Tip#351: Who Is The Superhero Within You? – Kick-Ass

At this very moment ALL the pieces of my life, career and business have been tossed up into the air. It's because I've been shaken to the core of all my belief systems from the intensive, 3 day workshop I attended in Toronto 2 weekends ago. It was called MASTERY OF SELF EXPRESSION and it really kicked my ass.

This workshop was originally designed for actors who had lost their passion stemming from the pain of countless auditions and rejections. Some famous names that have participated in this workshop are Woody Harrelson, Ted Danson, Sigourney Weaver, Fisher Stevens, Mary Louise Parker and Marisa Tomei.

The MASTERY workshop helped me unearth factors about myself that were shocking to face. And yet I knew these blocks were the cause of the multiple life changes I've had to make this month. I'm even re-examining the future of this movie blog and my superhero inspired business name, Motivatorman.

Thankfully I was synchronistically led to seeing a new movie that would lift my spirits.

Kick-Ass 2010

The movie Kick-Ass is about an ordinary teenager named Dave (Aaron Johnson) who becomes a real-life superhero named Kick-Ass. However his first attempts to fight crime leave Dave beaten, stabbed and hit by a car. Despite all this brutal realism he demonstrates his desire and commitment for keeping his dream alive.

In one scene Dave is valiantly protecting a man from three attackers and proves that we was willing to die in order to protect a stranger in need. He proved he was willing to do whatever it took to follow his dream.

This scene reminded that there is a superhero in me somewhere waiting to be re-defined. I was inspired to do whatever it took to move forward despite all the uncertainty I face. Once again a movie has helped cut through the anxiety and emotional pain that can paralyze ANYONE dealing with unexpected change or crisis.

Do your best to stay positive and proactive in your own challenges. Be inspired to question your own belief systems holding you back. Question your personal identity and find that superhero within you. Most of all, feel free to kick your own ass in order to move forward in your life!

IF YOU WERE A SUPERHERO
WHAT WOULD YOUR NAME BE?
Let me know via email or the comments tab below!

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#350: What Movies Motivate You? – Your Responses #2

Here are more movies that motivate from contacts in my movie lover groups on LinkedIn. These choices demonstrate the diversity and timelessness of films that can affect each of us in meaningful ways.

Chariots of Fire 1981

The story of Eric Liddell, his incredible will and staying true to his belief, even in the face of unbelievable pressure. Perhaps my favorite movie of all time.
Gregg Young
Midland, Michigan, USA

Meatballs 1982

Any time I take myself too seriously or am about to pack it in, I remember Bill Murray's omniscient exhortation, "It just doesn't matter!" So, I say screw it and get back to doing what I really want to do. That's what motivates me most frequently.
Herb Blank
Greater New York State USA

Patton 1970

For me, one big inspirational movie is Patton, pretty much relevant in corporate context. Others include Jerry Maguire, The Pursuit of Happyness, Meet John Doe, Shichinin no Samurai (which teaches a lot about teamwork and leadership models).
Anindya Ray
Bangalore Area, India

Star Wars: A New Hope 1977

The original Star Wars: A New Hope when it first came out. It had that Gosh! Gee Whiz! factor that made me want to go to Film/TV school and made me become a Videographer.
Pancho Tarra
Costa Mesa, CA USA

What movies motivate you? Write back or leave a comment below of what movies have inspired you and why. Also share what city and country you are writing from.

I will be publishing your answers in upcoming blog entries and you'll help inspire other people all around the world!

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#349: What Movies Motivate You? – Your Responses #1

I am in a state of deep reflection after completing the intensive 3 day workshop in Toronto called MASTERY OF SELF EXPRESSION (see tip#348). It will take me awhile to articulate my profound experience of facing deep rooted blocks.

Thank you everyone who wrote in about your favourite films. Here is a selection of 4 movies that motivate from readers of this blog.


Flashdance 1983

"i always thought Flashdance was inspirational. cheesy but i just love how she fights for a dream and actually attains despite great adversity."
Candice Frederick
Queens NY USA
Blog: Reel Talk

Peaceful Warrior 2006

Movie: Peaceful Warrior,
Why: I learned to live in the moment and detach from any outcome
Patrick B.: Toronto Canada
Blog: Journeyman Stories

Now Voyager 1942

"The movie that has always motivated me is Now Voyager with Bette Davis. She breaks free from the negative self-image that was imposed upon her by her family and herself to blossom into a beautiful and generous woman. In the end, it is her strength and generosity that allows her to make a sacrifice that will ensure her a greater love."
Jane
Milwaukee, WI USA

Silkwood 1983

"The movie that has always sparked something within me is Silkwood with Cher, Meryl Streep and Kurt Russell. Yes, I realize that this might be an odd movie for one to be motivated by but it wasn't just the movie that inspired me, it was the theatre in which we saw it that made it special.

