Tip#408: How Movies Help You Visualize Success, Part 1 – Pecha Kucha Night – Temple Grandin

I had the pleasure of doing my second Pecha Kucha Night presentation in Toronto recently. This is a unique format where the presenter uses only 20 images at 20 seconds each to tell a story. See more about my previous presentation: tip#395

My presentation showed my 3 recent newspaper features: The New York Times, The Globe and Mail and The Toronto Star (see tip#405) and how they contacted me. And I shared how the movie Julie and Julia helped me visualize getting my movie blog featured in The New York Times (see tip#404). I also shared these 3 success factors related to movies:

1) Sharing your passion plants seeds to connect with others
2) Social media like Youtube.com and 43things.com are powerful online tools
3) Visualizing is a key tool for attracting what you want

See video of my presentation: Click here

Temple Grandin 2010

The TV movie Temple Grandin is an inspiring example of how an individual utilizes her unique way of visualizing to achieve her dreams despite her autism. Temple (Claire Danes) has the ability to retain and access all the imagery she sees as well as visualize solutions on a multidimensional level.

Computer graphics are used to simulate how Temple thinks. It is like a rapid cycle of images that flashes in her mind. Or you see how her mind generates virtual blueprints for something that needs fixing or building like a ranch fence door. See examples in the movie trailer: Click here

This movie is personally exciting because it's the closest film to show how I see the world. Temple's visual process is similar to how I created my artwork, music and even my keynote and seminar presentations. The very basics of this visualizing method is a skill set I believe others can learn to access. This is why I focus on movies as a powerful audio-visual stimulus for the mind and heart.

If you are unhappy in your life or career then do your best to focus on what you want. Feed your spirit with positive images. Discover movies that can help you visualize what you desire. And when you find movie heroes who attain something you identify with get excited. You may be witnessing your future success!

SEE VIDEO OF PECHA KUCHA PRESENTATION,
HOW MOVIES HELP YOU VISUALIZE YOUR SUCCESS:
Click here

Related Tips:
Tip#408: How Movies Help You Visualize Success, Part 1 – Pecha Kucha Night – Temple Grandin
Tip#880: How Movies Help You Visualize Success, Part 2 - Fantastic Voyage
Tip#568: Visualization & Your Imagination, Part 1 – 6 Movie Tips
Tip#831: Creative Visualization - Reticular Activating System (RAS) - Focus 

SEE NEW MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
Look up your favourite movies and the
motivational tips written for them: Click here

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
Professional Speaker & Movie Blogger
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#407: How Passion Drives You – Meeting Tim Burton - Edward Scissorhands

Imagine you are an 11 year old who has had a passion for Tim Burton movies since the age of 2. And imagine that this passion is what drove you to wake up early one morning, wait in line for several hours and meet your hero. That's what happened for one excited boy featured recently in The Toronto Star when Tim Burton came to a book signing at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.

See The Toronto Star article: Click here

The boy ended up first in line at 6am even before the Lightbox building was open. While in line he was interviewed by The Toronto Star, Globe and Mail and Global Television. He was thrilled to later meet Tim Burton. It just goes to show that when you are passionate about something you will be driven to achieve your dreams.

Burton says in the article it was amazing the boy and hundreds of others waited so long to meet him. He said it reminded him of when he sent a fan letter to famed horror star Vincent Price and he responded. Burton wanted to be equally generous with his fans.

Edward Scissorhands 1990

The fantasy movie Edward Scissorhands stars Vincent Price as The Inventor who creates an artificial man named Edward (Johnny Depp). Unfortunately The Inventor passes away before he could finish Edward and he is left with scissors for hands.

It's a story about how an isolated person faces the challenges of integrating with people and with society. Edward soon displays his unique talents using his scissor hands to create beautiful sculptures from neighborhood hedges and unique haircuts for his new neighbors and dogs.

The music is what moves me the most. Especially when Edward creates an angel ice sculpture from a block of ice. The shavings transform into snow and becomes so magical with the choral music composed by Danny Elfman. This film would become one of many movies created by Burton to generate a legion of fans all around the world.

Be Inspired

Be inspired to follow your passion and let it drive you to meet your heroes like the boy who woke up early and wait in line for hours to meet Tim Burton. I'm very inspired, especially so because the boy is also my nephew! He loves movies like I do and his passion led him to meet his hero and receive media coverage as a bonus.

Sometimes you have a dream that seems impossible to achieve. All you have to do is focus on what you want and allow your passion to energize and guide you forward. Passion is your fuel. Let it drive you towards your dreams and goals!

SEE NEW MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z
Look up your favourite movies and the
motivational tips written for them: Click here

READ THE NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE
FEATURING EMMANUEL LOPEZ:
"Who Will Be Oprah's Last Star?"
Read online: Click here
See printed: Click here

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
Professional Speaker & Movie Blogger
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#406: Facing Your Fears - Media Mastery Bootcamp – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

For me the Harry Potter movies, at the core, have been about perseverance, facing fears and the power of friendship. For years these films have helped inspire me to increase my self-confidence and to find my hidden strengths. It's how I've achieved many of my dreams and goals.

