Tip#268: Keep Your Chin Up – The Color Purple

Sometimes it takes just one caring soul to help lift your broken spirits.

In retrospect I realized my recent personal angst I'd been feeling (see previous tip#267) were connected to memories of my friend who had committed suicide exactly one year ago (see tip#165 and tip#166). It would explain my emotional state of feelings being unearthed along with the decluttering I was doing in my live/work space.

I was still feeling a little lost and unmotivated the day after I wrote the previous tip when I received a comment on that entry. It was from a woman in the UK whom I didn't know. She wrote how grateful she was for the post and reminded me that I was making a difference with my blog. Read comment.

Her comment helped to keep my chin up and fill my tired soul with positive emotional energy. She reminded me that my passion for movies and writing this blog mattered to people around the world. That same day I would later receive more encouraging comments from various sources and felt they were all angels reminding me that my life has value.

The Color Purple

Synchronistically I later saw a powerful scene from the movie The Color Purple starring Whoopi Goldberg as Celie. The scene was where she helped her friend Sophie, played by Oprah Winfrey, do groceries for her master. You can see how utterly depressed and broken Sophie is and how grateful she was to Celie through her eyes.

As Sophie returns to her master's car she turns to look at Celie. Celie just smiles and quietly points to Sophie and then gestures to her chin to keep it lifted. She was simply telling Sophie to keep her chin up.

Both characters experience extreme adversities and emotional pain throughout their lives but they both make it through because of each other's strengths. Years later Sophie tells Celie that what she did that day at the grocery store reminded her that there was a God. See this scene on YouTube: click here

So remember you are never alone no matter how low you feel or how much life is pressing down on you. Keep your eyes and ears open for the hidden angels sending you messages of comfort and encouragement.

Most of all do your best to keep your chin up. That very action will telegraph to the world that you'll keep moving forward no matter what.

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#267: Live Life Right Now - Passengers

At this very moment I am sipping on a delicious vanilla bean latte letting the creamy aroma and taste fill me with positive emotional energy. I do this despite the personal turmoil and angst I've been feeling.

I acknowledge these heavy feelings and yet allow myself to feel the sunshine on my face and it's caressing warmth during the walk to and from the coffee shop this morning. I said thank you to the blowing breeze that seemed to give me a comforting hug.

After several months now I finally recognize I've been in a process of unearthing. I've been very focused on 2 factors: researching the subconscious AND decluttering my space. They are both extremely interconnected and will explain more about each as I progress on this new emotional journey. I already started with tip#262: Learn To Let Go.

A lot of heavy emotions are being stirred up as I clear my space of over 2 decades of piled-up business paperwork, old magazines, personal documents, etc. Thankfully I have friends like my "money guru" who is reminding me to ENJOY this process of clearing. He reminded me to stay in the moment and FEEL GOOD about letting go. I must stay in the present as I shred reminders of my old life.

Passengers

Synchronicity has been highly active during this current process of letting go and I was compelled to see the movie Passengers starring Anne Hathaway. The story is about a grief counselor working with a group of plane-crash survivors. One man is oddly in a state of joy about his life-changing ordeal.

He later explains that this traumatic experience helped him re-evaluate priorities in his life. He realized his job was meaningless and pursues activities that he always wanted to do. Throughout the movie other wonderful messages about living life to the fullest unfold towards a powerful, paradigm-shaking conclusion.

In the end the lesson is to focus on fully living your life right now. Enjoy being in the moment even though there are unpleasant events or situations weighing you down. Acknowledge your heavy thoughts and feelings and then do something uplifting to move through them.

You can do this by not holding yourself back in your life and just treat yourself to something that will fill you with positive emotional energy. Treat yourself to a favourite coffee or tea. Enjoy a delicious meal.

Feel how good the sun or breeze feels upon your skin. Spend quality time with good friends and family. Savoring each moment of your life is the fuel that will automatically help you move forward.

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#266: You Are Surrounded by Illusions – The Illusionist

Illusion: The condition of being deceived by a false perception or belief.

Right now something is shaking up my life that is hard to articulate but am compelled to share it. For over a year I've felt like my back has been up against a wall with my life and financial challenges. I'm being pushed into seeing the world in a different light.

What I am realizing is that my thoughts truly become things. My thoughts, whether positive or negative, are creating my experiences. I've been in an amazing form of life training to reprogram my mindset for indestructible optimism.