I was visiting my sister in a town called Invermere, British Columbia. We saw the movie in a small old theatre from the 60's. Everything was vintage and had all the old chairs and decoration. The movie was not my favorite one of all, but for some reason the experience of watching a movie in a time warp became an inspiration all on its own. I do love Cher though."
Dave Larsen
Toronto Canada

What movies motivate you? Write back or leave a comment below of what movies have inspired you and why. Also share what city and country you are writing from.

I will be publishing your answers in upcoming blog entries and you'll help inspire other people all around the world!

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#348: What Movies Motivate You?

As I write this I am currently attending an intensive, 3 day workshop in Toronto called MASTERY OF SELF EXPRESSION with Hollywood film actor/facilitator Larry Gilman and co-facilitator Tammy Cunningham. See

It is shaking up everything I thought I knew about myself and about my life purpose, career and even this movie blog. So in order to stay connected with the workshop this blog will be brief and unique.

I invite you to please tell me what movies motivate you? Write back or leave a comment below of what movies have inspired you and why. Also share what city and country you are writing from.

I will be publishing your answers in upcoming blog entries and you'll help inspire other people all around the world!

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#347: When Your World Is Turned Upside Down – 5 Movie Tips

The economic downturn of 2008 hit many people around the world. It turned their worlds upside down and forced them to see life differently and adapt in order to survive.

There was a NASA experiment in the 60's that fitted a group of astronauts with convex goggles that turned their visual world upside down. They had to wear the goggles day and night while dealing with the stress and hardships of stumbling blindly.

Then something amazing happened. On the 26th day one of the men suddenly saw the world right side up. He was still wearing the goggles! Over time his brain had created new neural pathways to adjust to what he was seeing. By the 30th day all the other astronauts followed suit.

This proves that whatever challenges you face can be overcome despite whatever you see in front of you. Your brain can adapt to unexpected change and crisis.

Here are 5 movies that inspire one's ability to overcome financial crisis...

Cinderella Man 2005

This is the true story of boxer Jim Braddock (Russell Crowe) and how his resilience and passion for his family allowed him to survive during the great depression.

It's a Wonderful Life 1946

This Christmas classic shows how George Bailey (James Stewart) discovers the value of friendships and supportive relationships during financial hardships and personal sense of hopelessness.

The Pursuit of Happyness 3006

Based on the true story of Chris Gardner (Will Smith) who finds himself homeless and surviving on the streets with a toddler. He demonstrates inspiring resilience and optimism as he trains to be stockbroker while homeless.

Seabiscuit 2003

This is the true story of an undersized racehorse named Seabiscuit whose victories lifted the spirits of the team behind it as well as an entire nation during the great depression.

Sullivan's Travels 1941

A wealthy film director named Sullivan (Joel McCrea) sets out in disguise as a penniless tramp to make a film about the poor. He gets a reality shock and learns how the poverty-stricken persevere through the power of laughter.

So if you find your world has been turned upside down because of financial challenges or other unexpected crisis feel positive knowing that you have the ability to successfully adapt. Know that you are fully capable in becoming more resourceful than ever. Your mind is a powerful, resilient muscle.

EMMANUEL-MOTIVATORMAN IS THE NEW
TORONTO CAREER TRANSITIONS EXAMINER
Read 3 success factors of movies that will motivate your success in overcoming career and job transitions. See here

ASK ABOUT MOTIVATORMAN'S
Social Media Consulting services for helping:
1) Individuals manage their career & connections
2) Organizations manage their message
See more info here under Consultations: www.motivatorman.com

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#346: The Power of Collaboration Part 2 – How To Train Your Dragon

One of the reasons I am passionate about social media and social networking is that it's all about cultivating a sense of community on a local and global level. It's about breaking down invisible walls between people and encouraging the power of collaboration.

Social media is helping people share information and learn more about each other on sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Blogging. These sites are showing we all have more in common then we do in differences. Seeing each other as allies rather than the enemy or competition is ultimately more productive whether it’s in the workplace or personal life.