Media Mastery Bootcamp

Recently I met an amazing soul who shared a passion for the Harry Potter movies and trains professionals on how to manage their fears. Shawne Duperon is a Six-time EMMY award winning producer and a Media Expert who facilitates an empowering 2 day workshop called the Media Mastery Bootcamp. It is also one of the most incredible personal development programs I have ever participated in. See more: Click here

Shawne's workshops are designed to help you manage your fear whenever you are networking, presenting or being interviewed by the media. One of the exercises are a series of drills in role playing where participants pair up and take turns being the interviewer and the interviewee. In each case we were asked to stand as close as possible to the other person and stare into their eyes.

This exercise literally had each of us face any fears we had in engaging with someone you just met at close range. Some faces were just inches from the other person. We were asked to be aware of and express whatever feelings came up. We were being trained to be more present with who we were with. After doing this I found I expressed myself with much more confidence, clarity and enjoyment while talking to the interviewer. I was able to speak more from my heart instead of my head.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 2010

The characters of the movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 continue to teach audiences how to face fears. In this first part of the final chapter of the film series, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) is on a quest to find and destroy Lord Voldemort's (Ralph Fiennes) secret to immortality. And as in all the previous movies, Harry is able to accomplish his goals through perseverance, finding his hidden strengths and with the help of his friends.

In this chapter there is a powerful scene where Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) must face the manifestation of his deepest fear. It appears as a frightening and overwhelming image. Despite the terror he feels Ron is able to reach into himself and unleash his hidden strengths and courage to defeat his fear.

Movie Mirror

This scene can be a mirror for your own potential to face your own fears. You can see yourself as Ron and empower yourself to know that if he could be successful in managing his own, darkest fears than you can too. So when you feel a connection with Harry, Ron or any of the other movie characters let that be a signal that you've found a cinematic role model to help bring out the best in you.

At many points in your life and career you will be asked to face your fears in order to move closer to your dreams and goals. All you have to do is believe you have the strength and courage inside, persevere and look fear right in the eyes. And remember you are never alone on your quest. You will always have friends near who can help.

SEE MORE ABOUT SHAWNE DUPERON and HER SERVICES
Networking, Media and Gossip Expert: Click here

READ THE NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE
FEATURING EMMANUEL LOPEZ:
"Who Will Be Oprah's Last Star?"
Read online: Click here
See printed: Click here

SEE NEW MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
Look up your favourite movies and the
motivational tips written for them: Click here

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
Professional Speaker & Movie Blogger
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#405: Feel Like A Superhero – The New York Times – Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Despite all the intense challenges I've faced in the last 7 months I have been feeling like a superhero. Being featured in The New York Times recently with the title "Who Will Be Oprah’s Last Star?" launched my self-worth and self-confidence into the stratosphere!

And the 3 major newspaper coverage over the last 3 months has been magical, synchronistic and surreal. Each time I saw my name in print it sent a surge of positive emotional energy through me. And seeing the photos of myself looking bold in The Globe and Mail seemed to solidify my feeling of being a real-life superhero!

See scans of articles and photos:
1) The Toronto Star – Click here
2) The Globe and Mail – Click here
3) The New York Times - Click here

Just to let you know I did not contact these major newspapers. They contacted me. And if you've been following this movie blog you will know that life has been a financial kick in the ass (see more details: tip#400). But it is the media coverage that has helped increase my own superhero power of indestructible optimism. It is allowing me to finally admit one thing for the first time to the world…

I am homeless.

I am not "on the street" homeless but it's how I feel. And even though I have a short-term roof over my head, this is not my home. But I believe this will pass. It's what I told The New York Times. They believe in me too. That's why movie heroes like Chris Gardner in The Pursuit of Happyness keeps me optimistic. I KNOW I have a new home waiting for me somewhere. Feeling like a superhero gives me the confidence to just enjoy this phase of my life. In the end I want my story to inspire you.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World 2010

The movie Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a fantastic and visually stunning example of a movie hero who you wouldn't expect is a superhero. Filmed in my hometown of Toronto (as Toronto!) Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) appears to be a typical, geeky nerd and yet has the power to attract women. One of these has 7 Evil Exes whom he must fight and defeat.

That's when the movie suddenly shifts and Scott reveals his superhero powers. The thing is he doesn’t change into any costume when fighting the Evil Exes, Scott is still dressed as himself. And despite his ability to throw super-powered punches he is still self-conscious of his scruffy hair!

Cinematic Role Models

Scott Pilgrim is my new hero and cinematic role model. He is a superhero and very human at the same time. Plus I grew up a geeky nerd so I know this movie is especially for nerds and geeks everywhere! And whenever I see this movie it makes me feel like a superhero.