What keeps me moving forward are these constant reminders that I AM in control of my world. All my problems I see are just an illusion. One of these reminders comes from one of my favourite daily inspirations emailed to me from Tut.com. It said:

"It's supposed to be easy. Everything is supposed to be easy. Everything is easy. You live in a dream world. You're surrounded by illusions. And the illusions change when you change your thinking! Tell yourself it's easy. Tell yourself often. Make it a mantra. Eat, sleep, and breathe it. And your life shall be transformed."

The Illusionist

One movie that inspires looking past illusions happens to be called The Illusionist. The film stars Edward Norton as a turn-of-the-last-century magician called Eisenheim in love with a woman named Sophie played by Jessica Biel. This magician is all about creating illusions that appear to be real.

What is inspiring about the film is that by the end you realize you've been watching an illusion within the story. You’ll want to see it again to see where the deceptions began. (See movie trailer)

This idea is a mirror for your own life. Somewhere along the way you were told something or imagined something that is suppose to be real when in fact it is not. You were programmed to see the world in a specific way. There comes a time when this perception must end in order for you to move forward in your life.

So if you feel stuck or your back up against a wall see it as a message from the universe to view your world in a different light. See it as a chance to cut through the illusions of the pain and problems that appear to be real in front of you.

This is your chance to build an optimistic mindset that allows you to see the gifts and opportunities within adversity. You just need to see with new eyes and new thoughts. Remember your thoughts become things.

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#265: Everything You Do Matters - The Butterfly Effect

"It has been said something as small as the flutter of a butterfly's wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world. - Chaos Theory"
The Butterfly Effect

Every action and non-action you take affects your path in life AND the lives of others around you. The same can happen in your workplace. Your freedom to choose has a lot of power behind it. Everything you do matters.

I love parallel universe stories and alternate reality "what if" movies. When you stop and think about the decisions you make in your life it will boggle the mind thinking of the multitude of causes and affects that unfold.

The Butterfly Effect 2004

The movie The Butterfly Effect explores the benefits and consequences of making small changes in the past and it's affect on the present and future. In this dark and thought-provoking story Ashton Kutcher plays Evan who has the mental ability to go back into his past.

Evan tries to make changes in his childhood that would improve or save the lives of friends and loved ones suffering in the present. But each change he makes at pivotal points in his young life creates more problems when he returns to the present time.

The irony of these alternate timelines in the story is that the movie itself has 4 different endings. There is a different ending depending on where you saw the film around the world or if you’ve seen the director's cut.

NOTE: I highly suggest you see the film first BEFORE seeing the YouTube links below. And let me know which ending you prefer.

1) See: Original ending 1

2) See: Alternate ending 2

3) See: Alternate ending 3

4) See: Alternate ending 4 Director’s Cut

Let this movie and it's alternate endings inspire and remind you how unique and powerful your choices can be. Everything you do has a ripple affect to your future and others around you in the workplace and your personal life. Remember that whatever you choose will always have benefits and consequences.

And learn to take responsibility for all your actions and non-actions. Do your best to be accountable for everything you say and do. The courage you have in doing this will ultimately fill you with confidence for the life you create for yourself.

More about alternate endings:
Tip#143: You Can Choose Alternate Endings - 3 Movie Tips

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#264: 5 Empowering Lessons - Star Trek 2009

A pop culture phenomenon can stand the test of time because of the strong values they embody. The Star Trek franchise is one of these and many people around the world achieved careers inspired by the original TV show. See tip#60, Favourite TV Shows Inspires Careers.

I also wrote about how visionary the show was for demonstrating a synergistic work environment among the crew of the USS Enterprise. This is a great inspiration for improving any organization's workplace. See tip#150.

My excitement for the new Star Trek movie applies to multiple levels of motivating messages and pure cinematic entertainment. Here are 5 empowering lessons.

1) Take Command

As I wrote in tip#255, a young James T. Kirk inspires to bring out the leadership qualities within you. He doesn't believe in the no-win scenario. That mindset can help increase your confidence, perseverance and for taking action.

2) Balance Heart and Mind

Spock learns to balance his emotions with his logical mind because he is half Vulcan and half human. This is a powerful metaphor and mirror for you to do the same. Mastering your thoughts and feelings leads to affective problem solving and a satisfying life.

