Tip#334: Power of Persistence – Billy Elliot

Persistence: To hold firmly and steadfastly to a purpose in spite of opposition, obstacles, discouragement, etc.

The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics has had many powerful and inspiring stories about persistence. One standout is that of Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette whose mother suddenly passed away just as she arrived in Vancouver to watch her daughter perform. Despite the pain and heartbreak Joanne persevered and won a bronze medal.

And then there's Petra Majdic, a Solvenian cross country skier who tumbled down a 3 metre gully during a warm-up. She broke 4 ribs and punctured a lung and yet persisted beyond her pain and won a bronze medal. Petra said, "This is like a gold medal, with little diamonds in it."

Billy Elliot 2000

The movie Billy Elliot represents the power of persistence in an 11 year old boy named Billy (Jamie Bell). He discovers a passion for ballet dancing which shocks his coal miner father and brother living in a northern England mining town.

Billy strives to overcome his inner conflict as well as his family's set ways forbidding him to pursue his passion. With the help of an encouraging class mate and a ballet teacher Billy persists and, in a pivotal scene, defiantly demonstrates his skills in front of his father.

It is this one display of pure passion and his gifted skills that transforms his father and brother's attitude as well as the entire town. It is Billy's persistence that helps him attain his dream and desire to be the person he was born to be.

So if you are experiencing adversities and challenges on your road towards your goals be inspired by movie heroes and real-life athletes who have traveled similar paths. Be encouraged to push forward despite overwhelming pain or lack of support you encounter. Keep believing in yourself and you'll magnetize others to believe in you too.

Your success starts with your ability to maintain your faith, passion and persistence. Enrich your mindset with the KNOWING you are doing what you were born to do!

INCREASE POSITIVITY & PRODUCTIVITY IN YOUR ORGANIZATION NOW!
SEE DETAILS FOR MOTIVATORMAN KEYNOTES & SEMINARS HERE:
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#333: Follow Your Calling – 4 Movie Tips

Ten years ago I experienced a mental breakdown and depression that lasted for years. And how I learned to overcome my adversities and build an optimistic mindset has been the value I bring to the audiences I speak to and to the articles of this movie blog.

In past year I've deeply questioned why I continue to be faced with financial challenges that aggravate my optimistic mindset. And the answer that keeps coming back is that it is my CALLING to build indestructible optimism no matter what.

So I've surrendered to being as transparent as I can be with my audiences about my own real-time challenges. And with much gratitude I've received many supportive comments for this movie blog and from people around the world via Facebook and LinkedIn messages.

One recent comment came from a colleague in the career transitions and outplacement service industry. He's been following this blog and said my articles were unique because I am sharing my struggles as well as tips on how to move forward. I stood out from other motivators.

There are many movies that showcase a person's long journey to follow their calling. Here are 4 of my favourites:

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy 2001 - 2003

Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) finds his calling and sets out on an epic journey to destroy an evil ring. Despite the overwhelming physical, mental and emotional challenges he perseveres with the unwavering help of powerful allies and loyal friendships.

Conversations With God 2006

Based on the best selling book of the same name, Neale Donald Walsch (Henry Czerny) becomes homeless for a year and later begins to have profound conversations with God. He realizes his hardships are part of his calling as is to write down his conversations for a book that would help inspire people around the world.

Bicentennial Man 1999

Despite being an android, Andrew (Robin Williams) experiences a calling to evolve himself as a sentient being. This unique take on self-development leads Andrew on a 200 year journey to improve the quality of human lives with his creative clock designs and artificial organ inventions.

The Ten Commandments 1956

This classic story shows how Moses (Charlton Heston) takes action to follow his calling by walking away from a luxurious, royal lifestyle. He finds himself learning how to maintain his faith and knowing that it is his life purpose to free his people in the face of intense adversities.

So if you are compelled to follow a calling that shakes up your career, relationships or lifestyle than have no fear. There will be others that will be there to support you. Whether they are in the physical or in spirit you will never, ever be alone on your journey.

Ultimately you'll learn powerful skill sets for maintaining FAITH, BELIEF and the KNOWING that everything will be okay no matter what. You already have indestructible optimism within you. You just have to accept the unexpected opportunities to build it.

INCREASE POSITIVITY & PRODUCTIVITY
IN YOUR ORGANIZATION NOW!
SEE DETAILS FOR MOTIVATORMAN
KEYNOTES & SEMINARS HERE:
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#332: Your Thoughts Have So Much Power – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

These past few weeks have been filled with forward momentum for taking my motivational business to the next level. So it was a surprise when I suddenly woke up one morning feeling stuck and sluggish. My focus and optimism dropped despite my wishes to stay productive. I felt helpless.