Everyone goes through periods of having to battle life, career and financial challenges. What will save you every time is your attitude. Choose to feel like a superhero. Choose to tap into the self-worth and self-confidence already inside you.

Accept compliments and acknowledgements that come your way whether by email or person you are with. Get excited whenever you see your name or photo in print celebrating you in some way. These are all reminders from the world that you have great value.

You ARE a superhero! Can you feel it?

SEE NEW MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
Look up your favourite movies and the motivational tips
I've written for them: Click here

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
Professional Speaker & Movie Blogger
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#404: Visualize and Magnetize – The New York Times – Julie and Julia

On the day of this post, November 14, 2010, The New York Times had featured me for the first time! In the 4 years of writing this movie blog this is the biggest news I've shared. I am very excited because I had a vision this would happen. And I hope this reminds everyone that dreams can eventually come true when you first visualize what you want in your life.

Read The New York Times article: "Who Will Be Oprah’s Last Star?"

It is also proof that, despite the many hardships and life crisis I've endured this year (see tip#400), following and sharing my passion for movies has been my fuel to persevere and maintain my indestructible optimism. Being featured in The New York Times is proof that if you dream big you can achieve big.

The New York Times

The New York Times has a daily circulation of over 950,000 and over 1,375,000 for the Sunday edition. That means over a million people may be reading about me because I'm in the Sunday paper. Synchronistically last weekend I was featured in Canada's largest-circulation national newspaper The Globe and Mail with a circulation of over 400,000 (see article). It’s as if I've reached an exciting tipping point from the time I've invested in using creative visualizing techniques inspired from movies I loved.

Movies have been a profound resource for me in visualizing the future I want during difficult times. Movies also kept my positive emotional energy active and flowing when I felt exhausted and even hopeless. And the film Julie & Julia is the one that fueled my excitement of being contacted by The New York Times. Seeing blogger Julie Powell receive a call from this newspaper is what excited me because it led to a whole new world of attention for her food blog. It gave me something to visualize for myself.

Julie & Julia (2009)

The biographical movie, Julie & Julia, is based on two true stories of French Chef Julia Child (Meryl Streep) and food blogger Julie Powell (Amy Adams). Julie endured her own hardships while blogging about her passion for food. And she persevered to complete her mission to document online her daily experiences of cooking the recipes from Julia's book Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

What you see is Julie learning to enjoy the journey of focusing on her passion for food. You also see the relationships that supported her on her quest. And ultimately you see that after The New York Times publishes a story on Julie's blog, she attracted the immediate attention of journalists, literary agents and book publishers. And with this film she becomes a cinematic success story for all women and men to follow a dream or passion!

“One day, your book will change the world.”

Julia Child's story is also inspirational. While questioning what to do with her life she chooses to follow her passion for eating and persevered with cooking classes in a culinary world dominated by men. She then co-wrote a cook book that would be loved and appreciated all around the world. Her legacy would live on after her passing as a cinematic role model in this movie. Meryl Streep would later be nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards and win a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.

Inspiring Themes:
• Courage
• Having a Vision
• Creative Visualization
• Following a Passion
• Leadership
• Self-Confidence & Self-Esteem
• Persistence & Perseverance
• Resilience
• Career Transitions
• Supportive Relationships
• Indestructible Optimism

Positive Emotional Energy

Witnessing these inspiring cinematic moments in Julie & Julia is what helped me visualize what I wanted for my own blog. It helped me fill my heart and mind with the excitement of successes I desired especially when I knew the movie was based on true stories. And I believe that somehow this positive emotional energy within me radiated out into the world and made my dream come true with The New York Times. I believe in the law of attraction and it was in full play here!

Let true-life stories inspire you to keep following your passion. Let favourite movie heroes be your cinematic role models and help you visualize the future you want. Olympic gold medalists like Michael Phelps already use the power of creative visualization. It may also take time and many hurdles to reach your goals so remember to surround yourself with people who believe in you. Your heroes have already taken similar journeys and they can help you stay motivated. Let them remind you to keep moving forward with indestructible optimism!

"Positive emotional energy is the key to health, happiness and wellbeing. The more positive you are, the better your life will be in every area."
Brian Tracy, Author, Personal & Professional Development Trainer & Speaker

READ THE NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE
FEATURING EMMANUEL LOPEZ:
"Who Will Be Oprah's Last Star?": Click here

SEE NEW MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
Look up your favourite movies and the
motivational tips I've written for them: Click here

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
Professional Speaker & Movie Blogger
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#403: Give Something A Second Chance - Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

There are the few occasions that first impressions are not so good. That's why being open minded, and perhaps forgiving, can allow you to experience surprising benefits and gifts that were waiting to be discovered.