3) Teamwork/Team Spirit

The crew of the USS Enterprise is a great role model for teamwork and team spirit. The crew shows a wide diversity of age, cultural diversity and skill sets.
They can inspire the workplace for demonstrating tolerance, respect and synergistic achievements.

4) Optimistic Future

Thanks to creator Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek always represented an optimistic future for mankind. In his future the people of Earth learned to live together eliminating war and poverty. The focus was about personal development and exploring new worlds and new civilizations. This vision allows you to visualize an optimistic future and something to look forward to.

5) Positive Emotional Energy

This movie is filled with exciting audio/visual stimuli and falls into the category of a great popcorn movie experience. It fills you with positive emotional energy even if you are not a fan of Star Trek. And if you are a fan then the power of nostalgia can energize your thoughts and feelings even higher.

So remember that your favourite movies can help energize your spirit. They are much more than just entertainment. If you look carefully there are lessons and messages in these films that can help you get unstuck in your life, career or workplace.

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#263: What Is The Secret To Life? – Last Holiday

Unexpected change and crisis are not pleasant experiences. But how you react to it can actually feel good once you develop the mindset for staying and feeling positive.

I recently wrote in tip#260 how the month of May had an unusually high number of business opportunities that fell through. This continued through into the first week of June. These situations could easily cause anyone stress, worry or fear. But what got me through was my optimistic mindset for staying absolutely confident.

How I accomplished that was to believe more opportunities were coming and to keep enjoying life. That kept my positive emotional energy flowing. I did things I loved like read my favourite magazines, eat foods I loved, see exciting movies and have great conversations with supportive friends and colleagues. I kept my bucket filled with a buffet of positive energy. (more about filling your bucket in tip#150)

Last Holiday (2006)

There is a movie that celebrates the secret to living life called Last Holiday starring Queen Latifah as Georgia Bird. In the story Georgia is diagnosed with a terminal disease and decides to spend all her savings living out her passions and dreams.

She flies to a grand hotel in Europe and treats herself to fine dining, pampers herself daily in a spa and does base jumping for the first time. Despite her personal crisis she indulged in activities she had deprived herself from experiencing. Georgia discovers that these activities made her feel truly alive and confident. Her character is a wonderful example of a woman determined to be courageous and improve the quality of her life!

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

The dining scenes are also tantalizing and delicious looking! While others were ordering dishes with dietary substitutions Georgia was ordering every dish exactly as they were meant to be served. This attracts the attention of the chef, played by Gerard Depardieu, and they become fast friends. He later shares this comment with her:

"You and I, we know the secret to life. It's butter."

This is a beautiful metaphor for living joyfully and I believe the secret to life is doing what you love with people you love. Though also remember that too much of anything, like butter, is not good for anyone. What is important is that you live life consciously of whatever makes you feel good and do it in moderation. This also keeps your positive emotional energy flowing in challenging times.

Be more aware of your favourite foods and personal interests that excite you. Make plans for trying new activities you've only been dreaming about. Be open to meeting new people that encourage and support who you truly are.

Hopefully you never have to face a life crisis to start doing things you've been depriving yourself of doing. Be inspired to expand your buffet of choices in activities that make you feel good. That will give you the strength and confidence to face whatever life unexpectedly brings you.

INVITE MOTIVATORMAN TO YOUR ORGANIZATION!
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#262: Learn To Let Go, Part 1 - Up

Letting go of anything in your life can be a challenge. It is also an important step in making room for new, exciting adventures and desires to come into your life.

I often write that in order to move forward you've got to let go of things in your life that have been with you a long time. Recently I wrote in tip#252 about how shredding old business paperwork had made room for more exciting opportunities to come into my career in the form of my new column for Zoomer Magazine.

Here are 4 key areas for letting go:
• Physical items e.g. old clothes, collectibles
• Relationships holding you back
• Old habits of thinking no longer serving you
• Memories keeping you in the past

Up 2009

The animated movie Up celebrates the courageous act of letting go. This entertaining and touching adventure is about a 78 year old widower named Carl who fulfills a lifelong dream to see the wilds of South America. He ties thousands of balloons to his house and magically lifts off into the skies.