Looking back now from a different perspective I recognized I needed to take time out to learn more about Positive Psychology from an email I received that same morning. It was a daily motivational tip from Dr. Robert Anthony on optimism and pessimism and it reminded me that we can all overcome adversities by transforming our mindsets.

Reading this tip increased my positive emotional energy enough to research more about the book Learned Optimism by Dr. Martin Seligman, founder of Positive Psychology. Seligman's 2 key studies that helped transform the negative mindset I was experiencing were "learned helplessness" and "explanatory style". He says...

"Learned helplessness is the giving up reaction, the quitting response that follows from the belief that whatever you do doesn’t matter. Explanatory style is the manner in which you habitually explain to yourself why events happen. It is the great modulator of learned helplessness. An optimistic explanatory style stops helplessness, whereas a pessimistic explanatory style spreads helplessness."

So the insight from my "feeling stuck" experience was the important reminder that we can all increase the positive thoughts we think and say to ourselves. You can save yourself with the thoughts you choose.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 2004

There is a powerful scene from the movie, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkabanthat demonstrates the saving of our selves. In a key scene where Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) is losing a battle with a swarm of creatures called Dementors, he is saved by a magical, luminous spell from what he believes to be his long dead father.

Through the opportunity to time-travel back and see the battle from a different perspective Harry has a revelation. He realizes that it was not his father that saved him but himself. It was his future self that saved Harry. The revelation came when his father eventually did not appear and Harry instead stepped in to cast the spell he had originally witnessed that saved him.

Turn Your Heaviness Around

So when you are feeling stuck and helpless remember that you have the ability to save yourself. You just need to believe and choose that you can increase your optimism with your own thoughts. You can turn your heaviness around by focusing on positive thoughts and feelings. Remember Napolean Hill's quote: "What you focus on expands."

Your thoughts have so much power. Start embracing that concept and you'll discover you already have the magic you need to face your challenges with confidence and unlimited optimism.

RESOURCES:
See a great overview of Seligman’s Learned Optimism and a free 20 minute audio summary go to Brian Johnson's Philosophers Notes site:
www.philosophersnotes.com

See Dr. Martin Seligman’s main site:
www.authentichappiness.com

Related Tips:
Tip#179: Important Messages From The Kid - Disney's The Kid
Tip#332: Your Thoughts Have So Much Power – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Tip#1002: Your Thoughts Have So Much Power, Part 2 – Doctor Strange
Tip#1027: Your Thoughts Have So Much Power, Part 3 – Catastrophic Thinking - Split
Tip#1036: Your Thoughts Have So Much Power, Part 4 – Anxiety - The Space Between Us
Tip#445: Everything is Going To Be Okay - Source Code 
Tip#499: Choose A Future - Mr. Nobody
Tip#506: Time Travel & Alternate Reality Movies – 4 Hidden Gems
Tip#549: Yes, You Can Alter Your Reality - Men in Black 3
Tip#587: If You Could Talk To Your Younger Self What Would You Say? – Looper
Tip#590: Expand Your Mind with Time Travel Movies, Pt.1 - The Time Traveler’s Wife
Tip#759: Expand Your Mind with Time Travel Movies, Pt 2 - X-Men: Days of Future Past
Tip#682: What if You Could Go Back in Time? - Back to the Future Trilogy
Tip#551: Activate Your Imagination Through Movies, Part 1 – Prometheus
Tip#777: Activate Your Imagination Through Movies, Part 2 - Lucy
Tip#748: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 1 - After the Dark 
Tip#772: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 2 – The Congress - Under the Skin
Tip#778: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 3 – I Origins
Tip#789: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 4 – Coherence
Tip#790: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 5 - Frequencies
Tip#803: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 6 – Interstellar

INCREASE POSITIVITY & PRODUCTIVITY IN YOUR ORGANIZATION NOW!
SEE DETAILS FOR MOTIVATORMAN KEYNOTES & SEMINARS HERE:
www.motivatorman.com

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#331: Remember Your Self-Worth - Seabiscuit

When unexpected change or crisis hits it can wipe out your self-confidence and self-worth. That's why it is key to develop an indestructible mindset of optimism and resilience.