How to Train Your Dragon 2010

The animated 3-D movie, How to Train Your Dragon celebrates the power of collaboration on many inspiring levels. Set in a mythical Viking world, a young teen named Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) aspires to become a dragon slayer. After capturing his first dragon he finds that he is unable to kill it and instead is compelled to help and befriend it.

In doing so Hiccup learns more about dragons and their motives and soon they develop a collaborative relationship. They find that together they are stronger and able to accomplish much more then apart. Later that synergistic spirit spreads to Hiccup's friends that once were enemies and then to the entire village.

Develop a mindset for collaboration and you'll discover how quickly you can accomplish your dreams and goals. Develop a team spirit mindset and you'll also be learning more about how differences can become strengths when you focus on working harmoniously together.

We are all living in an exciting new era of collaboration with the online social media world. Let it inspire you to cultivate more meaningful, supportive relationships in your work and life!

READ PART 1:
Tip#306: The Power of Collaboration – Funny People

EMMANUEL-MOTIVATORMAN IS THE NEW
TORONTO CAREER TRANSITIONS EXAMINER
Read 3 success factors of movies that will motivate your success in overcoming career and job transitions. See here

ASK ABOUT MOTIVATORMAN'S
Social Media Consulting services for helping:
1) Individuals manage their career & connections
2) Organizations manage their message
See more info here under Consultations: www.motivatorman.com

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#345: 2 Key Tips for Job Seekers - The Terminal

Job and career transitions can be life changing, emotional experiences especially when they come out of nowhere. And yet there is great learning and personal development that can blossom from these adversities. Resourcefulness and collaboration are 2 important keys.

After I discovered The Washington Post had featured my blog during my own career transition, I was able to use social media to track down the writer, Vickie Elmer. I found her on LinkedIn and thanked her for writing the article. Recently she asked if I could contribute movie recommendations for job seekers on her own blog called Working Kind. See here

I recommended Cinderella Man and The Shawshank Redemption as powerful movies that can inspire job seekers. These titles are among others I am currently writing articles on as the new Toronto Career Transitions Examiner on Examiner.com. See here

It was exciting to be able to collaborate with someone like Vickie who helped make a big difference during my career transition. And it reminded me of another favourite movie that is highly motivational for anyone going through a job or career change.

The Terminal 2004

Steven Spielberg's film, The Terminal is filled with tips to encourage and inspire job seekers. Based on a true story, Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks) is thrown into a situation where he is forced to live within the confines of a NYC airport.

With no money, no English and no one he knows to help him, Viktor shows how resourceful one can be in the face of unexpected adversity. You see how he makes himself a bed, discover methods of collecting change so he can eat and you see how he teaches himself to speak English from television monitors and guide books from the airport book store.

When Viktor demonstrates his skill sets in construction he is immediately given a paid job within an area being redeveloped in the terminal. He soon cultivates many collaborative friendships within the airport where they all help one another achieve certain goals and dreams.

So if you find yourself in a job or career transition remember to see it as an opportunity to increase your resourcefulness and supportive relationships. Choose to see your transition as a time to learn new methods and tools to proactively achieve your goals AND collaborate effectively.

Any situation can be a blessing in disguise once you develop an optimistic mindset and see the hidden gifts within.

3 other resources to inspire you:

1) Working Kind blog - 10 job seeker movies: See here
2) Toronto Career Transitions Examiner - Movie Tips: See here
3) Tip#122: The Bright Side of Career Transitions - 9 Movie Tips: See here


ASK ABOUT MOTIVATORMAN'S
Social Media Consulting services for helping:
1) Individuals manage their career & connections
2) Organizations manage their message
See more info here under Consultations: www.motivatorman.com

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#344: Accept Big Changes – Hachiko: A Dog's Story

There have been big changes all around me in downtown Toronto on Queen St. West. My favourite breakfast place called The Stem has closed forever (see tip#20) and other favourite restaurants of over 15 years, like Taro Bar & Grill, have closed their doors. It's like they represent the ending of an era for me.

And it would be very synchronistic because I am going through a pivotal and profound change in my life and work at the moment. Seeing these restaurants shut down reminded me of how loyal I was to them and how I must emotionally let go in order to move forward to new life experiences.

It's like any unexpected change in career, relationships or life situations you must face. It's our responsibility to let go of emotional attachments that no longer support us because they will never allow us to be truly free of the past.

