “Starbuck” he decides to secretly meet as many of his children as he can. This outrageous concept leads to hilarious encounters and also many heartfelt moments. See: movie trailer

What was unexpectedly inspiring about the film was the personal growth David goes through. His transformation into a responsible adult and parent made a positive difference in so many lives. Also there is a strong sense of community that is created that becomes a very emotional factor that will leave you feeling so good! I highly recommend this uplifting, funny film!

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SUPERHERO TO SPEAK AT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Ask about Motivatorman’s new topic:
“Indestructible Optimism”
How to Stay Positive & Proactive in Your Career & Life

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Providing Inspiring Movies to Empower Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#705: Feel a Sense of Community, Part 2 - The Shop Around the Corner

A sense of community with any group can sometimes feel like family. I recently gave a motivational workshop at Woodgreen Community Services and there was such a warmth within the group of professionals that it felt like I made instant friends during the hour. I, along with three other presenters, shared our stories of passion and perseverance that inspired the multicultural attendees.

I find that people love to hear stories of struggle and of overcoming change and crisis especially if it is a career or life transition. These stories helped members of the audience open up about their own dreams and goals. And when they shared what they were truly passionate about (like food!) their eyes light up and their positive energy became contagious in the room! That sense of community and synergy was so beautiful to witness and I believe this can also permeate any workplace.

The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

The romantic comedy, The Shop Around the Corner, is also a Christmas classic about two employees at a gift shop with clashing attitudes without realizing they are already pen pals falling in love with each other. Alfred (James Stewart) and Klara (Margaret Sullavan) play the couple and also demonstrate some funny moments as well as great salesmanship! 

Another inspiring aspect is the sense of community amongst all the co-workers and boss of the gift shop. There is a wonderful sense of family in the group and of helping each other with personal issues. Even when one employee is unexpectedly let go there is much heartfelt support from each of the co-workers.

Isn’t that the kind of workplace you’d like to work in?
See this uplifting movie clip of how the boss treats a new employee: Click here

Related Tips: Tip#566: Feel a Sense of Community – Red Dog 

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SUPERHERO TO SPEAK AT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Ask about Motivatorman’s new topic:
“Indestructible Optimism”
How to Stay Positive & Proactive in Your Career & Life

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Providing Inspiring Movies to Empower Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#704: See Life As An Adventure, Part 4 - The Book Thief

I recently gave a motivational talk to the Association of Professionals in Thorncliffe where I met many warm-hearted professionals from around the world like Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Pakistan. Despite the diversity of global origins most of the audience resonated with the universal language of films and how the movie hero triumphs over struggles.

That same day as my motivational talk was when Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines leaving a disastrous trail of devastation and death. Thankfully family I have there were safe. This news would remind me that some of the people I meet at my talks are newcomers to Canada and had faced their own disasters back home. And it reminded me of movie heroes I’ve seen who had chosen to see life as an adventure no matter what intense challenges they faced.

The Book Thief (2013)

The drama film, The Book Thief, is based on a novel about young Liesel Meminger (Sophie Nélisse) and her life in Nazi Germany with foster parents Hans (Geoffrey Rush) and Rosa (Emily Watson). Through Liesel’s eyes and her friend Rudy (Nico Liersch) you see how they view life as an adventure despite the horrors of living through World War II. All of these performers were amazing, especially the kids, and all were very heartfelt and emotional. See: movie trailer

Motivational Themes:
• Passion/Energy (Love of family, music & words)
• Perseverance
• Supportive relationships
• Indestructible optimism
• Uplifting power of storytelling

I had actually received two sneak preview tickets for this film and both times I was moved and inspired by this story of passion, perseverance and people who loved and helped one another. I highly recommend The Book Thief to help inspire you to see your own life challenges as an adventure filled with hope and possibilities.

Related Tips:
Tip#655: See Life As An Adventure, Part 1 - Kon-Tiki
Tip#667: See Life As An Adventure, Part 2 – 4 Movie Tips
Tip#670: See Life As An Adventure, Part 3 – The Forbidden Kingdom
Tip#704: See Life As An Adventure, Part 4 - The Book Thief
Tip#826: See Life As An Adventure, Part 5 - Water for Elephants

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SUPERHERO TO SPEAK AT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Ask about Motivatorman’s new topic:
“Indestructible Optimism” 
How to Stay Positive & Proactive in Your Career & Life 

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Providing Inspiring Movies to Empower Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#703: Have a Good Cry at the Movies, Part 2 - Pirate Radio (The Boat That Rocked)

This is an example of how a movie can trigger a good cry even days after viewing. I recently saw the comedy Pirate Radio (The Boat That Rocked) written and directed by Richard Curtis who did the film Love Actually. I was telling a friend about one scene that moved me and suddenly I became emotional and started to cry. Thankfully my friend is also a coach so I felt safe enough to release whatever was happening.

I recognized I was going through a healing process and that a subconscious issue or pain I’ve held inside me was coming out. And it was triggered by a movie scene that I simply resonated with. It was a mirror for me and after I cried we analyzed what the scene meant to me and I felt so much lighter.