Despite his age and physical limitations he begins to truly live again with the aid of a young stowaway named Russell. Through the obstacles they face Carl begins to see that his house and its contents had become anchors preventing his spirit from moving forward in life.

Carl realizes that he was meant to have more adventures in his life beyond the joy he had with his beloved wife. And though she had passed away Carl courageously takes action to let go of all the anchors keeping him trapped in the past.

It's Up To You

So take a look at the 4 key areas for letting go. Identify the ones that are keeping you locked in the past. Which ones are preventing you from attaining your dreams and goals?

Know that letting go starts with your mindset. Ask yourself why you are holding onto these things. Have they become dead weight? If so then do your best to let it go. Give yourself a deadline. Find a friend or ally that will help kick your butt into action!

All your dreams, goals and adventures are waiting to come into your life. Recognize that it is up to you to make room for them to enter.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr. Seuss

More Tips For Letting Go:
Tip#557: Learn To Let Go, Part 2 - Ted
Tip#588: Learn To Let Go, Part 3 - The Time Machine
Tip#42: Know What To Keep & What To 'Cast Away'
Tip#166: How To Say Goodbye - Meet Joe Black
Tip#191: Tear Down Old Ways of Thinking - Dark City
Tip#220: Move Forward By Letting Go – Lawrence of Arabia
Tip#252: Shredding Your Old Life – As Good As It Gets


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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#261: Synchronicity Stories – Zappos & Twitter – I Heart Huckabees

The magic of synchronicity is that you are given gifts in disguise that lead you down exciting new pathways in your life or career.

Another synchronicity story I'd like to share is how I connected with Zappos, North America’s #1 online shoe store. I have already written many blog entries on how this company has inspired me with their core values (see tips#213). And in my current keynotes and workshops I found myself sharing the story that led me to a tour of their head office in the US.

Here's how fast synchronicities can work...

1. In October 2008, My mother insisted I watch the latest Oprah Show episode because she was interviewing a CEO named Tony Hsieh about passion and his company Zappos.

2. I was so inspired by the CEO's message on passion that I wrote about it on my blog. (see tip#205)

3. Around the same time, one of my clients recommended I check out a social networking site I'd not heard about before called Twitter.

4. That's where I discovered that Zappos was big on using Twitter. So I started to connect or "follow" a few individuals from Zappos including the CEO.

5. Within a day the CEO was "following" me on Twitter. So the day I posted my blog about Zappos I sent the CEO a Twitter DM (direct mail) and he responded within minutes with this message: "funny you should dm me, i was in the middle of reading your blog post when i got your dm - great post! :)"

6. Then I realized their head office was in Las Vegas where I was synchronistically going to in December for my Christmas holidays. So I twittered to the CEO I was coming and he set up a tour of the company for me.

7. On the tour I learned more about the Zappos work culture and met several of the Zappos team. And at the very end of the tour I was able to meet the CEO and thank him personally. He just happened to be walking into the lobby as I was leaving.

I Heart Huckabees

Every story in literature and in the movies is filled with synchronicities that propel the plot forward. The movie I Heart Huckabees is not only filled with meaningful coincidences but the story itself is about discovering the messages behind them.

In the film, the main character named Albert had encountered the same stranger 3 times in a day. With the help of a pair of "existentialist detectives" they unravel a synchronistic pathway that introduces Albert to other individuals with answers to this mystery AND gives Albert powerful insights into overcoming the biggest blocks in his life.

Gifts

Synchronicities are always gifts from the universe. My gift from my experience with Zappos is that this company's passion and work culture has energized my spirit and I now share their success story to inspire others. The other gift is that social media networking like Twitter allowed me to connect with the CEO of a company featured on Oprah.

And now I can share this synchronicity story with you so it inspires you to be more aware of your own meaningful coincidences.

So remember that synchronicity is happening all the time giving you important signs and clues. Have a sense of fun with them. Sometimes you just have to turn off your logical mind and follow your gut to enter a new door.

And when these meaningful coincidences ask you to take action YOU MUST TAKE ACTION! It is these acts of faith that will lead you to directions in your life or career filled with amazing new experiences.

More tips about Zappos:
Tip#205: Follow Your Passion No Matter What - Zappos
Tip#213: Zappos Inspires, Part 1 - Office Space
Tip#214: Zappos Inspires, Part 2 – Patch Adams
Tip#238: The Importance of Team Spirit - Zappos – Watchmen
Tip#374: Create Your Own Universe – Tony Hsieh’s Delivering Happiness - Inception

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#260: Be Resilient & Confident - You’ve Got Mail

Always remember that whenever you are hit by something unexpected you must stay resilient and confident.

