Tip#45: What Can't You Live Without? - 7 Movie Tips

Value: Worth in usefulness or importance to the possessor

Unexpected Crashes

My computer has crashed more than once over the years and that can be so stressful. And if it's happened to you then you know how scary it can be. You get overwhelmed thinking of the many years worth of work and other files that could be lost forever. It becomes a wakeup call for identifying what you can't live without. So learning to backup your files regularly becomes a new priority.

Recently, I experienced a cascade of computer crashes that included not only my laptop but the backups on my two external hard drives. Yes, even my backups! After the initial shock of possibly losing all of my files I immediately cared only about saving my digital family photos and music library. The experience helped me see what I valued most on my computer and that was preserving my personal memories.

The unexpected "crashes" in your life can help shift your priorities into focus. Unfortunate disasters like fires, floods and losing your job or home automatically changes how you view life. Especially in the face of sudden illness or death, whether it is yours or a loved one, causes you to re-evaluate what is important to you.

The underlying gift in any of these situations is that you will truly know what you value most. Knowing what you value and standing by them is essential in achieving all your life and career goals. Identifying your values helps you see what you can't live without.

Here are some inspiring movies to help you see what you value most in your own life:

Cast Away (2000)
This adventure drama stars Tom Hanks as Fedex representative Chuck Noland. This story is about discovering the value of life's essentials for survival on a deserted island. Essentials include finding water, food, fire, companionship and hope. Resourcefulness is also shown as a valued life skill.

The Edge (1997)
This adventure drama stars Anthony Hopkins as billionaire Charles Morse. Similar to Cast Away this movie demonstrates the added value of maintaining an aggressive, positive attitude in order to survive the isolation and dangers of a wilderness.

As Good As It Gets (1997)
This romantic comedy stars Greg Kinnear as artist Simon Bishop. Physically hurt and losing work, income, a home and a sense of purpose is the catalyst in this story for letting go of an old life and discovering the value of new supportive friends.

Baby Boom (1987)
This comedy film stars Diane Keaton as ambitious executive,J.C. Wiatt. The unexpected arrival of a relative's baby causes a rising corporate executive to lose her job. This sudden change helps her discover the more important values of a slower lifestyle and of family. She also stumbles upon a new, enjoyable career that fits perfectly into her new lifestyle.

Regarding Henry (1991)
This drama stars Harrison Ford as shrewd lawyer, Henry Turner. A man's near fatal accident causes him to lose his memory but ultimately helps him, his wife and daughter re-discover the values of family. Where he was once a busy and ruthless lawyer he literally rebuilds his life and a more honorable and loving attitude towards others.

Meet Joe Black (1998)
This fantasy romantic drama stars Anthony Hopkins as media mogul William Parrish. A dying, wealthy business man is given the chance to see what he truly values and what he wants to leave as his legacy. He is able to use the precious time he has left to take inventory on what is most important to him beyond his wealth. He discovers it's his immediate family's love and keeping the corporate soul of his business intact that are his priorities.

An Inconvenient Truth (2006)
This documentary stars environmental activist Al Gore. Discovering the immediate needs and choices to protect our planet's atmosphere for future generations is the forefront of the film's message. The core values highlighted involves the essentials for living and breathing that we've all taken for granted in the past.

Embrace Your Wakeup Calls

So embrace all your wakeup calls. Start looking at your own disasters, big and small, as gifts for helping you truly see what you value. Unpleasant things happen for a reason and the sooner you take a positive attitude the sooner you will see the hidden benefits and messages. Believe every cloud has a silver lining even if you don't see it at first.

And if you own a computer remember to always backup your files! When my computer crashed I felt lucky to know a computer expert I trusted who was able to help immediately. This is also a metaphor for having "backup" in your life in the form of supportive people when you need help.

Hopefully you never have to experience any disaster to realize what you value most that includes having good people around you. There is great value in people you can count on when times are tough.