Hachiko (Hachi): A Dog's Tale 2009

The movie, Hachiko (Hachi): A Dog's Tale inspires with its themes of loyalty, devotion and letting go. It's based on a true story about a puppy shipped to the US from Japan and being found at a train station by a professor named Parker (Richard Gere).

Parker and his family adopt the puppy calling him Hachi, the name on his collar. Over time Hachi would go and wait faithfully every day at the train station when Parker arrived home from work. Sadly, Parker dies unexpectedly while at work. To Hachi, his master just hasn't arrived home yet.

For many years, Hachi continued to return to the train station at the usual time Parker usually came home. The movie is a powerful story of undying devotion and love. It is also thought-provoking for knowing when to let go in your own life.

When big changes happen in your life, relationships or career it can be an extreme challenge to change your deep-rooted thoughts and emotions about these things. And yet it is your duty to learn how to accept these unwanted changes and release the invisible tethers keeping you in the past.

So accept the emotions that envelop you when unexpected change or crisis occurs. Be mindful not to stay stuck in this "grieving" period of shock or loss for too long. You are in control of your life so have the courage to know when to let go of the past.

ASK ABOUT MOTIVATORMAN'S
Social Media Consulting services for helping:
1) Individuals manage their career & connections
2) Organizations manage their message
See more info here under Consultations: www.motivatorman.com

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#343: Childhood Clues To Your Ideal Career – The Blind Side

I had another astounding synchronicity happen recently. A few weeks back, as I explored new opportunities to motivate people, I found myself back in an area of Toronto I grew up in during public school. I knew this had a profound meaning about my childhood and wasn't sure what.

Just days later I went to visit the new Metro Hall Employment Services in downtown Toronto. It's the flagship for new state-of-the-art facilities helping job seekers develop and manage their careers. The centre was so futuristic and bright that it felt I was on the starship Enterprise from the 2009 Star Trek movie! See here

I was then introduced to an amazing online assessment tool at Careercruising.com called Career Matchmaker. You just answer a series of detailed questions asking for your preferences of work, skills, activities and environments you enjoy most and it matches you up with ideal careers.

My top 3 were:
1) Actor
2) Motivational Speaker
3) Corporate Trainer

I was stunned to see what number one was because when I was a child I wanted to be an actor. Now I saw the connection for the reason I returned to my old public school area. I was being reminded that performing to make people smile was what I loved most at school. I loved drama classes and connecting with audiences. It wasn't just illustrating or doing art which I did as a successful business... it was performing with a purpose to make people happy!

The Blind Side 2009

Based on a true story, The Blind Side film features a 17 year old named Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) who everyone thinks would be a great football player because of his enormous height and size. Unfortunately he doesn't do well during his first football practice.

The key to his success is discovered when Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) looks into Michael's academic records. He had scored low in every aspect except one where he scored in the 98th percentile in "protective instincts".

This discovery reveals that Michael's ideal position in football is to protect the blind side of the quarterback (left tackle position). So when Michael is made to understand his position on the field he excels instantly and soon drew the attention of numerous University football coaches. Today the real Michael Oher became Left Tackle for the Baltimore Ravens.

Leigh Anne cared for Michael's potential so she had persevered to help him be the best he could be. She helped him discover his inner strength, talent and ideal career! Isn't she a woman you'd want to watch out for you like a guardian angel?

Inspiring Themes:
• Talents, Skills & Gifts
• Self-Confidence & Self-Esteem
• Career Transitions
• Supportive Relationships
• Indestructible Optimism

Rediscover What Makes You Shine

So if you feel stuck in your career or what to do with your life, go back to your childhood and rediscover your natural gifts and talents. Contact your parents or others that knew you as a child and ask what they remember you being good at. Unearth the memories of the activities that made you shine as a child.

Sometimes what we were born to do gets lost along the journey through adulthood. Take the time today to pause and recognize if you are doing what you enjoyed doing growing up.

Related Tips:
Tip#178: Childhood Passions - The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch – Star Trek
Tip#310: Find Your Place In The World - Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs
Tip#334: Power of Persistence – Billy Elliot


ASK ABOUT MOTIVATORMAN'S
Social Media Consulting services for helping:
1) Individuals manage their career & connections
2) Organizations manage their message
See more info here under Consultations: www.motivatorman.com

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#342: Anything is Possible – Freedom Writers

Sometimes when faced with unexpected and overwhelming obstacles a solution is not always clear. That's why it's important to fill your mind and imagination with evidence that the impossible is possible.