This month I've received quite a number of speaker requests from several large organizations. Unexpectedly one by one they fell through for one reason or another. There was one specific deal I was about to close when I suddenly received a very apologetic call from the client that they simply had to cancel.

What amazed me was my immediate reaction to every situation was not one of disappointment, frustration or any other negative feelings. I actually felt positive and just knew deep inside that other job opportunities would come my way. I felt indestructible.

This was the resilient mindset I first wrote about in tip#47 and also in tip#200 where I outline the keys to achieving indestructible optimism. It takes time to develop but building an indestructible mindset a little bit every day will help you radiate a calm confidence when faced with unexpected change or crisis.

You've Got Mail (1998)

Strangely, these recent events made me think about the romantic comedy You've Got Mail starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. In the film Hanks plays Joe Fox the owner of a large bookstore chain out to put Ryan’s character, Kathleen Kelly, out of business. She is the owner of a small and famous children's bookstore in New York City.

The big corporation succeeds and Kathleen is devastated at losing a family business that her mother left her. What was inspiring is the scene where she sadly visits the children's section of Joe's new bookstore and witnesses the serious lack of knowledge of the sales person. You see how she helps this sales person with her obvious expertise of children's books.

Later you hear that Kathleen is being offered jobs as a book editor because of her expertise. She still had value that others recognized. It just goes to show that opportunities are everywhere as long as you keep believing in yourself and stay open to the possibilities.

So remember the key to dealing effectively with unexpected change and crisis is to build a resilient attitude and an optimistic mindset. Learn to be indestructible in your self-confidence and self-worth.

Be aware that you have strengths, skills and an expertise that has value. Never see a loss of work or any type of rejection as a negative situation. Someone somewhere will see your value. And they will only see your value if you remain absolutely confident that you see it too!

Related Tips on Resilience:
Tip#47: Resilience Is Your Hidden Super Power, Part 1 - 18 Movie Tips
Tip#689: Resilience Is Your Hidden Super Power, Part 2 – Riddick
Tip#741: Resilience Is Your Hidden Super Power, Part 3 – Film Critic Richard Crouse - Amazing Grace
Tip#742: Resilience Is Your Hidden Super Power, Part 4 – The Pianist 
Tip#801: Resilience Is Your Hidden Super Power, Part 5 - Whiplash
Tip#134: You Can Bounce Back - Resiliency - Pixar's Boundin'
Tip#260: Be Resilient & Absolutely Confident - You’ve Got Mail
Tip#725: Focus & Resilience – Hunger Games: Catching Fire - 42

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#259: One Song Can Change Your Life – Music and Lyrics

When you hit a brick wall in life it is never a dead end despite what you see. There are always options available if you are open to take them.

It's almost a year now since I brought together 4 of my closest friends for a self-imposed intervention about my financial brick wall I had hit. It was the strong sense of friendship and support to unearth my options that have helped me move beyond that negative state of mind.

What amazed me most was the truth that even though I thought things APPEARED over they were not. My "money guru" was one of the 4 friends at the meeting and that's what he's learned from watching basketball. He reminded me, "It's not over even if you think it's over."

Positive change can happen at the flip of a dime as evident in this Youtube video someone sent me. It's a scene from Britain's Got Talent TV show with young contestant, Shaheen Jafargholi, who is faced with a brick wall and suddenly turns the dead end into a success. See video

Music and Lyrics

That amazing video demonstrated how one song could change your life. This reminded me of the kind of magic I felt from the movie Music and Lyrics starring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. In the film Grant plays a washed up 80's pop singer given the chance to resurrect his music career by writing a song for a current mega-pop star.

Understanding his limitations with lyrics he enlists the innate writing talents of Barrymore's character and together they create a beautiful ballad. The movie motivates because it shows how someone can avoid hitting a brick wall by asking for help when he needed it. And this one song changed both of their lives by helping each of them face personal fears and self-imposed limitations.

The ultimate bonus for the characters is that they fall in love. One had the talent for writing music and the other for lyrics. Together they created incredible music and a new life and career with each other.