Knowing what you can't live without will ultimately help you move forward in any aspect of your life. You'll make more confident decisions because you will know deep down of what you need to create a satisfying and resilient life.

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2007

Tip#44: Extroverts, Introverts & Social Introverts - Captain Jean-Luc Picard - Freddie Mercury

Captain Jean-Luc Picard

One of my favourite role models is Captain Jean-Luc Picard from Star Trek: The Next Generationseries and movies. He has a great, commanding voice and presence and I loved his leadership style. And yet when he was on his personal time or vacations he always preferred to be alone reading a good book. Despite this distinct contrast when he is at his job, Picard's preference for quiet time reminded me of me.

I used to feel a little mixed up because people would call me an extrovert since I attended many networking and social events and that I can comfortably speak in front of huge crowds. At the same time I can feel introverted because I always needed my down time in quiet spaces. I'd enjoy watching a movie, visiting my favourite bookstores or immerse myself in my writing. Around people or alone I always felt energized though in the end I had a stronger preference to re-energizing in quiet environments.

Understanding my opposing preferences finally came into focus after discovering Carl Jung's original theories on introversion and extroversion. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is based on Jung's theories and I personally found it refreshing to study Jung's original thoughts.

Simply put, extroverts re-energize by being around people and the outside world. They are like solar panels soaking up the outside energy. On the other hand introverts re-energize by going inward and being in more quiet environments and activities. They are like rechargeable batteries. Jung's "continuum" brings this all into the bigger picture.

The Energy Continuum

Jung spoke about a "continuum" that I like to refer to as the "energy continuum". It's about how each of us were born with an innate temperament that locates us somewhere on this continuum between very extroverted and very introverted. Picture a line where at one end are born extreme extroverts and the other end extreme introverts and a centre that separates the two. Seeing this helped me realize I was born very close to the centre but on the introverted side of this energy continuum because I ultimately preferred to re-energize inwardly. It finally made sense, I was a social introvert!

Freddie Mercury

And I wasn't the only one. I began to discover other famous people were social introverts too like TV journalist, Diane Sawyer and rock star, Freddie Mercury. And like Capt. Picard, they happen to work in extroverted jobs but re-energize as introverts. I was surprised about Freddie Mercury because I'd always seen him as a flamboyant extrovert on stage with his rock band Queen. Only after his death did his personal assistant, Peter Freestone, share with the world that Mercury was an introvert. In his down time Mercury preferred to be home working in his garden and playing with his cats.

Social Introverts As CEOs

USA Today published an article called 'Not all successful CEOs are extroverts that presented well known individuals who fall under the social introvert category. Many examples included CEOs such as Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Charles Schwab, Steven Spielberg and Sara Lee CEO, Brenda Barnes.

In the article another introvert, Home Depot CEO, Bob Nardelli sounded energetic during the interview but says "You just kind of develop it over the years. I don't think I was born this way." He and other CEOs believed developing their extroverted side was an important skill they’ve learned. These CEO examples proved society's common perception is not entirely true that you need to be extroverted to be a successful CEO.

Know Your Preferences

In Marti Olsen Laney's book, The Introvert Advantageit states Jung believed that "We could adapt best in the world if we could move easily on the continuum, introverting & extroverting when we need." Knowing your innate preferences for re-energizing yourself and how others re-energize can make a world of difference in all your daily interactions.

For example if you realize that you are an introvert and you know you have to attend a social or work function the next day it'd be best to have as much quiet time the night before to store up extra energy. Or if you are an extrovert speaking to an introvert in a group situation you will understand if they feel uncomfortable or appear drained.

Whether you identify yourself as an extrovert, introvert or social introvert it's all for the purpose of understanding how you can interact best with others. Accepting both the introvert and extrovert within you is a big step towards becoming a confident, self assured and whole person. These are two important parts of you that need to work together in your daily life and workplace. Just ask my friend and mentor, Capt. Picard. Though I recommend not bothering him while he's reading his books!

