Tip#822: Resilience Resources, Part 8 - Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

“You just gotta have the bad days so you can love the good days even more.” 
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (2014)

As mentioned in tip#801, watching movies is an excellent resource for alleviating the brain of the obsessive, ruminating, self-defeating loop even if just for a few hours. And though this was referring to combating depression I believe it to be true for anyone feeling caught in a mental loop at the workplace or daily life.

The added bonus to mental relieve are the insights and epiphanies you may receive from watching a film. For example an inspirational statement from a movie hero or character could go a long way to re-energizing your drive or spirit. This could even occur in a light, family film!

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (2014)

The comedy film, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, is about 11 year-old Alexander (Ed Oxenbould) who experiences horrible days and makes a wish on his birthday that his entire family experiences a bad day as well. This screwball comedy has many hilarious scenes with Alexander’s father (Steve Carell) and mother (Jennifer Garner) as well as his brother, sister and baby brother. See: movie trailer

What's fun about this Disney film is that anyone could relate to the bad days each family member goes through. You get to see worse case scenarios of an executive at work, embarrassing job interviews and a multitude of teenage/kid troubles. This film also has important life lessons such as learning to appreciate the good days and for family sticking together no matter what happens.

Seeing a light comedy like this can help release stress accumulated from your own very bad day in the workplace. Remember the power of film whenever you have a terrible day. Remember that movies help relieve the brain from ruminating thoughts even for just a few hours. You will return to your life and work ready to move forward with confidence and energy!

BELL LET’S TALK EVENT:
January 28, 2015
Talking is the best way to start breaking down the barriers associated with mental illness: More Info

Related Tips on Resilience:
Tip#804: Resilience Resources, Part 1 - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - The Theory of Everything
Tip#805: Resilience Resources, Part 2 - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - It’s Kind of a Funny Story
Tip#810: Resilience Resources, Part 3 – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - A League of Their Own
Tip#811: Resilience Resources, Part 4 – Top 15 Movies for Dealing with Depression & Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Tip#812: Resilience Resources, Part 5 – Mental Health - Mumford
Tip#813: Resilience Resources, Part 6 - 50 First Dates 
Tip#819: Resilience Resources, Part 7 - Wild 
Tip#822: Resilience Resources, Part 8 - Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Tip#823: Resilience Resources, Part 9 – Super Bowl -Invincible
Tip#825: Resilience Resources, Part 10 – Mental Health & Healthcare - Big Hero 6
Tip#829: Resilience Resources, Part 11 – The Tartigrade – Mr. Deeds Goes To Town
Tip#830: Resilience Resources, Part 12 – Depression & Graham Moore - The Imitation Game 
Tip#833: Resilience Resources, Part 13 – Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Tip#834: Resilience Resources, Part 14 - Top 10 Movies for Inspiring Resilience in the Workplace
Tip#857: Resilience Resources, Part 15 - Instagram - Pitch Perfect 2
Tip#873: Resilience Resources, Part 16 - Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation
Tip#881: Resilience Resources, Part 17 - Love & Mercy
Tip#892: Resilience Resources, Part 18 – Problem Solving - The Martian 
Tip#896: Resilience Resources, Part 19 - Depression – J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Tip#910: Resilience Resources, Part 20 – Depression – A Christmas Carol – It’s a Wonderful Life 

NEED FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
SEE MOTIVATORMAN’S RESILIENCE RESOURCES: Click here

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

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Tip#821: Open Up Dialogue for Mental Health in the Workplace – Force Majeure

Mental Health:
A state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities, function in society, and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life 

I recently attended the HRPA Annual Conference & Trade Show 2015 where I met many HR Professionals who consistently said that the topic of mental health in the workplace has become more important than ever. Two individuals helping in this field were Natalie Bruckner-Menchelli, Editor and Rebecca Legge, Publisher of Wellness Matters.