So remember when you get stuck in your life, career or workplace it is not a dead end. It is only a self-imposed limitation. Remember you can always ask for help from people around you. You can always explore a different doorway to enter.

There are always options waiting for you. Stay open to choose them!

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#258: Are You Making A Living or a Dying? - Conversations With God

There comes a time in your life when you must decide to listen to your inner voice. You must decide if you are living a life you are truly happy with.

For the past 2 weeks I've been in an introspective mood or what I've called a "positive pause" in my life and career. These times are a gift because it allows me to review the road map of my life so far. More on the "positive pause" see: tip#153

This "positive pause" also led me to seeing a movie again that I first saw 2 years ago. It showed me how far I'd come in my confidence for trusting my inner voice and following my passions. And to me that is making a living not a dying.

Conversations With God (2005)

Conversations With God is based on the true story of Neale Donald Walsch and the adversities that led to writing his best-selling book of the same name. Walsch, played by Henry Czerny, suffered a broken neck from a car accident and was alone and unemployed. He was forced to live in a tent and collect tin cans in order to make money for food.

Walsch's perseverance is inspiring because it leads him to hear answers from what he believes to be the voice of God. And it is his leap of faith to trust in this voice that further inspires. He then writes the messages down on stacks of yellow legal pads that leads to getting published worldwide and a generous income. Here is one powerful statement:

"You are not to worry about making a living. True masters are those who have chosen to make a life - not a living. Go ahead - do whatever you really love. Do nothing else! You have so little time. Why would you want to waste it doing something you don't want to do? That isn't a living - it's a DYING."

Hearing this statement reminded me that I've been on the right path all my life especially with my career transition from illustrator to a motivational specialist. I've loved both professions because the passion I felt for these jobs energized my soul. And even during financial challenges I've learned to feel more optimistic rather than worried or stressed. I am trusting my inner voice.

So be inspired to persevere during difficult times knowing you will get through. Do your best to trust in your inner voice that urges you to keep moving forward. Your inner voice has the answers you are seeking. Whatever you call this inner voice let it's wisdom fill you with positive emotional energy and ignite your passion to live a life worth living!

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#257: The Optimism of Obama, Michael J. Fox and Superman – Superman The Movie

In times of personal or global crisis it is always inspiring to have optimistic role-models. These are the heroes that motivate us forward.

Barak Obama

"Who is Barack Obama? Contrary to the rumors you have heard, I was not born in a manger. I was actually born on Krypton and sent here by my father Jor-El to save the Planet Earth."
President Obama

I love this quote by President Obama because of its optimistic reference to Superman and how this comic book hero inspires hope on a global level. It's amazing to see how Obama arrived at a time when the economic crisis had hit the world. And it is his genuine positive energy that has inspired everyone to be optimistic in the face of uncertainty.

Superman The Movie 1978

Superman The Movie was the first superhero movie that brought the magic of a comic book character to life on the big screen for me. Starring Christopher Reeve this film fired up my imagination in my teens when I watched the man of steel do heroic acts. John William's rousing music added to the emotional power that stirs my soul every time I hear Superman's theme.

Later on Christopher Reeve would become a real-life hero by continuing to live a graceful and optimistic life despite a severe spinal injury. And though he finally passed away in 2004 he remains a hero for persevering.

Michael J. Fox

Another real-life hero is Michael J. Fox who continues to live positively since being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991. Fox's heroic optimism is already his legacy that he shares in his 2nd memoirs called Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist.

Fox shares that his family has helped him stay optimistic and to persevere. Family is a tremendous source of positive emotional energy for anyone. And it was heartwarming to see him feature his wife and family in a recent TV special where Fox explored optimism with people from all walks of life around the world.

So if the pressures of the world are getting you down or you are feeling low on optimism remember that optimistic heroes are all around you. Listen to the rousing words of world leaders. Re-energize your spirit with cinematic role models.

And be inspired by real-life heroes who have faced overwhelming adversity. They are all helping you to activate the optimistic hero within you!

"Everybody loves a hero. People line up for them, cheer them, scream their names. And years later, they'll tell how they stood in the rain for hours just to get a glimpse of the one who taught them how to hold on a second longer."
Spider-Man 2

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
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© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#256: Who Wants To Live Forever? - Highlander

The key to living a long life is much more than a healthy diet. It's about embodying a positive attitude and mindset that fills you every single day with positive emotional energy.