I've been watching some of the Vancouver Winter Olympics and was surprised to see someone fall in almost every performance in the pairs figure skating finals. What amazed me most was how they always picked themselves up and continued with full confidence intact. And despite the falls China went on to win both Gold and Silver.

This reminded me of a favourite quote by Winston Churchhill, "Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." For those going through career transitions this mindset can mean the difference between sinking into a depression and finding the strength to move forward.

Seabiscuit 2003

The movie Seabiscuit is based on the life and racing career of Seabiscuit, an undersized racehorse whose unexpected successes inspired a nation near the end of the Great Depression. It is an uplifting, empowering story for anyone questioning their self-confidence and self-worth.

Seabiscuit is actually one of three characters that have had challenging lives. They include Red Pollard (Toby Maguire) a struggling jockey almost blind in one eye, Charles Howard (Jeff Bridges) pushing through the depression of losing his young son to an automobile accident and Tom Smith (Chris Cooper) a homeless but gifted horse trainer.

All four characters have gifts that could have been submerged or ignored because of the negative situations they found themselves in. But somehow they all find each other and nurture those skill sets in one another. Together they achieve great successes.

So when you find your self-confidence slip into self-doubt do your best to remind yourself of your value. Remember your past successes and times you made a difference for others. If you are in a career transition take a look at your resume and acknowledge your track record of achievements.

Recognize your self-worth. Celebrate your past successes today because it is your fuel to take you to a positive future. Build that indestructible mindset of optimism and resilience now.

"You don't throw away a whole life just 'cause it's banged up a little."
Seabiscuit

SEE NEW CAREER TRANSITION TIPS
BY EMMANUEL-MOTIVATORMAN AT:
EXAMINER.COM

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#330: Passion Overcomes Adversity – The Time Traveler’s Wife

This is a new long weekend in Canada and it's already filled with memorable events. Today is Valentine's Day that overlaps Chinese New Year and tomorrow it will be Family Day. And in Vancouver the 2010 Winter Olympics opened to the world on Friday with, unfortunately, tragic news.

Georgian luge athlete, Nodar Kumaritashvili, died in a training accident sending shockwaves throughout the world news. And despite this difficult time the remaining Georgian team chose to stay in the games and even showed up at the Olympic opening ceremony.

The team is an inspiration for overcoming adversity and pushing through to honor their comrade and with their passion to compete. They are showing the world that even in death that life must go on and their actions celebrate the spirit of their fallen teammate.

The Time Traveler's Wife 2009

The movie The Time Traveler's Wife celebrates the overcoming of adversity in the name of passion. This unique story is based on the best selling novel about a librarian named Henry (Eric Bana) who has a genetic disorder that causes him to time travel randomly. He falls in love with Clare (Rachel McAdams) while time traveling to her as she grows up as a little girl.

The challenges come when they are married and Clare must deal with his spontaneous disappearances. She is left alone during special occasions and even when they are expected to simply have dinner together. The film inspires in that this couple's passion for one another outweighs the unusual adversities they face. It is their love that allows them each to persevere even in the face of death.

We all face unexpected challenges, changes and crisis during our career and life journeys. How we face them is the point of why these challenges exist. They teach us to build the mindsets that allow us to move forward. They help us to find the courage to activate our optimism and positivity.

So when you are facing overwhelming challenges remember to FEEL your passion for a loved one or for what you dream of having. FEEL the ache of what your truly desire. Unleash the powerful feelings you have within you and let it fuel you to achieve your wishes today.

Happy Valentine's Day to all my readers around the world!

INCREASE POSITIVITY & PRODUCTIVITY IN YOUR ORGANIZATION.
SEE DETAILS FOR EMPOWERING KEYNOTES & SEMINARS HERE:
www.motivatorman.com

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#329: Let Go In A Big Way - The Lovely Bones

This past weekend I experienced an incredible synchronicity that confirmed I was on the right path with something I had to push myself to do. And that is I had to let go in a big way.

I am referring to the continuing saga of decluttering my live/work space to include big items from my previous illustration business (see more decluttering tips #270, #271, #277). It's been said that you must let go of the old in order to make room for the new to flow in. So with the help of a friend last Friday we started to throw out or organize donations of obsolete print materials, office items and furniture from my previous career as an illustrator.

All of a sudden the phone rang and it was my neighbour down the hall who asked if I had any metal I wanted to get rid of. He was asking because he hired someone to come in the very next day to haul his stuff out of his office and offered to take anything I had. So within 24 hours I had a large, 20 year old metal cabinet and clunky old air conditioner removed from my space.