Wellness Matters is a quarterly newsletter that gives employees the information they need to take action and improve their own health and healthy change in their workplace. I was inspired by the passion and enthusiasm Natalie and Rebecca exuded for wanting to make positive change for others! See more: Wellness Matters

Force Majeure (2014)

The Swedish drama film, Force Majeure, is about the repercussions and consequences for family man Tomas (Johannes Kuhnke) after he panics and abandons his wife and two children during a possible disaster at a luxury resort in the French Alps. This beautifully photographed film is also an outstanding psychological study of human behavior in unexpected, overwhelming situations. There are fantastic performances by Kuhnke and Lisa Loven Kongsli playing the wife and mother, Ebba. See: movie trailer

Reviews have called Force Majeure, “gleefully uncomfortable” and “an unsettling psychological thriller… visually stunning and emotionally perceptive” which I definitely agree with! These qualities in a film can aid in shaking up a stuck mindset and hopefully open up dialogue that can eventually improve one’s mental health.

Movies can be a powerful mirror for having you recognize your inner strengths as well as areas within yourself you need help facing. Be open to the “AHA” moments you can receive from a cinematic experience! Films can show you ways of opening up dialogue for answers you seek in the workplace or in life.

BELL LET’S TALK EVENT:
January 28, 2015
Talking is the best way to start breaking down the barriers associated with mental illness: More Info

NEED FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
SEE MOTIVATORMAN’S RESILIENCE RESOURCES: Click here 

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

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Tip#820: Have a Vision, Part 3 - A Knight’s Tale

I recently facilitated another workshop on Achieving Goals with Future Pacing, a powerful and fun NLP and creative visualization technique (see tip#759). The audience included professionals from around the world e.g. Netherlands, China, India, Africa and Australia. It was a joy seeing this diversity and each of their eyes light up when they were able to define and articulate their vision of what they wanted to achieve. And as they shared their vision with the group there was always someone who offered help for that person.

Resilience in the workplace or in life always starts with a vision. The vision of a goal becomes the destination and that key allows a workplace team or other social support to picture it as well. There are so many films with their own vision that can take you into another world and then provide you with inspiring insights to bring back to your work or daily life. Here is a favourite of mine!

A Knight’s Tale (2001)

The adventure, romantic comedy-drama film, A Knight’s Tale, is about a peasant named William Thatcher (Heath Ledger) who pretends to be a knight in order to compete in medieval jousting in 14th-century Europe. With his vision of wanting to be and do much more with his life William’s courage and passion draws in the supportive people he needs such as Geoffrey Chauncer (Paul Bettany) who becomes an excellent and entertaining promoter. See: movie trailer

Many intentional anachronisms appear in the film such as using 70’s rock music, modern clothing designs and expressions that add a unique flavor to the movie. These factors all make this a unique form of storytelling for timeless lessons of following one’s passion, vision, dream, goal and the power of teamwork.

Inspiring Themes:
• Vision/Goal Achieving
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Indestructible Optimism
• Resilience
• Teamwork/Team Spirit/Social Support
• Leadership
• Strategic Thinking

If you are wanting to improve your work environment and teamwork enjoy watching an entertaining film that will provide insights you can learn from. And remember the success you seek at work and in life starts with a vision! What is your vision?

Related Tips:
Tip#744: Have a Vision, Part 1 – Noah 
Tip#768: Have a Vision, Part 2 - The Grand Budapest Hotel
Tip#820: Have a Vision, Part 3 - A Knight’s Tale

NEED FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
SEE MOTIVATORMAN’S RESILIENCE RESOURCES: Click here 

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

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Tip#819: Resilience Resources, Part 7 - Wild

For three weeks the daily sunshine and the southern location of my Las Vegas Christmas vacation helped alleviate all my SAD symptoms (seasonal affective disorder) so my mental health felt fantastic! As part of my coping strategies, I did long walks in the sunshine while doing my best to position my eyes to feel the sunlight. This action was for aiding my circadian rhythm, or body clock, which gets disrupted by the shorter days of Fall and Winter (see infographic). The disruption is similar to jet lag symptoms.