Maintaining an open mind is the first step to filling it with positive, empowering stories and images. And it helps when you discover proof for yourself in success stories that are close to home.

Solving Rubik's Cube in 7 Seconds

A 16 year old Thornhill Ontario high school student, Harris Chan, holds the North American record for solving a Rubik's cube at 7.33 seconds. On top of that amazing accomplishment Chan is colour blind. See video (solving in 9.44 seconds)

Getting A House By Trading One Red Paper Clip

Kyle MacDonald had a dream of bartering one red paper clip for a house. He accomplished this in 14 trades over the course of a year. He ended up with a two-story farmhouse in Kipling, Saskatchewan. See video

Winning A Bronze Medal Despite Death of a Loved-One

Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette showed astounding courage at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. She had to face the unexpected death of her mother as she arrived to see her perform. Despite the heartbreak she competed and won a bronze medal. See video

Freedom Writers (2007)

The movie Freedom Writers is a story based on actual events of a teacher named Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank) placed into a school of inner city kids raised on racism and drive-by shootings. It seemed impossible that Gruwell would last a day with these violent youths.

However, it is Gruwell's courage, resilience, persistence and creative thinking that allows her to reach each and every student. She is able to connect with them by having each youth express their stories through the power of writing. She believed in herself that she could do anything to help these youths which makes her a fantastic role model of inner strength for women as well as men. Gruwell persevered even when others close to her were not able to support her vision.

Inspiring Themes:
• Courage
• Having a Vision
• Faith & Belief
• Persistence & Perseverance
• Resilience
• Supportive Relationships
• Indestructible Optimism

“You are the heroes. You are heroes every day.”

So remember that anything is possible and remember to believe there are resources already around you to help you achieve your goals and dreams. Fire up your imagination and picture the end results you want! All you have to do is maintain an open mind that you can achieve success in any area you want. And be inspired by movie heroes that demonstrate resilience and indestructible optimism. They are there to inspire you to discover your shining abilities!

What true stories or movies based on actual events have inspired you?
Let me know via email or the comments tab below.

ASK ABOUT MOTIVATORMAN'S
Social Media Consulting services for helping:
1) Individuals manage their career & connections
2) Organizations manage their message
See more info here under Consultations: www.motivatorman.com

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#341: Overcome Your Despair – The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Feeling despair in a career or life transition can be debilitating. It can rob you of your self-worth, sense of purpose and confidence. That's why it's important to always remember that you are not alone.

The challenges I've been facing recently have been just as intense as the life-changing depression I faced back in 2000. The only difference is how I am reacting to the latest adversities now. I remain confident in my self-worth, resiliency and comforted in knowing I have an amazing support team of close friends, family and colleagues.

If you find yourself feeling deeply stuck in something, allow yourself to be in the moment and reflect on what is going on. Being stuck on pause has the benefit of letting you check your road map to see if you are still on course with your goals. It allows you to ultimately clear your heavy thoughts and emotions that have overloaded you.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon 2009

In the movie The Twilight Saga: New Moon there is a visually creative sequence that captures that debilitating feeling of despair. Bella (Kristen Stewart) is shattered after the love of her life Edward (Robert Pattinson) leaves her. As she sits in her room in a state of melancholy the camera slowly revolves around her 3 times as she gazes out the window.

Each time you see the window the seasons change from autumn to winter snow. For Bella, however, she seems forever caught in a state of suspended animation and despair. With the help of friends and family she slowly and eventually comes to life again.

You Are Not Alone

Remember that you are not alone whenever you feel deeply stuck in your career or life. Remember to ask for help when you need it most. Don’t allow yourself to focus on what others may think. You'll be surprised how supportive people can be when you reveal your vulnerability.

Most of all remember your self-worth. Keep believing in your talents, skills and value. And when you don't have the energy to believe in yourself there'll be good people around you to believe in you FOR you!

ASK ABOUT MOTIVATORMAN's
Social Media Consulting services for helping:
1) Individuals manage their career & connections
2) Organizations manage their message
See more info here under Consultations:
www.motivatorman.com

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
For Individuals & Organizations

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#340: Let Real World Stories Inspire You - Schulich Marketing Conference – 3 Movie Tips

The Schulich School of Business recently held their first Marketing Conference here in Toronto and I was honored to be one of the social media marketing panelists. Other panelists included representatives from Staples, P&G and Sprouter.org.