My live/work space is feeling so much lighter and I still get chills up my spine thinking about how synchronistic and cosmic that phone call was. The synchronicity continued a day later when I was compelled to watch The Lovely Bones.

The Lovely Bones 2009

The movie The Lovely Bones is a fantasy drama about a 14 year old girl narrating from the afterlife about her life and how she was murdered. To be honest the story concept was disturbing and not my first choice film to see. But when I followed my gut I understood that this movie was about facing the challenges of letting go.

The story was about how the parents are not able to let go of the death of their daughter. And it's also about how the girl needed to let go of her earthly life in order to move on to heaven. The movie inspires in a unique way that whether in life or death we must all learn the importance of letting go in order to move forward.

So if you feel stuck in your career or life look around you and see if there are items in your work or live space that is anchoring you. Do your best to see how these things are preventing your goals and desires from flowing to you. And when you find the courage to let go in a big way your space will feel freer and so will your mind and soul.


INCREASE POSITIVITY & PRODUCTIVITY IN YOUR ORGANIZATION.
SEE DETAILS FOR EMPOWERING KEYNOTES & SEMINARS HERE:
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations

Tip#328: Rethink What You Think You Know - A Perfect Getaway

The key factor that has been helping me remain optimistic and create solutions to my career, business and life challenges has been to transform my old mindset. Instead of having a default "crisis" mindset response I've been training myself to have an "opportunity focused" mindset.

You must learn how to break out of old habits of thinking and rethink how you perceive your situations. Then you can re-examine obstacles from vastly different perspectives.

Albert Einstein said "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." In other words it IS possible to break old habits of thinking preventing you from manifesting your goals and dreams. You just have to rewire your brain to recognize the answers already in front of you.

A Perfect Getaway 2009

Movies with twist endings can shake up what you think you know. They provide the mind with an opportunity to re-examine and rethink the story you just witnessed. The film A Perfect Getaway is one movie that will compel you to watch a second time from a dramatically different perspective.

The story unfolds as a murder mystery on a beautiful island of Hawaii with a newlywed couple on their honeymoon. It's a "who done it?" story that pushes the boundaries of what you "think you know" about what is unfolding. Without saying anymore I invite you to see this film and enjoy the ride. And try to forget what you have just read here for full impact of the story.

Shock Your Thinking

Movies like this can help shock your thinking into new ways of perceiving. Stories with twist endings can jolt you into seeing clues to solutions for unexpected challenges you encounter. Your unwanted events are actually gifts to help you develop new habits of proactive thinking. They guide you to create new and more productive ways of overcoming obstacles.

So if you are stuck in your life or career remember that it is only an opportunity to change your ways of thinking in order to solve the mystery of your challenges. It's like a puzzle you've just assembled and yet needs to be rearranged in another way to reveal the true picture.

Let go of what you think you know and remain open to new ideas. Your challenges are really a blessing in disguise!

"Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change."
Dr. Wayne Dyer

SEE DETAILS OF EMPOWERING KEYNOTES & SEMINARS
FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION HERE:
www.motivatorman.com

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations

Tip#327: Be the Master of Your Fate – Nelson Mandela - Invictus

Invictus is Latin for unconquered. It is also a short poem that Nelson Mandela had written on a scrap of paper while imprisoned. It helped him survive the 27 years of incarceration.

The poem and movie of the same name recently inspired me because it's been 10 years since my early mid-life crisis hit and left me in a long state of depression. And although I have achieved many personal transformations and successes since, I sometimes still feel trapped like Phil Connors in the movie Groundhog Day (see tip#326).

Currently, I believe I have discovered what will help me break free and will share in future blog posts. For now I continue to believe that I am the master of my own fate and will push through the financial and career challenges weighing on me. I continue to stay positive and have unshakable faith that solutions are already in motion.

Invictus 2009

The movie Invictus can inspire you to have unshakable faith. It is a biographical story based on Nelson Mandela's life during the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa. President Mandela (Morgan Freeman) is inspiring in both his leadership qualities how he radiates this profound confidence.

In the movie Mandela tells the captain of the South African rugby team, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), how the poem Invictus helped keep him resilient in prison. He later gives the poem to Francois which inspires his success despite the overwhelming odds against his rugby team.

So be inspired to know that despite whatever life or career challenges you feel trapped in that you are still the master of your fate. Believe you are unconquered. Have faith that you will survive the overwhelming odds you feel against you. Read this poem and let the words fill you with optimism and strength…

Invictus
by William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.