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2007

Tip#43: Create A Soundtrack Of Your Life - High Fidelity

High Fidelity (2000)

The romantic comedy drama, High Fidelity, is about Rob (John Cusack), a record store owner and compulsive list maker, remembers his top five breakups and realizes it's time to grow up.

There's a memorable moment in the movie, High Fidelitywhere a friend helps John Cusack's character reorganize his record collection. He asks if it's going to be chronological or alphabetical. Cusack says no to both and then says, 'autobiographical'. All at once everyone in the audience of the theatre I was in moaned 'ohhh!' in complete understanding. Everyone just knew what Cusack meant.

Movie Themes

That's how I feel when I listen to favourite movie music. It feels autobiographical and it re-energizes me every time. Whenever I hear John Williams's Superman The Movietheme it always lifts my spirits and takes me back to great times in high school. Hearing "Moon River" from Breakfast At Tiffany'sbrings back happy memories from my childhood because my dad loved this song and movie. Somehow that music engrained those moments into me so that magically my father's spirit is with me again whenever I hear it.

The theme from The Godfatherand soundtracks from Local Hero,Gladiator,Titanicand James Bondmovies always transports me to memories that mark different times of my life. In fact my own recordings reflect my love for cinematic compositions like the instrumental tracks from my cd, Rain of Angels. It was fun composing the album as if it were the soundtrack for a movie that hadn’t been made yet. Looking back I realized I was creating the soundtrack for the movie of my life at the time. I was documenting my life through music.

Rain of Angels

My Rain of Angels album became a sonic bookmarker for an introspective and self awakening time in my life. Through lyrics and songs I was documenting my interests that started in 1994 of books like The Celestine Prophecywith it's eye opening concepts of energy and synchronicity. I also wrote lyrics exploring my passionate research into dreamstates, ufo's and chakra healing while imbuing my love for sci fi and fantasy movies into the album. Ultimately I created the album to lift my spirits during times of loneliness and it does so now whenever I listen to its songs.

Your Compilations

Now you don't have to compose your own music to create a soundtrack of your life. I'm sure you are already doing it with the popular new technologies of iPods and mp3's. And maybe you still have tape compilations you had growing up of songs you enjoyed listening to. Just keep in mind the re-energizing benefits behind music and songs that mean something to you. Your new awareness will be like a switch turning on for you to utilize the positive energy of music to recharge your batteries.

Music you connect with can lift you up whenever you're feeling low. It can bring back long forgotten times of fun and joy filling you up like hot chocolate on an icy day.

Music is like the secret time travel key to going back in time to special moments in your life and bringing those "feel good feelings" to the present to revitalize you. Your play lists can be used anytime to re-energize or calm your troubled mind. It's fast and instantaneous.

So start creating a soundtrack of your life today. Make new compilations with a new awareness of the power of music. Document where you've been and how far you've come in life through your favourite tunes. Someone somewhere will want to hear your story and your autobiography is the music you love.

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."
Berthold Auerbach

"Music at its essence is what gives us memories."
Stevie Wonder

"Music melts all the separate parts of our bodies together."
Anais Nin

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2007

Tip#42: Know What To Keep & What To Cast Away - Cast Away

At some point we all reach crossroads in our lives and careers where we have to make difficult decisions of what to let go of and what to keep. Some are physical items and some are old ways of thinking. And sometimes the physical items represent what's inside you that must be released. Ultimately we must let go of what we've become comfortable with in order to make room for the new to come into our lives.

Currently, I'm at a crossroads in my life and career where I can see my biggest dreams coming true over the next horizon. And I know that for new successes to enter my life I have to let go of items I've gotten use to having around me for years. So now I feel I'm being prodded by the universe to look at what I need to let go of. It can be a real challenge knowing what to keep and what to "cast away".