One example started upon hearing harsh reviews of the movie Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps. So I kept an open mind, as I always do, and gave the movie a chance. I found it very entertaining and filled with many motivational and insightful moments. And yet, to my surprise, the ending threw me off because the scenes during the end credits didn't seem to fit the movie. The bright colours and tones seemed like it was from another film.

A week later my gut told me to give it a second chance and saw the film a second time. I was surprised to discover that there were actually scenes that prepared the viewer for the end scenes. In the background during two walking scenes in parks were the clues that connect to the end scenes. (Note: I am purposefully keeping vague in case you haven’t seen this movie yet)

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps 2010

The movie Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps is a sequel to the 1987 film Wall Street with its villain Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas). It follows his life after an 8 year prison sentence and his estranged daughter Winnie (Carey Mulligan) and proposed son-in-law Jake Moore (Shia LaBeouf).

The movie has many themes about transformation. There are analogies of the financial bubble bursting in 2008 and of Gekko opening his eyes to the value of family and time versus money. It's a story about making comebacks after life pushes you down to the ground. This film also has empowering messages about our environment and making positive decisions right now to benefit future generations.

Be Open

There are people that may challenge the value I see in this movie. Even I recognize flaws in the film. I'm just glad I gave it a second chance. I discovered that the motivational messages were so energizing for me that it outweighed any of the negatives. Perhaps it will for you too.

Be open to give something a second chance. Be open to people and first-time experiences that left a negative impression. That person might have had a bad day when you first met or maybe you were not in the right frame of mind to see a certain type of movie. Remember that second chances could lead you to discover something extraordinary, enriching and empowering!

SEE NEW MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
Look up your favourite movies: Click here

READ GLOBE & MAIL ARTICLE
Featuring my experience with G20 Queen Spadina: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
Professional Speaker & Movie Blogger
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#402: Recognize The Power of The Media – The Globe and Mail – Citizen Kane

The Globe and Mail is Canada's largest-circulation national newspaper with a circulation of over 400,000 on Saturdays. That means 100's of thousand people may have seen the recent cover story in the Globe T.O. section of my G20 experience at Queen and Spadina, June 27, 2010, Toronto.

Read Globe and Mail article: Click here

Read my G20 Toronto blog series: Tip#369

What excited me the most is that this article can now help people understand how over 300 innocent bystanders (like myself) were caught in an unfair use of a riot police technique called kettling. Hundreds of non-protesters were detained in freezing rain for hours. The article states that Toronto Chief of Police, Bill Blair conceded that mistakes had been made, especially at Queen and Spadina.

Being interviewed and photographed for this national article is also a social media success story. I was contacted by a Globe journalist because of the video I shot while being kettled by riot police and posted on YouTube. It's a great example that people will see or read whatever you post online even if you think you are not reaching anyone. See video: click here

Newspapers and social media have incredible power in reaching 100's of thousands of people. It's amazing to think about how any message can quickly go out into the masses and communicate an important idea or story.

Citizen Kane 1941

The film classic Citizen Kane was about the life and legacy of Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles) who takes over a newspaper business at the age of 25 and uses the power of the media with sensationalized journalism. You get to witness the power of the written word and it's affect on the masses.

The character of Kane was based on American newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst who was not happy with his harsh portrayal in the movie. Ironically Hearst used the power of his own newspapers to create a negative campaign against Welles's film. Read more about this battle: click here

Your Idea, Message or Story

If you have an idea, message or story, remember the power of the media as a vehicle to reach the masses. Recognize how quickly you can reach a great number of people through newspapers and social media like Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogs and Youtube.

Your message will be heard if you take steps to getting it out there. Start by writing down your thoughts. With a click of a button you could be reaching the entire world.

Read my Globe and Mail article: Click here

SEE NEW MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
Look up your favourite movies: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
Professional Speaker & Movie Blogger
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#401: Enjoy Lists – Movies Motivate List A to Z – The Bucket List

Making lists are a powerful method for organizing thoughts and tasks. Reading lists are also fun and entertaining like someone's top 10 favourite foods, top 20 vacation spots or the top 100 movies of all time.

In celebration of my 400th tip on this movie blog I have updated a new website listing all the movies I have blogged about in past 4 years in alphabetical order. Now you can look up your favourite movies and click on a motivational tip it is written under.

I loved seeing the vast number of movies I had written about over the years. And it was interesting to see that I'd posted many tips on the same movie like Groundhog Day, Peaceful Warrior, The Pursuit of Happyness and Stranger Than Fiction. Making this list helped me see a wealth of personal and professional development tips that could be more accessible once the movies were in alphabetical order.

See Movies Motivate A to Z List: Click here

The Bucket List 2007

The comedy-drama The Bucket List is about two terminally ill men who write a wish list of things they want to do before they die or "kick the bucket". While both are sharing the same room in a hospital Carter (Morgan Freeman) starts out the list and billionaire Edward (Jack Nicholson) adds his own wishes.