SEE DETAILS OF EMPOWERING KEYNOTES & SEMINARS
FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION HERE:
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations

Tip#326: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 1 - Groundhog Day

Whether it's in your personal life or the workplace acknowledgement and support from another person is a powerful thing. And as I wrote in tip#324 and tip#325 one person can make a world of difference for someone feeling lost or hopeless.

I continued to celebrate this idea at 2 recent events I facilitated in Toronto. The first was hosting a panel of experts giving employment advice to job seekers at the IEP Conference for internationally educated professionals. To my amazement this over-capacity crowd spilled out into the hallway proving that many individuals needed help. I, and the panelists, reminded everyone continually of how important it was to network and support one another.

The second event I hosted was an exclusive private screening and motivational talk of the film, Groundhog Day at The Spoke Club. It was here I celebrated and shared one of my favourite movies with many of the close friends and colleagues that have supported me recently during my own challenges. It was an energizing night for all.

Groundhog Day 1993

The movie Groundhog Day is about transformation. It's about changing your mindset in order to change your current situations. The story features a self-centred weatherman named Phil Connors (Bill Murray) caught in a time warp and forced to live the same day in the same town over and over again. By changing his mindset he was able to break out of this private hell he was in. He focused on thinking of others first and committing random acts of kindness!

After the screening the group discussion lead to identifying the point at which Connors switched over his negative mindset after he sunk into a depression. One person brought up a powerful answer that Connors became optimistic when he finally asked for help and his producer Rita (Andie MacDowell) acknowledged his predicament.

This can be a profound moment for anyone in need. It is the moment of being acknowledged and believed in. And in that moment you can be filled with uplifting energy from the kindness of a friend, colleague or even a total stranger.

Ask For Help

So if you feel caught in your own private hell and can't break out, do your best to ask for help. Whether it's in the workplace or your personal life someone, somewhere will acknowledge your situation. Someone will believe in you and that form of recognition will fill you with positive emotional energy. You will be lifted high above your trapped mindset and see the positives of the negatives you are in.

It may take days, weeks or even years to travel through a challenge you feel caught in. Whatever happens always remember that there will be others along your path that will acknowledge and support your journey.

Happy Groundhog Day (Feb.2nd) to all my readers around the world! Celebrate all the people who are helping you along your life path!

Related Tips:
Tip#326: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 1 - Groundhog Day 
Tip#838: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 2 - What Women Want
Tip#848: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 3 – Mental Health in the Workplace - Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter  
Tip#602: You Are Awesome! Part 1 – Validation (short film)  
Tip#835: You Are Awesome! Part 2 - The Duff 
Tip#889: Random Acts of Kindness – Depression - Seven Pounds

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations
www.motivatorman.com

Tip#325: Be Supportive and You'll Be Supported - The Blind Side

Blind side: Defined as the side on which your vision is limited or obstructed.

I feel I have been blind-sided these past few weeks with unexpected challenges. As I wrote in tip#322 my mind had been unfocused and my confidence shattered for my New Year's business goals.

It's now almost 3 weeks of feeling this way and thankfully I've been seeing the silver lining of this "positive pause" I've been floating in. If you can identify with these periods you'll know it can be mentally and emotionally painful because you can feel helpless and hopeless. You can feel lost and out of options.

And yet the most empowering, uplifting feeling can come from the caring, heartfelt support of friends, family and work colleagues. I truly feel blessed from the small circle of friends I have confided in recently about the depths of my challenges. They continually fill me with unlimited hope.

The Blind Side 2009

The drama sports film, The Blind Side, demonstrates the empowering feelings that come from giving AND receiving social support. The story is based on a true story of Michael Oher who was rescued from his impoverished upbringing by Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) and her family.

Leigh Anne's heartfelt actions were so loving and caring that it will inspire you wherever you are in your life journey. And seeing the positive transformations in Michael, his school grades and football playing demonstrates the power of being able to help someone in need. Equally inspiring is how Leigh Anne's entire family was quick to welcome this black youth into their home especially her charismatic little boy S.J. (Jae Head).

Inspiring Themes:
• Passion
• Resilience
• Self-Confidence
• Compassion
• Leadership
• Teamwork & Team Spirit
• Supportive Relationships
• Indestructible Optimism

"I promise that I will be at every game cheering for you."