It was exciting to share my passion for what I've learned about Facebook, LinkedIn and blogging with the attending students and professors. It was a joy knowing my stories, and those of the other panelists, could help accelerate a student's path to achieving their career goals.

I stayed to attend the two other panel discussions on Green Marketing and Entertainment Marketing that featured some world-class specialists. They shared experiences and advice that inspired me as well. It goes to show that motivational opportunities can come from anywhere no matter what field you're in or want to go into.

There are many movies that feature specialists inspiring others with their knowledge, experiences and wisdom. Here are 3 diverse examples:

The Matrix 1999

The character Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) acts as a powerful mentor for Neo (Keanu Reeves) teaching him how to "believe" and "free his mind". Neo was able to achieve incredible success in discovering his hidden abilities by trusting and having faith in Morpheus's wisdom. He kept his mind open to his own potential.

A Beautiful Mind 2001

Based on the true story of Nobel Prize winner, John Nash, he educates students and inspires the world despite his mental illness of schizophrenia. There is a powerful scene near the end of the film where Nash (Russell Crowe) is jobless and is simply working out mathematical equations in the Princeton University library. Students begin to gather around him eager to learn more. Nash soon earns a teaching position there despite the mental illness he still lives with.

School of Rock 2003

The character Dewey Finn (Jack Black) initially appears to be a highly unlikely teacher. He is obnoxious, broke and self-centred. And yet he has a huge passion and knowledge base for rock and roll. His ability to teach is unleashed when he recognizes the opportunity to share what he knows to young students at a prep school. Dewey ends up growing as a person and helps build the self-esteem and self-confidence of all his students. The bonus is they end up as dazzling rock and roll stars!

So keep an open mind to the knowledge, experiences and wisdom of anyone around you. Keep feeding your mind by attending conferences, reading biographies, watching TV or online interviews and learning about people who have already traveled the path you want to follow.

Real world stories can inspire you to move forward into the unknown. Energize your optimistic mindset so you will be excited to make your career or life goals come true!

There are so many other movies with empowering mentors, teachers and coaches. Let me know your favourites in the comments button below.

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

Tip#339: Face the Impossible – Alice In Wonderland 2010

Every day has felt so surreal since I had to face my recent challenge (see tip#336, #337 and #338). In some ways it feels like I have come full circle since my depression hit in 2000. Thankfully the difference is that today I know there is hope and that my challenge is not impossible to overcome.

One clear piece of evidence that my path of the past 10 years was not in vain was a teleseminar on social media I just gave for US members of ACPI (Association of Career Professionals International). I was feeling a little down just before starting but as I began to share success tips for using social media my energy pumped up and I was back in my enthusiastic, authentic self.

My passion for helping others re-energized me instantly and I knew, no matter what problems I currently face, that everything is the way it is suppose to be. Even if I have to make huge changes in my life and career I just need to believe that ANYTHING is possible.

Alice in Wonderland 2010

A movie that celebrates ideas that are impossible is Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. The film is rich with colourful, surreal characters that you've been familiar with growing up AND represent impossible ideas in the real world. The difference is that Burton has put them into a meaningful context for you the viewer and Alice (Mia Wasikowska) from which to learn and grow from.

In this updated story, Alice is asked to do something that seems overwhelmingly impossible when she is in Wonderland. She struggles with a decision until she remembers that she was brought up to believe in impossible ideas. For example, she would always think of 6 impossible things before breakfast like "animals can talk".

Overtime, Alice had conditioned her mind to accept that ANYTHING was possible and that she had the ability to face her challenges with courage and confidence. Her life already prepared her for a successful outcome.

Power of the Mind

The power of the mind and your thoughts are so key to all your successes. Stay focused on whatever excites and energizes you because that fills you with positive emotional energy. From there you can focus on building an optimistic mindset.

Train your mind to believe you can face ANYTHING. You can start by thinking of 6 impossible things before breakfast!

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

Tip#338: Take the Leadership Role – Remember the Titans

The personal emergency I've been blogging about (see tip#336 and #337) has been pushing me towards making pivotal changes in my career, my business AND my home. And despite what seems like overwhelming odds I continue to stay focused on taking a leadership role in my own life.

In revealing the details of my situation to a small handful of close friends, family and colleagues I am empowered by the feeling of having a supportive team. Most have been there during the past several years and that sense of team spirit can increase anyone’s confidence, self-esteem and self-worth.