Pirate Radio (The Boat That Rocked) (2009)

The comedy, Pirate Radio, is about a pirate radio station “Radio Rock” broadcasting rock and roll in the mid 60’s when this music was very limited in the United Kingdom. The music was being broadcast from a ship anchored in the North Sea by an eclectic crew of disc jockeys played by Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rhys Ifans, Nick Frost, Chris O’Dowd and several others. The film is filled with great music, funny scenes and a multitude of shots featuring people whose lives were touched by this radio station. See: movie trailer

The scene that moved me was when the boat and all the people on board were in trouble and rescue seemed hopeless. I saw how some people who heard their distress transmission chose not to help and how others did. I knew I made an emotional connection with this and I discovered it was a mirror for what I had been through during my bankruptcy a few years ago (see Tip#400). I cried because of the hurt I kept inside me from people who ignored my situation AND I cried tears of joy remembering those numerous people who came to my rescue. I am so grateful for films that can entertain and provide an emotional release all at the same time!

Movies can be so empowering and be so healing. Do you have movie examples that felt healing in some way? Please let me know!

Related Tips:
Tip#692: Have a Good Cry at the Movies, Part 1 – Shadowlands
Tip#703: Have a Good Cry at the Movies, Part 2 - Pirate Radio (The Boat That Rocked)
Tip#739: Have a Good Cry at the Movies, Part 3 – Winter’s Tale

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SUPERHERO TO SPEAK AT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Ask about Motivatorman’s new topic:
“Indestructible Optimism”
How to Stay Positive & Proactive in Your Career & Life

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here 

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Providing Inspiring Movies to Empower Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#702: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 1 – Ender’s Game

I was a true geek in high school having had an overflowing passion for Sci Fi movies and TV shows and superhero comic books. And only after looking back at photos of myself did I realize how nerdy and skinny I looked! I just never saw myself like that. I saw myself as an enthusiastic leader who ended up being the editor-in-chief for the high school yearbook AND valedictorian of my graduating year.

I was reminded of my high school years after seeing the film Ender’s Game and how the young hero first appears scrawny and not someone you’d immediately follow into battle. So I’m not totally immune to first impressions but my thoughts were quickly transformed as the hero demonstrated a keen mind AND an inner strength that was beyond his years!

Ender’s Game (2013)

The science fiction action film, Ender’s Game, is about a young cadet named Andrew “Ender” Wiggin (Asa Butterfield) who demonstrates outstanding leadership abilities and strategic thinking. He is recruited to an advanced military academy by Colonel Graff (Harrison Ford) in order to battle an alien race that attacked Earth years before. The special effects and visuals are fantastic as are all the performances from Ender and his fellow cadets. See: movie trailer

Ender was an inspiring movie hero because I felt a calm confidence from him and he possessed many skill sets such as strategic thinking, people skills and great courage. At one point I stopped seeing Ender as a youth and just saw him as an outstanding leader who effectively commanded his team.

Ender’s Game is a surprisingly effective movie demonstrating great leadership and inspiring teamwork that is also very entertaining. Highly recommended for young and old!

Related Tips:
Tip#604: Recognize Great Leaders - Lincoln
Tip#702: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 1 – Ender’s Game
Tip#766: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 2 - How to Train Your Dragon 2
Tip#882: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 3 - The Towering Inferno
Tip#926: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 4 - Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SUPERHERO TO SPEAK AT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Ask about Motivatorman’s new topic:
“Indestructible Optimism” 
How to Stay Positive & Proactive in Your Career & Life 

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Providing Inspiring Movies to Empower Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#701: Life Lessons in Your Favourite Movies, Part 2 - About Time

Have you ever wanted to go back in time and redo something that was embarrassing or to seize an opportunity that you lost? I’ve felt that many times and that’s why I love movies like Groundhog Day where I get to enjoy seeing the movie hero do what I wished I could do. And then I’m inspired to do better in my own life! I just discovered another fantastic film like this that I could almost call Groundhog Day Part 2!

About Time (2013)

The romantic comedy science fiction film, About Time, is about Tim Lake (Domhnail Gleeson) who is told by his father (Bill Nighy) that the men in his family can travel back in time. Tim discovers exciting (and hilarious) benefits of his new gift to go back and change situations that were embarrassing or were lost opportunities. But when Tim uses time travel to help change the past for other people it creates consequences in his current reality such as never having met his dream girl Mary (Rachel McAdams). See: movie trailer

There are so many life lessons in this film that can inspire a more uplifting future for you. There are also many heartfelt emotional scenes about family, father and son, siblings and romantic love. While there are many scenes reminiscent of Groundhog Day the loving scenes with the father and son moved me to tears. This movie gave me a very personal gift of what it would be like to be with my own father again who passed away over 10 years ago. I highly recommend this fantastic film to inspire you on many levels!

Life Lessons from About Time:
• Seize the moment
• Feel the fear and do it anyways
• Learn to let go
• See the positives in dark times
• The importance of loving relationships

Related Tips:
Tip#642: Life Lessons in Your Favourite Movies, Part 1 - The Croods
Tip#701: Life Lessons in Your Favourite Movies, Part 2 - About Time 
Tip#901: Life Lessons in Your Favourite Movies, Part 3 - A Home of Our Own  
Tip#951: Life Lessons in Your Favourite Movies, Part 4 – Learnography’s Brunchography – Freedom Writers 



Remember How Movies Can Help You: 

A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SUPERHERO TO SPEAK AT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Ask about Motivatorman’s new topic:
“Indestructible Optimism” 
How to Stay Positive & Proactive in Your Career & Life 

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Providing Inspiring Movies to Empower Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013