So if you feel you've been blind-sided in your life, workplace or career remember that there is always someone somewhere watching your back. You are not alone. And if things are going well right now, be aware that supportive relationships need to be nurtured all the time. Be inspired by Leigh Anne's ability to help others unconditionally. She is a fantastic role-model for women as well as men.

Learn to be in the flow of positive energy that supports and nurtures. And if you watch out for someone else's blind side that same caring energy can lead or inspire someone else to watch out for yours too!

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist &
Social Media Consultant
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#324: You Are Already Connected – Haiti - Avatar

On January 22, 2010 there were 2 big fundraisers for the Haiti disaster that hit 2 weeks ago. One was the "Hope for Haiti Now" global benefit in the US with it's star-studded, live performances. It was the most widely distributed telethon in history. The other was Canada’s own event, the "Canada For Haiti" fundraiser here in my town of Toronto.

What was inspiring about the Canadian telecast is that it is the first time I've seen 3 different, competing networks come together with well-known hosts from each station: Cheryl Hickey (Global Television), Ben Mulroney (CTV) and George Stroumboulopoulos (CBC Television). Seeing them together reminded me that it is possible to break down invisible, competitive barriers between us.

The catastrophe in Haiti quickly captured the attention of the world. People opened their hearts in a way that inspires hope for us as a human species. It is demonstrating the deeper message of spiritual beliefs like Buddhism, Native Americans and motivational speakers around the world that remind us of our innate connectedness.

Avatar 2009

The movie Avatar recently won best picture at the Golden Globe Awards and director James Cameron gave an acceptance speech that addressed the most important aspect of the movie. He said he hoped that the award would bring attention to the message of the film’s alien culture of the Na'vi and their innate connectedness to one another and to the wild life and environment of their entire world.

It's a positive message that permeates the dazzling visual effects and has the capability to educate and motivate a new way of thinking. It can help expand a mindset to believe that we are not separate despite invisible barriers we may perceive are between people.

That's why the silver lining of disasters like Haiti, New Orleans and 9/11 is that they remind us we can come together for support on profound levels. We have the ability to put aside our daily routines and issues in the spirit of simply helping a neighbour in distress.

So let these global situations remind you that you are not alone in whatever challenges you face. Be aware that there is the spirit of community that already exists and that helpful souls are already around you. Be a part of this positive flow of energy whenever you can by giving whatever you're able to someone you encounter that needs help.

Do whatever you can whether it's for someone in need on the other side of the planet or in your own neighbourhood. Your thoughtful actions are what keeps our connectedness alive!

Read another inspiring blog post on how Avatar inspires connectedness with nature by Marie-Josée Salva, Founder of Smarts and Stamina. See: Nature, Spirituality and the Future

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
Social Media Consultant
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#323: The Positive Aspects of Lying – The Invention of Lying

A powerful synchronicity has unfolded for me about the nature of lying. It started with one of my favourite TV shows called Lie to Me. It stars Tim Roth as Dr. Cal Lightman who can detect if people are lying through the science of microexpressions. Each episode is fascinating as well as entertaining.

I was then drawn to read Seth Godin's book, All Marketers Are Liars. This book is about the storytelling marketers create to grab us on a deep gut level and how anyone in business can succeed when they tell a compelling story about their product.

Finally I was compelled to watch the movie The Invention of Lying and the synchronistic message was fully revealed. It had to do with seeing the positive aspects of lying! I realized a new way to look at what truth really is and how that mindset can change YOUR world for the better.

The Invention of Lying 2009

The comedy The Invention of Lying is set in an alternate reality where no one has ever lied and where people always speak their minds. Therefore you get a unique and insightful peak into a world without fiction, imagination or speculation.

This all changes when Mark Bellison (Ricky Gervais) suddenly discovers he can "tell things that aren't". For example he experiments with this new gift and tells his friends his name is something completely different and they immediately believe him. No questions asked.

What unfolds is the key factor of what motivational speakers and successful people all over the real world have been telling us. And that is no matter what you currently see YOU have the power to create the change you want. YOU have the ability to tell yourself a different story instead of the one you feel stuck in. So, in an ironic sense, you are telling yourself a lie that results in positive change!

I explored this in tip#317 with other inspiring movies with the same storytelling theme like Shorts and Bedtime Stories. And it is even explored in the film Galaxy Quest. Movies are stories that can help you visualize a different and more satisfying future for yourself.

So realize that you can change your current reality by telling yourself a new story of what you'd like to happen. Choose to believe that the unhappy life or career you're experiencing is ACTUALLY the LIE. Choose to believe that other possibilities exist for yourself and you will discover your true inner power!