Cast Away (2000)

The drama film Cast Awayis a powerful guide and motivator for doing major spring cleaning in your life. It's a story of a man, played by Tom Hanks, learning to survive on a deserted island. The title itself is a subtle irony because it is not spelled as a noun, 'Castaway' but rather a verb, Cast Away.The movie is a journey that shows you the basics of what you need to survive, the necessities you take for granted and the importance of letting go.

There are many clever metaphors and symbolism throughout the movie. Hanks's character is named Chuck which is also a word meaning 'to throw out; discard'. While on the island Chuck creates a companion out of a volleyball he calls Wilson. Wilson becomes his only source of companionship over the years he is isolated and it helps keep him sane. A powerful bond was made between Chuck and this inanimate object.

When Chuck finally leaves the island, Wilson accidentally drifts away from the makeshift raft causing him much anguish. In reality, Wilson was only meant to serve the purpose of companionship on the island during Chuck's phase of his life there. It is a metaphor that even the most meaningful connections we make to people and things have to be released in order for you to move forward.

Spring Cleaning For Your Soul

So look around your space at home and look carefully at items that have been there so long they've become part of the walls. Ask yourself why are you still holding onto these things? What is the value attached to it? Have these items served its purpose?

For example these items could be clothes that you don't wear anymore that represented good times that are hard to let go of. These emotional attachments can be a big challenge but must be faced to free yourself of unnecessary baggage. Identifying what these items mean to you is the first step in letting go. Some items may be the dead weight holding you back from achieving your dreams.

Do your best to lighten your load and let go of your excess baggage. You probably won't need it where you are going anyways. And at the very least, you'll feel lighter outside yourself as well as in.

"Sometimes you have to pull out the weeds in your garden in order for more green grass to grow."
Anonymous


Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2007

Tip#41: Recognize The Support Around You - 4 Movie Tips

In tip#13 Believe In Synchronicity I shared the amazing connection I made with someone I had just met. That person has since turned into a great friend and has emailed comments on almost all my blog entries. His regular feedback and support has also kept my spirits motivated during recent times of uncertainty in my career. It reminded me that there is always unexpected support around you if you are open to where it comes from.

Another supportive example is my mother who has become a new business advisor of mine for the past few years. Seeing her innate CEO skills and pro-active attitude was a profound surprise and now I view her more than just a loving mother but a strong willed, resilient individual. Allowing myself to see her other qualities as a human being allowed me to become a more self-confident person in my life and business.

I've also received constant support from a professor I had presented keynotes for in his university business classes. Not only is he the CEO of his own international company he is the fastest email responders I know! Through him I also learned from his impressive email etiquette which is highly important in today's business and personal communications. We had made a connection years ago and feel lucky today to be supported through his email correspondence and unofficial mentorship.

These real life examples reminded me of movies that will help you to recognize the support already around you...

As Good As It Gets (1997)

As Good As It Getsis a romantic comedy starring Jack Nicholson as Melvin, a nasty neighbour and restaurant customer. After having to deal with unexpected changes in his life he starts to surprise himself, and the people around him, with how thoughtful and helpful he can be when his apartment neighbour needs emergency assistance.

Recognize that your neighbours, customers, clients or even the servers you encounter on a daily basis are unexpected resources for help. Even if you initiate a connection with a friendly smile in the hallway, sidewalk or a store check out line, that simple action can break down invisible walls between people.

Finding Forrester (2000)

Finding Forrester is a drama starring Sean Connery, he plays a famous reclusive writer that ends up becoming a mentor for a gifted young writer. Both are at very different age groups and different cultural worlds but they learn to find a common ground. In the end they both help each other profoundly with blocks in their lives they didn’t expect to break.

"You can be afraid of change and you can be afraid of people who aren't like you. But if you let them in you’ll be rewarded for that and it will give you new life."
Jonathan King, Executive Producer, Finding Forrester

Cinderella Man (2005)

Cinderella Man is a drama based on the true story of boxer Jim Braddock, starring Russell Crowe, who slowly hits rock bottom with his family during the great depression. For years he does his best not to ask for any financial help but when he finally has no other choice he realizes that most people were happy to give him whatever they could spare. Remember that option of asking for help in your own times of trouble. There is no shame in failure. Find the courage to ask for help when you need it.