They go on a road trip around the world and together they skydive, climb the Great Pyramid in Egypt, ride motorcycles on the Great Wall of China and dine in France. In the end, Carter and Edward fulfill their wildest dreams and make peace in areas they never thought they could thanks to their list.

During their whirlwind vacation Carter shares two thought-provoking questions that sum up his goal for a fulfilled life...

1) Have you found joy in your life?
2) Has your life brought joy to others?

Think about these questions for yourself and, if you choose, take steps to make these goals a constant in your daily life. Use the power of list making to help you take daily steps towards these goals. Lists help make any overwhelming goal feel attainable by breaking it down into manageable pieces to accomplish each day.

Whatever list you are making or following remember to enjoy the process. Be conscious that your lists are helping you accomplish tasks that lead to your dreams and goals. What list will you enjoy today?

SEE NEW MOVIES MOTIVATE LIST A to Z!
Look up your favourite movies: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
Professional Speaker & Movie Blogger
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#400: Recognize All Your Silver Linings – Under The Tuscan Sun

This post celebrates the writing of 400 tips and 4 years of dedicated passion to my Movies That Motivate blog. It's been quite a journey more so with the massive changes and crisis in my life this year (see tip#372). I am just grateful to have shared it all on this blog and appreciated hearing from readers that my tips have made a positive difference in their lives.

My life changes this year were definitely a test for me emotionally, mentally and physically. Looking back I’m so happy to be conscious of the fantastic silver linings from all my challenges. If you ever have to let go of an old life, business or home I hope you find this list of 10 silver linings of great help to you.

Top 10 Silver Linings of My Financial/Home Life Collapse:

1) Learned to live within my means (no credit cards)
2) Confirmed the relationships I can count on (through thick and thin)
3) Identified my core values, core passions and core goals
4) Let go for lightened lifestyle (purged old life, furniture, belongings)
5) Now an empty cup to allow abundance in (which it has!)
6) Discovered Facebook benefits: wall posts and messages from around the world uplifting my spirit, offering encouragement and life change tips; finding like-minded people; receiving suggestions for new neighbourhoods and homes to move to in Toronto
7) Resources/Financial: Social assistance, kindness of friends and family
8) Resources/Food and Clothes (No Frills, Value Village, Goodwill stores)
9) Increased and honed my indestructible optimism
10) Learned to Focus on my Big Vision, Goal, Dream and Desire

All of these silver lining factors are what sustains my spirit even at this very moment. And I've discovered that ultimately I am learning to SUSTAIN my FOCUS on my big vision, goal, dream and desire: TO MAKE A LIVING FROM SHARING MY PASSION FOR MOVIES. I've been able to strip away any distractions and even decline work offers if it did not fit this statement.

My Big Vision, Goal, Dream and Desire:
To make a living from sharing my passion for movies

Since September I'd stay focused on my big vision statement and a flurry of opportunities have been coming to me:
• Interviewed as a movie expert for the first time for The Toronto Star Newspaper (see tip#391)
• Gave first Pecha Kucha Night presentation called "15 Movies That Saved My Life This Year" at The Spoke Club (see tip#395)
• Submitted an audition video for the new Marilyn Denis Show to be their Motivational Movie Expert (see tip#396).

And there are many more opportunities percolating as I write this. What is exciting is they are ALL MOVIE RELATED opportunities! YES! Life is looking BRIGHT! All I had to do was sustain my focus on what I desired most. It was and is the law of attraction in action. I just needed to stay open to the unexpected ways my opportunities would manifest.

Under the Tuscan Sun 2003

The movie Under the Tuscan Sun 2003 is about the new life created by Frances Mayes (Diane Lane) when she buys a dilapidated villa in Tuscany, Italy. She had just lost her home, her marriage and her sense of purpose. While on a vacation in Tuscany she finds the courage to live a whole new existence among new friends and a new culture.

There is one key scene where Frances is depressed because nothing was going well and she was feeling lonely. She says she wants to have a wedding at her villa and also wanted a family. She is then told the story of how train tracks were built over an impossibly steep part of the Alps to connect Vienna and Venice. It was built even before there was a train in existence that could make the trip. They built it because they knew, some day, the train would come.

This story was about having faith and being optimistic. Frances learns to maintain both and to her surprise her dreams eventually come true. The profound realization is that they manifested differently then what she imagined.

Train Tracks

I recently saw this film as part of a series of movies helping me visualize my dream of traveling to Italy and France (see tip#398). I'm not sure when I'll go, I just know in my heart and mind I am building my own train tracks to these beautiful lands. And when I arrive it will confirm the feeling I have at this very moment that all the life changes I've been through this year have been worth it.

Whatever challenges you are going through remember there are always silver linings for you to recognize. Be conscious of the gifts right in front of you. Hone your own indestructible optimism and see the hidden benefits from all your unexpected life or career changes. Learn to identify and focus on your big vision, goal, dream and desire with all the EXCITEMENT of the world!