One day I made it my goal to walk 3 miles and then 3 miles back. Using my goal achieving techniques I visualized the intersection I wanted as my destination (plus a photo of a map on my iPhone) and headed out into the morning light.

Getting there was easy but returning proved to be a challenge as my feet were aching and it was uphill. To keep me motivated I just remembered movie heroes from true stories where they persevered much further such as Cheryl Strayed in the biopic Wild. Then my resilience was re-energized and I achieved my goal despite the physical pain I was feeling!

Wild (2014)

The biographical drama film, Wild, is about a woman named Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) seeking catharsis and change from her troubled life by hiking more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail alone. Her journey becomes a powerful method of healing and meditation following her divorce, death of her mother and years of reckless, destructive behavior. Witherspoon’s physical and mental performance was fantastic! See: movie trailer

What inspired me most was Cheryl’s perseverance in achieving her goal and reach her destination. Despite battling the harsh elements of desert sun, rocky terrain, snow and even losing her boots she maintained a positive mindset. She was able to manage the negative thoughts in her head wanting her to quit. Ultimately she developed personal leadership qualities of a resilient mindset.

Inspiring Themes:
• Personal Leadership
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Team Spirit/Community
• Vision/Goal Achieving
• Healing & Redemption
• Courage

Learning to build a resilient mindset and good mental health is a journey in itself so make it a point to find movie heroes and real-life heroes to inspire your own potential and inner strength. Whether your goals are workplace related or for overcoming challenges in life always believe that you have the mental strength to overcome any adversity with shining success! Believe and keep moving forward!

Related Tips on Resilience:
Tip#804: Resilience Resources, Part 1 - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - The Theory of Everything
Tip#805: Resilience Resources, Part 2 - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - It’s Kind of a Funny Story
Tip#810: Resilience Resources, Part 3 – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - A League of Their Own
Tip#811: Resilience Resources, Part 4 – Top 15 Movies for Dealing with Depression & Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Tip#812: Resilience Resources, Part 5 – Mental Health - Mumford
Tip#813: Resilience Resources, Part 6 - 50 First Dates 
Tip#819: Resilience Resources, Part 7 - Wild 
Tip#822: Resilience Resources, Part 8 - Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Tip#823: Resilience Resources, Part 9 – Super Bowl -Invincible
Tip#825: Resilience Resources, Part 10 – Mental Health & Healthcare - Big Hero 6
Tip#829: Resilience Resources, Part 11 – The Tartigrade – Mr. Deeds Goes To Town
Tip#830: Resilience Resources, Part 12 – Depression & Graham Moore - The Imitation Game 
Tip#833: Resilience Resources, Part 13 – Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Tip#834: Resilience Resources, Part 14 - Top 10 Movies for Inspiring Resilience in the Workplace
Tip#857: Resilience Resources, Part 15 - Instagram - Pitch Perfect 2
Tip#873: Resilience Resources, Part 16 - Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation
Tip#881: Resilience Resources, Part 17 - Love & Mercy
Tip#892: Resilience Resources, Part 18 – Problem Solving - The Martian 
Tip#896: Resilience Resources, Part 19 - Depression – J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Tip#910: Resilience Resources, Part 20 – Depression – A Christmas Carol – It’s a Wonderful Life 

NEED FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
SEE MOTIVATORMAN’S RESILIENCE RESOURCES: Click here

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

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Tip#818: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 7 – Big Eyes

Just before coming home last week from my Las Vegas Christmas vacation, I began getting Facebook and LinkedIn messages that people saw me in the January Cineplex Preshow interviews. It was a nice surprise to hear from friends I had not seen in a long time. I heard from an old art college friend who saw the interview in Vancouver, BC! In the brief interview I was asked, “if I had a time machine would I travel to the past or future?”.

In my career as an illustrator and motivational speaker I found that any public appearances or media exposure helped increase awareness of my services. In the 80s and 90’s I was well known for my direct mail promos for my illustration business and it was also a way of keeping in touch with friends and family. For years these promos became collectibles by the art directors and friends on my mailing list!