In America (2002)

In America is a drama based on director Jim Sheridan's family journey from Ireland to New York City. Though they move next to a big, scary neighbour, played by Djimon Hounsou, his daughters were not frightened of him. Their childlike curiosity, innocence and kindness immediately broke through the barriers between the family and the neighbour. In many different ways they all helped each other profoundly, financially and spirit wise. Keeping that childlike curiosity around new people is the ultimate ice breaker.

So be open with a sense of curiosity in making supportive connections with people already in your life. These are the individuals you already feel comfortable around or even some that you may not like at first. Ask yourself, "what can I learn from this person" or "How can I help this individual?" Take a chance and focus on the hidden positives and be the first one to offer a kind gesture or simple hello.

Making great and long term connections are like plants that you must nurture and allow time to grow. You must put effort into it. Find people who believe in you. When you do treat them like gold. And be there for them too when they need support. Helping one another is a two way street.

In times of trouble sometimes it takes one kind person to let you know you are not alone. As colourful expressions go, they'll be the ones who'll be there through thick and thin, when the chips are down or when the rug gets pulled out from under you!

"Surround yourself with people who are going to lift you higher."
Oprah Winfrey

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com© Emmanuel Lopez 2007

Tip#40: Why Getting Stuck Is Good - The Pursuit of Happyness

The Pursuit of Happyness

I got a call last weekend letting me know that Chris Gardner, author of the book and movie The Pursuit of Happyness,was going to speak at Indigo Books in Toronto the next day on March 19th. My friend who'd called felt like an angel sending me a gift because I had been in a low energy funk. I was feeling stuck in my life and needed some inspiration. So yes, even motivators need motivation too sometimes.

Though I wasn't feeling well I pushed myself to go that night and found all the seats were already full and so I stood in the back behind the roped off areas. There I met an acquaintance I hadn't seen in years. Soon she was recommending that I contact this well known author and radio host she knows. I wasn't sure why she did this but I felt it was another synchronistic message for me. So I just accepted the information and chatted more while we waited for the guest of honour to appear.

The Answer

Chris Gardner finally showed up with a great and confident presence about him. He was dressed for success and was a truly big guy! He was interviewed on the stage area by the CEO of Indigo Books & Music, Heather Reisman or as she playfully refers to herself as 'Chief Book Lover'. Gardner inspired me with his casual confidence, positive attitude and stories about his life struggles.

He mentioned several times how much of a passion he had for being a stockbroker and you could feel and hear it in his voice. Gardner talked about the movie version of his book with Will Smith playing him and I remembered how the film showed the way his passion for being a stockbroker sustained him through his intense poverty experiences.

Then later Gardner said something that struck me deep...

 "Don’t think about money, just keep doing what you love doing."

This hit the heart of the matter of my current situation. I have been following what I loved doing for years, motivating and helping others, but haven't been seeing the income levels I'd been expecting. I was also overwhelmed by many exciting opportunities but just didn't know which way to go. I felt stuck and lost. And yet Gardner's statement lifted me right up and helped me to keep going and focus on my number one passion right now. And that passion is writing these motivational tips on this blog.

A Vision of The Future

Right then I began to see it was time to get my blog published as a book. I started to picture myself in Gardner's place on stage at some point in the future. His book documented his struggles, solutions and successes which is what my blog is all about. Being at this event helped me visualize my dream of having a self-help book published. I began to imagine my book as a national best seller and mentioned this to my old acquaintance standing next to me. She corrected me and said, "You mean INTERNATIONAL best seller!"

Once again synchronicity played it's part and guided me to solutions for getting unstuck, showing me the direction in which to focus my time and energy. I just need to trust that the money will follow as it did with Gardner. The synchronicities didn’t stop there.