And if you love movies then let them activate your positive emotional energy and help you visualize the future you want. Let the movie heroes mirror your own hidden strengths. Then start building your own train tracks towards your dreams. It's just a matter of time before you are roaring down those tracks!

THANK YOU
To all the readers of my blog and all your comments
and encouragement that inspired me to reach 400 tips!
I welcome more of your comments.

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
Professional Speaker & Movie Blogger
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#399: Find Your Dream Team - Micmacs

As I approach writing my 400th tip of this movie blog I find it very synchronistic that several movies I've seen recently feature France in their stories. There was Hereafter (see tip#396) and A Good Year (see tip#398). I felt deep in my soul I was being reminded that the world was my oyster. Traveling to exciting, new lands IS part of my destiny.

Another movie that fell into my lap (literally!) was the French film called Micmacs. Created by the director of Amelie, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Micmacs was filled with colourful Parisian settings and vibrant characters. It also had a fantastic message about the benefits of teamwork.

Micmacs 2009

The movie Micmacs is about a man named Bazil (Dany Boon) who has a goal to force 2 companies (arms and weapons manufacturers) to be accountable for the damage and pain they've caused him. He is supported by a multi-talented group of junkyard scavengers that welcome him into their family.

This story is almost like an X-Men movie where each person in this group has a unique skill set and fantastic ability. Together they enthusiastically create and execute humorous shenanigans (micmacs) towards the arms manufacturers. This is Bazil's dream team!

Examples of Bazil's dream team include:

• Mama Chow (Yolande Moreau) – Keeps the team/family together
• Elastic Girl (Julie Ferrier) – A contortionist that could fit into any tight space
• Tiny Pete (Michel Crémadès) – Appears to be an old man but has incredible strength
• Calculator (Marie-Julie Baup) – Able to calculate distances and measurements by sight alone

The movie inspired and reminded me that my dreams and goals will come true as long as I gather my own dream team. As I've learned in running my own business for over 20 years that it is so much more efficient (and fun) working with experts in what they do. And I know that my desire to travel around the world AND give my Movies that Motivate lectures will be a team effort and an exciting, shared experience.

The Factor of Teamwork

Remember the factor of teamwork for your own goals and dreams. Know that teamwork gets tasks accomplished. Teamwork is the key to achieving a big vision. And even in our daily lives we must all cultivate our own dream team. Find someone who supports and listens to you. Have someone who will keep you accountable. Have someone skillful at things that you struggle with that you need.

The journey towards a task, goal or dream could be a long one. Why not share the journey with people eager to support and encourage you?

More Teamwork Movie Tips:
Tip#399: Find Your Dream Team – Micmacs
Tip#477: Great Teamwork Movies Part 1 – X-Men: First Class – Kung Fu Panda 2
Tip#478: Great Teamwork Movies Part 2 – Red Cliff
Tip#540: Great Teamwork Movies Part 3 – The Avengers

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#398: How Movies Inspire Travel – A Good Year – Letters To Juliet

It's coming up to 6 months since I lost my home of 15 years, moved into a smaller place and then forced to move again into an even smaller space with just the essentials for living and working (see tip#372). Being here at this very moment has magnified my desire to travel around the world.

More than ever movies became my motivation and an escape from all I've lost. And films that featured the gorgeous vistas of France and Italy became uplifting resources for me to visualize and magnetize the future I want. And these have been my desired destiny for years.

Everything that's happened to me this year has had parallels to the movie hero of Eat Pray Love who following her desire to travel to places like Rome and Naples in Italy. And so recently my desires to experience new lands have been reactivated by 2 films that whet my appetite to visit.

A Good Year 2006

The movie A Good Year shows off the beautiful lands of Provence located in southeastern France. Max Skinner (Russell Crowe) has a busy London life as a workaholic trader that is interrupted to deal with the inheritance of his uncle’s vineyard estate in Provence.

While there his childhood memories and passion for this land come back. You get to experience the beauty of the vineyards, the mansion and the warmth of the people living there. The colours, sights and sounds of Provence are so rich and tasty you could butter a croissant with it! I already know I want to visit the beautiful village of Gordes in Luberon where Max meets his love Fanny Chenal (Marion Cotillard).

Letters to Juliet 2010

The movie Letters to Juliet shows off gorgeous vistas of Verona and the surrounding countryside. An American named Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is on vacation in Verona Italy when she becomes one of the "secretaries of Juliet" (of Romeo and Juliet) answering letters from those asking for help about love.

Sophie finds a 50 year old unanswered letter and responds to it. This begins an adventure that takes her and you through the incredible beauty of the Italian countryside. Every hill and valley feels sun drenched in golden light and they filled my senses with each location. Even the scenes featuring tantalizing foods made my mouth water and yearn to be there. Once again I knew my goal was to visit and taste the world of Verona, the rest of Italy and France!