You are already a master storyteller. Just unleash the story you truly desire!

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
Social Media Consultant
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#322: Choose The Healthiest Approach – A Beautiful Mind

I've had an unexpectedly challenging week despite an amazing first week of the New Year (see tip#320). It's as if I crashed from a sugar rush and was left unfocused, unmotivated and physically lethargic.

Instead of allowing these debilitating problems to consume me I took a break from work and focused on improving my health and state of mind. I researched "brain foods" to improve my sluggish mind like fish, spinach and blueberries and took action to change my diet immediately. Plus I did whatever simple exercises I could push myself to do.

Career Buzz Radio Show

My goal was to be well enough to co-host a live radio show called Career Buzz by the end of the week. Thankfully I achieved this goal and even got energized by the interactions I had with the 2 guests and the host Louisa Jewell.

It was also highly synchronistic that the guests happen to share empowering tips for improving mental health in both life and career. Eleanor Chin of Clarity Partners offered a simple, yet powerful metaphor to help inspire teamwork with the visual of a boulder and everyone coming together to move it as a common goal.

The 2nd guest, Marie-Josee Salvas Shaar of Smarts & Stamina shared many eye-opening tips on improving one's mindset through proper sleep patterns and shorter TV watching. This was even more synchronistic because my "Live Lighter/Writer Guru", Steph Miller is currently blogging about doing a TV detox to improve a healthier lifestyle.

The messages of these synchronicities were loud and clear. They were helping me see that I was on the right path for choosing the healthiest approach.

A Beautiful Mind 2001

The movie A Beautiful Mind is based on the inspiring life of Nobel Prize winner, John Nash (Russell Crowe) who learns to deal with his paranoid schizophrenia. The story shows how he learns to distinguish between what is real and the 3 personalities that exist only in his mind.

At the end of the film Nash is asked if he still sees these imaginary people and he says yes. The only difference now is he chooses to ignore them. He chose to focus on the present instead of his past.

So let Nash's simple yet profound choice of focus inspire you. Get motivated to know you can overcome any boulder despite how overwhelming or debilitating it seems. You just need to feed your mind with healthy information that is already all around you.

Take time to listen to what your body and mind needs. Recognize the crucial importance of making the healthiest choices you can right now!

FOR MORE ON THE FOLLOWING SEE THEIR WEBSITES:
• Louisa Jewell, Why Did You Go: www.whydidyougo.com
• Eleanor Chin, Clarity Partners: www.claritypartnerscoaching.com
• Marie-Josee Salvas Shaar, Smarts & Stamina: www.smartsandstamina.com
• Steph Miller, Live Lighter: www.livelighter.org

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
Social Media Consultant
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#321: What Do You Want? – The Devil Wears Prada

Based on a Gallup poll the No. 1 reason people quite their jobs is because of a bad boss. It takes courage to leave a job you are not enjoying. And yet the only spark needed to ignite action is to really know what you want.

In the previous blog article (see tip#320) I wrote about the thought-provoking messages of the movie Up In The Air. George Clooney's character, Ryan, was a mirror for me in that he showed me what I DIDN'T want in my career. His whole existence was about flying constantly alone all over the US and not cultivating any meaningful relationships.

What the movie helped me see is that I want to share the adventure of my business and career with others. What I want is to enjoy my job with people I enjoy working with. Life is too short to waste flying solo AND on negative individuals or energy stealers.

The Devil Wears Prada 2006

The movie The Devil Wears Prada can help show you what you want and don't want in a career or job. Andrea (Anne Hathaway) is an aspiring journalist fresh out of university who lands a coveted position as a junior personal assistant to the editor-in-chief of a famous fashion magazine.

The challenge is that her boss, Miranda Priestly, (Meryl Streep) is a boss from hell! She is demanding, rude, controlling and condescending. However, Andrea puts up with relentless abuse because she believes the position is a stepping stone for her real passion of journalism.

Over time Andrea begins to let the fashion world transform her into something not aligned with her true self. And though she excels at her job she finally chooses to abruptly leave Miranda during an important fashion event when she realizes what she wants. And what she wants is NOT to become like her boss.

See the Benefits

So see the benefits of negative people around you. They can help you identify what you DON'T WANT in a job or career. Let them help you realize what you DO WANT. That is the benefit of movies with antagonistic characters or villains. They are there to help mirror the path you can choose NOT to travel on.