The very next day I was invited to a Mediabistro networking event and realized when I arrived that most of the people there were writers! I had stumbled into a nest of experts that could help me understand the publishing world and give me invaluable advice. I even met a literary agent who was excited about my concept of a motivational tips book using movies that motivate.

The Gift In Being Stuck

So remember that being stuck can be a useful time for reassessing your direction in life or career. It may not feel comfortable but it's a necessary pause to let the important choices of your life float up through your inner noise. Life can get so cluttered that having the courage to step off your regular routine can bring your top priorities back into focus.

And by following your passions you'll enjoy your journey much more, especially when you learn to trust that synchronistic signs and messages are always there to guide your way. And in my case, Chris Gardner reminded me that I was already moving in the "write" direction! You will too if you keep doing what you love doing.

"Find something that you love. Something that gets you so excited you can't wait to get out of bed in the morning. Forget about money. Be happy...  ...The money thing will come. I know so many people who have so much more money than I. They are miserable. It is so important to be happy."  
Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happyness

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2007

Tip#39: More About Believing: You’ll See It When You Believe It - 3 Movie Tips

Some people need physical evidence to believe that something is real. While others are more open to trusting in something they cannot see. The imagination can help to picture things that seem impossible to be true.

Many of my favourite movies celebrate the concept of believing. Seeing the main characters persevere against non-believers has inspired me to do the same in difficult times. Here are some movie examples...

The Matrix (1999)

At it's core, the sci fi action movie The Matrix is all about believing with Keanu Reeves as the main character, Neo. The term "believe" is used constantly throughout the entire movie by each of the characters. Neo was introduced to the idea that he had incredible abilities within himself to control his physical reality. His eventual transformation was based on the requirement of him believing in the impossible. Only when he believed did the abilities manifest.

It also helped that others around him made the choice to believe in his abilities too. Even the antagonist played an important role in testing what Neo believed. Just like in real life those that oppose you can be seen as someone helping you to see how strong your belief really is.

Field of Dreams (1989)

In the fantasy drama Field of Dreams,Kevin Costner's character is mysteriously guided by a voice to build a baseball diamond in his cornfield. Doing this made him seem crazy to others and cost him his livelihood. This becomes a test in believing in something that didn't make sense as well as taking big risks for the sake of a vision. Again his faith becomes stronger with the support of others willing to take the risks along with him. The results were both magical and healing for everyone that believed.

Contact (1997)

In the sci fi drama movie Contact,Jodie Foster's character is a scientist who can only believe in something if there is tangible, scientific proof. That attitude is put to the test when she has an extraterrestrial experience and tries to convince the world of this without providing any physical proof. She gets to see both sides of the coin and ends up becoming a wiser person in the process. This is one of my all time favourite movies that allows you to consider your own belief systems and the question of faith.

It's always good to have a little skeptic inside you when considering new ideas. It's also important to keep an open mind as well. Having a good balance can help you navigate through the multitude of ideas, suggestions and opinions that come your way in life. Especially when it comes to believing in yourself.

And remember, taking a chance and believing in something you cannot see could make positive changes in your life to last a lifetime.

"You’ll see it when you believe it."
Dr. Wayne Dyer

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2007

Tip#38: Law of Attraction, Part 4 - Believe It Or Not - The Secret

Believing is the very first step in initiating the law of attraction. Become conscious of your mindset.

The Secret (2006)

The movie The Secret is a series of interviews with experts in various fields of personal growth demonstrating the use of the law of attraction to manifest our dreams and goals.

I recently saw an interesting segment of The Gill Deacon Show on CBC where they were discussing The Secretphenomenon. I've also been following other features and the growing debates in the media. And I just saw a funny new Saturday Night Liveparody of the Oprah Showepisode featuring The Secretcreator.

All of this usually go hand in hand when something huge and successful enters our pop culture. People either believe or they don't. I just smiled because all the pros and cons regarding The Secretare demonstrating what the movie is talking about. And that is BELIEVING is the very first step to manifesting the law of attraction.