Movies can reactivate dreams and desires with images and sounds from far off lands. They can help you be free of the confines of an unfulfilling life or job even if it's just a few hours. They can help you visualize what you want to experience and even be your first travel guide to the richness this world has to offer. Remember the power of movies and let them reactivate your positive emotional energy!

DO YOU HAVE PHOTOS FROM FRANCE or ITALY on FACEBOOK?
Please connect with me on Facebook and share your photo album.
I'd love to see your adventures: Connect now

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#397: Articulate With Gusto – Chasing Amy

Articulate: to express thoughts, ideas, or feelings coherently
Gusto: great vigor or liveliness

When you truly know what you like and don't like you build confidence in articulating your needs to others. And when you are extremely articulate you can create vibrant conversations that will connect you deeply with like-minded people!

As I write this I am sipping on a hot, frothy vanilla bean latte from Second Cup (see tip#197). I love this beverage! I know it so keenly that I am happy to announce it to the world! I even post this passion on my Facebook wall regularly.

When I talk about what I love you can hear it in my voice and sense the positive energy in the words I write. And yet that confidence can only come from truly knowing yourself. Knowing yourself is the primary key to articulating your goals in order to achieve them. Consider these steps:

1) Know what you want and don't want
2) Know what you like and don't like
3) Learn how to articulate all this to others

Chasing Amy 1997

In the movie Chasing Amy all the characters know themselves. They know what they want and don't want and they know how to articulate their thoughts in witty, energetic ways. In the story two comic book artists Holden (Ben Affleck) and Banky (Jason Lee) have their world turned upside down when Holden falls in love with a lesbian named Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams).

The story itself is just as electric as the dialogue. Each person is diamond sharp in expressing their opinions, needs and objections. This is a sign that they know themselves through and through. They know themselves so clearly that no topic is taboo. This makes for some hilarious and raunchy conversations! There is also a scene featuring one of the most heart-felt expressions of romantic love I've ever heard in a movie.

If you desire to achieve a goal or dream then the very first step is to know yourself inside and out. Know what you want and don't want. Stand firm on what you like and don't like. Your confidence in all your personal preferences will eventually shine whenever you express yourself.

And when you can articulate your goals with vibrant, electric gusto you'll be on your way to achieving your heart's desire!

See my audition video for
Toronto’s new Marilyn Denis Show:
Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#396: Follow Your Desired Destiny – Hereafter

Destiny: something that is to happen or has happened to a particular person or thing; the predetermined, usually inevitable or irresistible, course of events

I've just experienced the best, most magical week since my life and career began to crash early this year. There have been so many career opportunities and synchronicities that they confirmed I'm still on track with my desired destiny despite recent life and career challenges (see tip#372)

The Marilyn Denis Show Audition

One of those opportunities included a video audition I created to be a regular on the new Marilyn Denis Show here in Toronto. I spent time writing the answers for the online entry form and culled footage of myself from last year's position as co-host on the video podcast show Mensch Life. My goal was to pitch myself as a Motivational Movie Expert. Here is the video: Click here

It felt like a magical step towards my destiny and dream of making a living from sharing my passion for movies. Creating the video was an absolute joy so I am fine with whatever the outcome is. I just felt fantastic from the whole week and it still got better when I followed my inner voice (and many synchronicities) to go see Clint Eastwood's new movie Hereafter. The movie ended up touching my soul so deeply I felt it was a motivational resource for even more exciting events to come into my life.

Hereafter 2010

The movie Hereafter tells of three parallel stories about three people affected by death in different ways. French journalist Marie (Cecile de France) survives a tsunami, a reluctant psychic George (Matt Damon) can communicate with the dead and young Marcus (Frankie McLaren) deals with the death of his twin brother Jason (George McLaren).

The film shows how each of the characters struggle with their experiences with death and how it alters their lives. Marie and Marcus are compelled to find answers to what happens to us when we die whereas George already knows there is an afterlife and views his gift mostly as a curse.

I was affected deeply from seeing this movie. There was a powerful mirror in all the main characters of times I've felt isolated and alone. And yet I was inspired by how they each persevered to follow their hearts. They each took action to follow their destinies despite the opposition of everyone around them. The results were extremely uplifting and inspiring to witness.

Deeply Satisfying

Going after what you want in your life or career takes courage and a strong will. Find the courage within you to take action towards your deepest desires. You'll be following a path that may define you as a specialist or expert in your chosen field. You may be creating a life for yourself that is exhilarating and deeply satisfying. You may be making a big difference in the lives around you.

In the end you'll be enjoying a journey full of passion. Isn't that a destiny you'd love to have?

See my audition video for
Toronto’s new Marilyn Denis Show:
Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#395: 15 Movies That Saved My Life This Year – Pecha Kucha Night

I recently gave a unique presentation at The Spoke Club here in Toronto at an event called Pecha Kucha Night. More than 220 cities around the world host such events. It revolves around having individuals talk about something they are passionate about with only 20 images and 20 seconds each. See more info: click here

These limiting factors are designed to make a presentation flow smoothly and quickly. The theme of this evening was "movies" so I created a new presentation called "15 Movies That Saved My Life This Year". It would mark my first public talk since my financial and life crash earlier this year.