Three days ago on Thursday, March 11th I was asked to make a crucial decision about my current home. It left my state of mind slightly shattered and in shock. The next day, and through a colleague in the US, I discovered a movie that lifted me up and reminded me of the importance of leadership and team spirit.

Remember the Titans 2000

The movie Remember the Titans is based on a true story of a newly appointed African-American coach named Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) and his task to integrate black and white students on a high school football team. It seems like an overwhelming task as this occurred in the early 1970’s when schools have just been integrated to allow blacks into the schools in Alexandria, Virginia.

It is Boone's confident assertiveness and persistence that will inspire you. His leadership style is aggressive and yet manages to get the warring students to bond and work as a team during football camp. Boone treated each and every player equally regardless of the colour of their skin. It was his vision to win that guided them to victory both as a team and as life-long friends.

So be inspired by movie leaders or real-life leaders. Let them motivate you to always take a leadership role in your own life, workplace or career. Unexpected change or crisis is your opportunity to unleash your innate leadership abilities even if it's just to take control of your own emotions and attitude in dark situations.

And remember that overcoming any adversity is a team effort. Make sure you know who your support team is. They are already around you.

See the video clip that inspired me to see Remember the Titans movie by Russ Faulkner at Your Training Team: See Video

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

Tip#337: Don’t Play The Victim – Run Robot Run!

Since posting my previous blog entry about a personal emergency, I have continued to focus on staying positive. I am choosing to remain in control of my life and career. I am choosing not to play the victim.

Yes, I could choose to slip into a depression about decisions I must make but I am always reminded that this path is my calling. I am learning to build indestructible optimism on a whole new level and then teach it to others.

Run Robot Run! 2006

The comedy Run Robot Run! is set in the not-too-distant future and has a wonderful theme of transforming a negative mindset. Kent (Chris Gibbs) is threatened when a human looking robot (Peter Mooney) replaces him at work. On top of that the robot attracts the woman (Lara Kelly) he longs for. He automatically feels like a victim.

Soon you'll see clever ideas unravel in the story about who actually behaves like a robot when Kent's behaviour reveals a cold-hearted mechanical attitude. You see how his victim attitude creates a chain of negative events to occur.

When Kent finally acknowledges that his destructive mindset pushes away the woman he cares about he realizes that it also perpetuates his overall unhappiness. And as he sits alone on a park bench he chooses to take a crucial step towards transforming his mindset.

Be More Aware

So if you are faced with an overwhelming career or life challenge see it as an opportunity to be more aware of how your mindset reacts. See whether or not you are reacting like a victim and take steps to transform that.

You are always in charge of your life despite how things may appear. All you have to do is choose a positive attitude and keep repeating to yourself "everything will be okay".

Program your mindset with positivity and eventually you'll ALWAYS feel in control of your life and career no matter what.

Read an inspiring article by Vickie Elmer
in The Washington Post called:
Climbing Your Way Out of a Career Setback

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

Tip#336: Everything Will Be Okay - Stranger Than Fiction

I just spent the entire night brainstorming with a job coach about a personal emergency that hit me a few days ago. And though things appear dire I was constantly and confidently told that everything will be okay.

A small handful of friends know about my situation and have kept me energized just by reminding me of my gifts and strengths. And in the face of one of the biggest adversities in my life I was still able to give two recent motivational presentations brimming with confidence and optimism. I just kept telling myself that "everything will be okay".

Stranger Than Fiction 2006

In the movie Stranger Than Fiction, an IRS auditor named Harold Crick (Will Ferrell) hears a woman's voice in his head narrating his life. Crick is shocked when she says he is going to die. The rest of the story is how he learns to deal with this news.

Through the help of a few individuals who care, Crick finds an inner peace for whatever fate has in store for him. He ends up facing the predestined event head on and ends up surviving. He finds the courage to accept his situation and learned the ultimate lesson of embracing the unknown AND living fully in the moment.

Thankfully...

Thankfully, my situation is not life threatening. And thankfully I have fantastic friends and colleagues supporting me. So I pray that I can share the results of what I am going through in upcoming blog posts.

Tonight will be the 82nd Academy Awards ceremony and I will celebrate why I love movies. And it's because all my favourite movie heroes rise above the challenges thrust upon them.

We are all faced with overwhelming adversities sometime in our life and career. How we deal with challenges is why they arrive in the first place. Just remember that no matter what happens and how things look - everything will be okay.

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