Believe:
Defined as: to accept as true, genuine, or real

It's an attitude that one must choose before allowing an idea into your life. So if you don't believe in something then it simply doesn't have value or substance to your way of thinking or feeling. Throughout history all new ideas had met some disbelief such as the Wright Brothersclaim in the early 1900's that man could fly. They were proven true by their successful flying machines and with the aviation world that exists today.

Kirk To Enterprise

I remember growing up watching the original Star TrekTV series in the early 70's and marveling at their communicators. They were so cool that I always wished they were real. And though I remember some people laughing at the concept of that little device they exist today as cell phones. In fact they've become even smaller in size than the first communicators of the original Star Trekshow.

Believing in a new concept is a leap of faith for some and much easier for others. And believing in something new can be impossible for yet others because it would mean rearranging their whole belief system. It changes their paradigm.

Think about the debate surrounding scientists wanting to change Pluto's status as a planet. I still prefer to consider it a planet because I grew up with that belief and am comfortable with that idea. Believing in something new shakes up paradigms, preferences and comfort zones.

Goodbye SkyDome

Here in Toronto a multipurpose stadium opened in 1989 known as the SkyDome. For some it will always be known as the SkyDome even though it has been renamed Rogers Centre. In time people will start calling it by it's new name. But it will take time. The same goes for the popular multiplex theatre formerly known as the Paramount theatres. I loved knowing it was called the Paramount and now everyone has to get used to it's new name, Scotiabank theatre. Again change takes time and we'll eventually get used to the change.

The Imagination

Now the ability to believe in anything is what children do naturally. It's a time when the imagination flourishes. This is why I believe the imagination is important to keep alive as an adult. Belief in the impossible can be a big step for someone who has lost that childhood ability to just play with ideas. The imagination temporarily disconnects the intellect and anything logical because one is not in an analytical state when playing. Unless, of course, you are doing your taxes and "playing with numbers"!

My own upbringing and life experiences had allowed me to be extra open to the ideas in The Secretmovie. Firstly, my current childlike imagination and creative abilities were nurtured from a young age by loving, supportive parents. Secondly, that support allowed me to excel at visualizing end results of what I wanted in my artwork and my music.

I could already see the artwork in my head before I drew it and hear my songs before I composed and recorded them. Visualizing what you want is an important key to initiating the law of attraction process. It helps you believe.

"In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me."
Michelangelo

I love sharing this quote in my keynotes and workshops because it inspires others to see evidence of the power of believing and visualizing. Out of a 17 foot block of marble, Michelangelocould see the David sculpture within and chipped away until it was revealed to himself and the world. Everyone has seen this famous sculpture and yet understanding how it was created can open your thoughts up to other seemingly impossible ideas. The artist believed in something others couldn't see. To this day I am still amazed at Michelangelo'ssense of vision.

A Form of Training

In the end my upbringing was a form of training in my visualizing abilities. It became an important skill I was able to apply to other aspects of my life other than a successful business in illustration. I believe visualizing what you want is an important skill anyone can develop even if you don’t consider yourself an artist. It just means keeping your imagination active and a sense of play alive. And yes, if it sounds like regular exercise is needed it's because it is!

I will agree with some comments I've heard that The Secrethas simplified a complex process that can take awhile to develop. There are many factors to using the law of attraction that comes easier to me because I have integrated much of the belief systems over many years of trial and error. And witnessing the results of goals and dreams manifested by other people inspires me to keep believing. That's why I will continue to share my own success examples to motivate others.

So if you BELIEVE and are EXCITED about the law of attraction then follow your gut and start taking small steps to hone this new skill. And if you find there are people who do not believe or support you exploring this just believe you will find people who will.

Finding other believers will be the law of attraction in action. You made it happen. You will make it happen. You'll attract them because you believed.

Read more about law of attraction:
Tip#9: Law of Attraction – The Secret
Tip#32: Using The Law of Attraction: Start Small

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2007