I found it a challenge having only 20 seconds to describe each movie and yet the benefits are that it helped me FOCUS on exactly what I wanted to say. I was able to "trim the fat" and make it a streamlined expression of the most important factors I wanted the audience to receive.

Here are the 15 movies and roughly what I said in 20 seconds for each movie...

1) The Pursuit of Happyness 2006
The Pursuit of Happyness movie is based on a true story where the movie hero inspired me with his passion and optimism. He was also amazing at building supportive relationships with people. I felt if he could survive being homeless then I could too if it ever happened.

2) Cinderella Man 2005
Also based on a true story, the movie hero in Cinderella Man inspired me with his passion and his adaptability to find work during the great depression. He also maintained a positive attitude for many years and it was inspiring to see him get a second chance at his boxing career.

3) Rocky Balboa 2006
Rocky Balboa was the final chapter in the Rocky series and it showed how resilient he was after losing so much over the years including his wife Adrian. This movie really energized my own resilience in my current challenges of having to let go of most of the stuff I owned.

4) Peaceful Warrior 2006
Peaceful Warrior is filled with so many motivational messages that I could watch it over and over again. Being in the moment is one of those messages because even though I may feel pain in a problem I faced there was a lesson to be learned from that pain.

5) Groundhog Day 1993
Groundhog Day is one of my favourite movies and it inspired me to change my mindset about any negative attitudes I had. It's also helped me to see that I can transform my situations by helping others going through similar challenges. And being grateful for what I have was another message I got.

6) The Shawshank Redemption 1994
The Shawshank Redemption is another favourite movie that inspires me with the friendships the movie hero makes while in prison. And though he was actually innocent his perseverance and resourcefulness over the years was uplifting to watch.

7) Temple Grandin 2010
Temple Grandin is a TV movie based on a true story. It inspires me because I'm reminded of how important it is to visualize my goals. It also encourages me with how persistent this woman was despite being autistic. There are lots of other motivational messages in this movie.

8) The Blind Side 2009
The Blind Side is another movie based on a true story. It reminded me to always believe there are people who would help when I needed it most. During the past few months there have been many strangers that came to my aid and it always felt magical in some way.

9) The Invention of Lying 2010
The Invention of Lying is such a unique movie and it reminded me that I could create a more positive reality despite the problems that were right in front of me. It's like telling yourself a positive lie. Life was difficult but all these movies helped me believe that the impossible was possible.

10) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 2004
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is one of my favourites in the Harry Potter series. The story introduced 2 magic spells that only worked when you focused on positive thoughts and memories. Hearing this spoke directly to my soul about how to deal with my own challenges.

11) Julie and Julia 2009
Julie and Julia is based on 2 true stories on 2 women who followed their passion for food. What inspired me most was how one of the women wrote a blog that became a successful career. My movie blog is my passion and I believe I'll have similar success with it as well.

12) Eat Pray Love 2010
Eat Pray Love movie is based on a true story and was a big mirror for what I was going through. I had to let go of almost all my furniture and belongings in order to move into a new, prosperous life. I was freeing myself from my past. This movie is also filled with many other helpful life tips.

13) Inception 2010
Inception was such a powerful movie and it reminded me about how important it was to focus on the reality I wanted. My challenge is that I have a multitude of passions. Focus, Focus, Focus! Focus is so important that I'll keep saying it over again. Focus, Focus, Focus!

14) Kick Ass 2010
The movie Kick Ass inspired me to be more assertive. All the superhero characters were so relentless and assertive that watching the movie was like getting a shot of testosterone! Being assertive gets things done. And I needed that energy when everything was collapsing in my life.

15) Avatar 2009
The final movie is Avatar which was so visually stunning that it instantly energized my imagination and my spirit. Whenever life gets too much to deal with a movie like Avatar took me away to another world and I always came back feeling fantastic. I was always ready to solve my challenges.

Focus Your Message

If you time each movie description you will see they are about 20 seconds or less. I wrote this as a script and rehearsed it out loud several times. Initially my scripts were longer and I had to cut it down because of the timing. It was tough and yet editing is the key to creating a clear message.

This is why Pecha Kucha presentations are a great learning experience for anyone doing public speaking. It will train you to be concise, precise and focused on exactly what you need to communication.

Communicating your wants, needs and opinions successfully to others means that you must be CLEAR with what you want to say. Learn to FOCUS your thoughts. And be conscious of every opportunity to practice articulating whatever you want to say.

TO ATTEND or GIVE A PRESENTATION
AT A PECHA KUCHA NIGHT IN TORONTO
SEE THIS LINK: click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero at Your Service!
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010