Ultimately it is your job to emulate the positive role models that demonstrate the future you desire. Celebrate all your favourite cinematic role models and real-life heroes around the world. They knew what they wanted and took action to get it. If they can do it so can you!

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
Social Media Consultant
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#320: What Truly Matters To You? - Up In The Air

Sometimes it takes unexpected change or crisis to help you see what truly matters in your career or life. That can be a crucial step for making the changes you've been wishing for all along.

I've just had an incredible first week of 2010! Each day I received clues and signs reminding me to focus this year on my passion for writing this movie blog. One of these signs was simply a deep knowing that I truly loved writing about movies that are making a positive difference with readers like you.

There are people in the world who have chosen to let go of their passions and dreams in order to get jobs that provide the income they desire. And then there are people, like me, who have chosen to leave a comfortable job and follow my passion for movies and motivating others. It takes a lot of courage for the latter and yet I believe every person is meant to somehow integrate their passions into their career.

That's why there is a silver lining to when professionals are unexpectedly let go from their jobs. It doesn't matter what the reason was for the termination, what matters is the golden opportunity to find a position you are passionate about.

Up In The Air 2009

The movie Up In The Air is filled with characters and situations that can mirror your current career choices. It will make you think about what truly matters to you. The story revolves around Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), a corporate downsizing expert and motivational speaker whose job is to let go of employees in businesses across the United States.

There is one key scene where he is terminating an employee who becomes angry about how to care for his two daughters when he is jobless. Ryan surprises the employee by telling him he can now follow his dream for French cooking. Ryan had identified from the man's resume that he once had a passion for cooking and helps him see the silver lining of being let go. You see on the man's face that he had a profound shift in his thoughts.

So let movies you connect with be a mirror to help you see what truly matters to you. Let the movie characters you identify with show you what you want AND don't want in your career. You always have a choice in whatever occupation you desire. Just make sure it is filled with passion!

OTHER CAREER TRANSITION TIPS:
Tip#61: When Life Gives You Lemons Make Lemonade - Baby Boom
Tip#122: The Bright Side of Career Transitions - 9 Movie Tips
Tip#297: Are You Waiting or Activating? - The Terminal

KEYNOTES & SEMINARS
FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION...
"THE BRIGHT SIDE OF CAREER TRANSITIONS"
See more info under "Keynotes & Seminars: Here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
Social Media Consultant
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#319: Find Your Gumption! – The Holiday

Gumption is defined as demonstrating initiative; aggressiveness; resourcefulness; courage; spunk; guts. If you are looking for more gumption in your career or life then a holiday or a movie hero is what you need for inspiration!

The recent holiday season allowed me to break out of my work mindset and focus on family traditions and enjoy Christmas with friends, great food and energizing conversations. It also allowed me to redefine what I wanted in the New Year.

I had personal and professional goals that I wanted to achieve and knew that to have them come true I needed to begin with activating my positive energy and attitude. And one movie I discovered over the holidays inspired me with a movie heroine who finds her gumption!

The Holiday 2006

The romantic comedy, The Holiday, is definitely for movie lovers because it features characters such as a movie trailer producer, Amanda (Cameron Diaz), a film soundtrack composer, Miles (Jack Black) and a screenplay writer, Arthur (Eli Wallach). So there are many well-known movie references scattered throughout the film.

Iris (Kate Winslet) benefits from all these characters as she escapes heartbreak by trading her home in England with one in L.A. for Christmas time. There she meets Miles who helps re-energize Iris with his love for movie music. And then she meets Arthur who recommends many DVD movies for Iris to watch.

What she later realizes is Arthur was recommending movies with strong female characters. These movie heroines empower Iris because she is able to identify these women as having gumption. She soon makes a personal breakthrough and finally stands her ground and takes action for the life and relationships she truly desires.

"I think what I've got is something slightly resembling gumption."

Watch Your Favourite Movie Heroes

So if you have goals you want to achieve start with empowering your inner energy and attitude. Find your gumption! Take a holiday if you feel that's what it takes to clear your mind. Or watch your favourite movies and become aware of the attitude and strengths of the movie heroes that excite you.

Making positive changes in your career or life means breaking out of your daily routines and habits. Let the power of movies take you to the reality you desire!

Arthur: "Iris, in the movies we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason you are behaving like the best friend."

Iris: "You're so right. You're supposed to be the leading lady of your own life, for god's sake! Arthur, I've been going to a therapist for three years, and she's never explained things to me that well. That was brilliant. Brutal, but brilliant."

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
Social Media Consultant
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2010