Shigeaki Hinohara, Age 97

Recently I synchronistically received messages about simple, useful tips for living longer. The first was a news article in the Japan Times of Author/Physician Shigeaki Hinohara with his tips for a long life at age 97. Here are some examples:

• Energy comes from feeling good, not from eating well or sleeping a lot.
• Pain is mysterious and having fun is the best way to forget it.
• Don't be crazy about amassing material things.

What was inspiring about these examples and the article is that Hinohara speaks of a lifestyle attitude that keeps him youthful more then just a healthy diet. Read article: click here

Blue Zones

Based on studies by Dan Buettner, Blue Zones are regions around the world where people commonly live active lives past the age of 100 years. The 5 Blue Zones include: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece.

Along with a healthy diet common factors among these Blue Zones was the positive attitude about aging. And cultivating a strong sense of community was also a lifestyle priority.

Again this project inspires by stating that living longer was about 70% lifestyle over 30% genes. It is the positive mental attitude we embody that will help us enjoy a long lasting life. See more in this CNN video: click here

Personally this is very exciting news because it further explains my unusually youthful appearance at the current age of 45. I've always had a tremendously optimistic mindset that developed even more by the challenges of my early mid-life crisis back in 2000.

Highlander

Living a longer, youthful life reminds me of the action-adventure film Highlander which stars Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery. They are immortal characters among other immortals fighting a duel that spans centuries on Earth.

Lambert plays the highlander originally born in 1518 Scotland. Living a long time for him was very adventurous. At the same time it was touching to see his sadness in outliving his true love. The rock group Queen composed the movie soundtrack and their song, "Who Wants To Live Forever" is a moving ballad.

So whether or not you want to live forever why not recognize the benefits of adapting a more conscious lifestyle. Be more aware of your lifestyle choices in the areas of diet, mindset attitudes and relationships. They all lead to a youthful and energized state of mind.

Be inspired by the idea you can enjoy what this world has to offer for a long, long time. How you live affects how long you live.

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#255: Take Command Now! – Star Trek 2009

Growing up we all learn to either take command of our lives or let others do that for us. Eventually we must all realize that YOU are responsible for taking command of the ship you call your life.

This continues to be a time for me where I am taking more command of areas I've ignored in my life. And my recent blog posts outline the inner energies necessary to ignite. In the previous post, Tip#254, I mentioned everyone's inner "testosterone" energy that activates your TAKE ACTION or TAKE COMMAND button. Your favourite cinematic role models can help you accomplish this.

I grew up loving Star Trek. As a child I was inspired by the the original TV series while in my teens I enjoyed the movie series. In my college years Star Trek: The Next Generation and the other TV offshoots continued to inspire my imagination. All in all, Star Trek fueled my positive emotional energy, my personal and professional skills development AND all the successful careers of my adult life.

Star Trek 2009

The 2009 movie Star Trek continues to electrify my imagination. And now the core elements of this universe are more accessible to the general movie going public. The film successfully fuses inspiring elements of the original TV show with Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock with the excitement of today's culture and special effects technology. The story also inspires the importance of taking command of your life.

The story involves the formative years before the crew of the USS Enterprise come together and features a young, rebellious James T. Kirk. For him he doesn't believe in the no-win scenario. This is the mindset that help Kirk in his heroic acts of this movie and in future adventures.

Kirk is about being in the moment. He doesn't dwell on the past and he doesn't worry about the future. He gets the job done. Kirk's attitude borders on arrogance but it is a form of confidence that is indestructible. And that confidence can deal with any adversity.

Be in the moment

So learn to be in the moment. Worrying about the future is not being present. Dwelling on the past takes you out of the now. And you must be in the now in order to make the effective decisions that overcome unexpected change or crisis.

Whether you are dealing with life, career or workplace challenges learn to take command of your thoughts and feelings. Learn to activate your inner testosterone energy and your resilient confidence will get you through anything.

Remember you are the captain of the ship that you called your life. Do something today to take charge!

Previous posts on how Star Trek motivates:

Tip#60: Favourite TV Shows Inspire Careers - Star Trek
Tip#150: How Full Is Your Bucket? - Star Trek
Tip#178: Childhood Passions - The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch - Star Trek

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#254: Activate Your Inner Drive - Rudy

Testosterone: A hormone that affects libido, energy and immune function.