See: Career Moves TV Show interview with Emmanuel on self-promotion
See: Fashion Television interview with Emmanuel

Big Eyes (2014)

The biographical, comedy-drama film, Big Eyes, is about artist Margaret Keane (Amy Adams) whose work was fraudulently claimed by her then-husband, Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz). This entertaining film features wonderful performances by the two leads and it captures the colourful times and culture of the 50s and 60s. See: movie trailer 

The film inspires on two levels, first as a story of resilience and overcoming adversity for Margaret who finally stood strong for what was right. Secondly, Walter had a talent for marketing and promotion that increased public awareness and art sales via the media, networking, establishing an art gallery and print reproductions.

Inspiring Themes:
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Networking
• Marketing & Promotion

Be inspired by true stories in any way they may give you strength or answers you seek with challenges in your own life, career or business. You’ll know when you resonate with the movie hero (or villain!) because you will feel that “AHA moment”!

Related Tips:
Tip#671: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 1 - Stories We Tell
Tip#750: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 2 - Heaven is for Real
Tip#791: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 3 - Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story
Tip#815: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 4 – Star in the Night
Tip#816: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 5 – Unbroken
Tip#817: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 6 – The Imitation Game
Tip#818: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 7 – Big Eyes
Tip#1003: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 8 - Hacksaw Ridge
Tip#1022: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 9 – Hidden Figures 
Tip#1025: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 10 - Lion

NEED FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
SEE MOTIVATORMAN’S RESILIENCE RESOURCES: Click here

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

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Tip#817: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 6 – The Imitation Game

I was bullied a lot as a kid for being different e.g. shortest, skinny, nerdy, visible minority. So whenever I see a film with lead characters being bullied I instantly empathize with them. Then I cheer out loud as I see them overcome their adversities and the people that attempted to put them down! They inspire my own resilience at work and in life. There are also stories where real-life heroes are only recognized after they have passed away thanks to the power of cinema. Alan Turing is an excellent example from the film, The Imitation Game.

"If any young person's ever felt like they aren't quite sure who they are, or aren't allowed to express themselves the way they'd like to express themselves, if they've ever felt bullied by what they feel is the normal majority or any kind of thing that makes them feel an outsider, then this is definitely a film for them because it's about a hero for them." 
Benedict Cumberbatch 

The Imitation Game (2014)

The historical drama film, The Imitation Game, is about British mathematician, cryptanalyst scientist Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his goal to crack Nazi Germany’s Enigma code during WW II. This is a powerful story of a real-life hero who faced adversities on multiple levels in order to help end a war and save countless lives. See: movie trailer

This entertaining and engaging film is inspirational on many levels such as demonstrating successful problem solving and showing keys to excellent teamwork and leadership in the workplace. Turing also leaves a fantastic legacy of having the vision to create the first computer now a massive part of the lives of everyone around the world today.

Inspiring Themes:
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Indestructible Optimism
• Resilience
• Teamwork & Team Spirit
• Leadership
• Strategic Thinking
• Having a Vision

So despite Turing’s bullied childhood, his awkward social skills, sexual discrimination against him and other adversities he can live forever inspiring others with his perseverance of vision and passion through this film. Be moved by this amazing true story to overcome the obstacles in your own life or in the workplace. Hold fast to the vision of what you want to achieve and never give up!

“Sometimes it is the people who no one imagines anything of, who do the things that no one can imagine.” 
The Imitation Game (2014)

Related Tips:
Tip#671: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 1 - Stories We Tell
Tip#750: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 2 - Heaven is for Real
Tip#791: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 3 - Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story
Tip#815: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 4 – Star in the Night
Tip#816: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 5 – Unbroken
Tip#817: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 6 – The Imitation Game
Tip#818: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 7 – Big Eyes
Tip#1003: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 8 - Hacksaw Ridge
Tip#1022: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 9 – Hidden Figures 
Tip#1025: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 10 - Lion

NEED FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
SEE MOTIVATORMAN’S RESILIENCE RESOURCES: Click here

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

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015