In order to achieve your goals you sometimes have to tap into that primal, assertive side to you. It's the side of you that takes action and gets things done!

Recently I attended a networking event where several guys were excitedly talking about the May 2009 Manny/Hatton boxing match. Now if you've been reading this blog you'll recognize that I am not a big sports loving fan. But I knew there was a synchronistic message in looking into the success story of boxer Manny Pacquiao (see last tip#253).

Later at this networking event I met someone who had this primal, assertive energy about him. You could even classify him as the typical jock male overflowing with testosterone. He was aggressive when he talked, abrasive and even a little obnoxious with others around him. But I knew he had a powerful message for me.

Rudy

The movie Rudy stars Sean Astin as a young man who dreams of playing football for Notre Dame despite his small size. It's a powerful movie about being assertive, determined and persevering no matter how long it takes to reach a goal.

You see how others around him tried to keep Rudy down from a young age. He was always told he couldn't have his dream. But something deep within always told him he could have what he hungered for.

Rudy tapped into that inner primal energy that sustained his courage, confidence and resilience to persevere. I often talk about positive emotional energy and it is more than that. It's the affects of testosterone that fuels an animalistic drive to take action.

It's the same feeling you see when Rudy is grunting and rushing forward in football training. It's the same feeling you get watching a stimulating boxing match like Manny/Hatton. And it's that same feeling I get whenever I go to New York City where that confident, assertive energy flows (see tip#90).

In the end the powerful messages I've been receiving connects with answers I've been searching for about core issues holding me back in parts of my life (see tip#246). There's an inner connection I've been making with my own primal energies. And I know my goal now is to not hold back and to activate my inner testosterone power.

Activate Yourself

So if you are feeling stuck with achieving your dreams or goals become aware of inner energies you need to activate. And if what you lack is that assertive energy then you need to activate that primal side to you. Being aware of what is missing is the first step to getting unstuck.

And if you need inspiration just look at real-life heroes or favourite cinematic role models that personify the energies you desire. That will be the biggest clue for the hidden strengths within you waiting to be awakened!

INVITE MOTIVATORMAN TO YOUR ORGANIZATION!
For more info on keynotes and seminars:
click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#253: Recognize Your Core Values – Where God Left His Shoes

No matter what challenges you are hit with you must recognize and maintain your core values.

Emmanuel (Manny) Pacquiao is a professional Filipino boxer. We have 2 things in common, we are both Filipino and we have the same first name. He has become a big inspiration to the world. Manny recently underlined his status as the world's best pound-for-pound boxer with a second round knockout of Britain's Ricky Hatton.

In December of 2008 Manny also achieved a victory over Oscar De La Hoya despite pre-fight analysts predicting otherwise. Manny proved them wrong with his ferocious stream of punches and a genuine positive attitude. He is also a down-to-earth family man.

There are many inspiring movies about boxers such as Rocky and Cinderella Man. Here's one that is an unexpected gem.

Where God Left His Shoes

The movie Where God Left His Shoes is about a failed boxer Frank, played by John Leguizamo, who struggles to find a job and an apartment for his family on Christmas Eve. The realism of this family's homeless challenges will move you deeply and help you be grateful for what you have in your life.

Frank must find a job in one day in order to qualify for an apartment and this becomes a journey in recognizing his ultimate core values of love and family. Our current economic crisis can also be the catalyst for each of us to identify our core values and use them to fuel our optimistic mindsets in order to persevere.

Shantytowns

One fact being kept out of the media is news of the shantytowns (tent cities of the Depression-era) growing in cities all over the US. Cities like Seattle and California's Fresno and Sacramento are showing a growing population of the homeless.

Recently President Obama responded to the tent cities saying it was "not acceptable for children and families to be without a roof over their heads in a country as wealthy as ours."

The realities of life's challenges can be overwhelming at times and can push you to the limits. Life can sometimes feel hopeless. That's why the hidden gifts within unexpected crisis are to identify your core values. Love and family are core values to be recognized and lived. They will keep you moving forward no matter what.

Look around you right now and be thankful for the home you have. Be grateful for the love that comes from your friends, families and neighbours. Feel the positive emotional energy that comes from recognizing the riches you have right now.

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009