Tip#226: 5 Movies To Help You Peel Your Inner Onion

Peeling your inner onion is about getting to the core of whatever is holding you back in life. It's about having the courage and perseverance to peel away the layers of baggage no matter how long it takes.

As I wrote in the previous entry I recently discovered there must still be some hidden core issue holding me back in my career and life. The movie Good Will Hunting was one movie I watched to help inspire me to keep peeling my inner onion even though I've been at for years.

So I thought of 5 other movies that motivate:

Citizen Kane

This is a story about reporters wanting to discover the meaning of a newspaper tycoon's last dying word "Rosebud". What unfolds are the peeling away of layers of a complex man who had surrounded himself with empty riches. This movie will inspire you to find your own "Rosebud" before it's too late in your life.

Disney's The Kid

This is a fantasy story about a troubled man reaching mid-life and magically meeting his child self. Together they discover the core issue of a childhood trauma that explained all of the man's current issues. When they work together to face this trauma they free themselves for a better life in the past, present and the future.

Memento

It takes courage and perseverance to get to the core of whatever you are searching for. Memento is an inventive story that could mirror your own strength to not give up no matter what. The story is told in reverse sequences about a man suffering from short-term memory loss. So he leaves himself creative messages to remind himself of each clue he discovers to get to the core of his search.

I Heart Huckabees

This multi-layered comedy contains many insights for identifying one's core issues. It presents powerful messages about synchronicity and how these meaningful coincidences lead you to the help you need in life. The movie also shows how certain people we encounter are mirrors to help us see the core issues we need to resolve.

The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy

This epic trilogy of the central hero's goal to destroy a magical ring can be a mirror for your own quest. There may be many obstacles and challenges that lie in your path but it will be your courage that will keep you resilient. The movie is also a reminder that no matter how long it takes to achieve your goal that you will always have people around that believe and support you.

Movies are Mirrors for Your Strength

So if you are on a journey to peel your inner onion and release whatever is holding you back in life be inspired by the strength of movie heroes. Watching these recommended movies will increase your positive emotion energy and help you build an optimistic mindset.

Focus on the exciting possibilities of being free of your core issues! Stay motivated no matter how long it takes!

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

Tip#225: Peel Your Inner Onion – Good Will Hunting

Since the year 2000 I have been on a journey of "peeling my inner onion". In other words I've been peeling layers of negative thoughts, energy and beliefs that have been holding me back in my life and career. And, like peeling an onion, there were many tears involved.

As each year passed I'd feel lighter, confident, more joyful and much more tuned to my sense of purpose in life. That's why it was a little surprising to discover recently that I still had a core issue to unearth and deal with. See: Tip#222

And deep down I knew it. There is a reoccurring pattern I've finally admitted to myself where my creative and lucrative business ideas reach a level of success and then stop. It's like hitting the same brick wall over and over again.

Good Will Hunting

So I've begun a new inner journey to identify this core issue. One of the ways I am doing this is to find movies that can help mirror an effective self-discovery process. The first one I gravitated to was Good Will Hunting.

I haven't seen Good Will Hunting since it first came out in 1997 and was now able to fully appreciate the motivating power of this film. Matt Damon co-wrote this Oscar winning screenplay and played Will Hunting, a genius in mathematics.

Will's immense genius is matched only by the thick walls he puts up between his true self and others. That's where Robin William's character Shaun comes in to help get through to the core of who Will is. Over time Shaun slowly peels the layers away from Will's core issue freeing him of a secret weight he'd been carrying all his life.

Seeing this movie again helped me see that it is possible to get to the core of whatever issue is holding me back. It also reminded me that just acknowledging this inner block has already started the process of healing.

You Are Never Alone

So if you keep experiencing a pattern of roadblocks or brick walls in your personal life or career keep open to any hidden core issue that's in control of your steering wheel.

Have the courage to look inside and begin a process of peeling your inner onion. The resources to help you are already around you. Seek out individuals who can assist and find movies to inspire your courage. You are never alone on a journey of self-discovery.

Read Part 2:
5 Movies To Help You Peel Your Inner Onion
click here

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

Tip#224: Feel Vibrations That Are New – August Rush

Aahhh! I am sipping my favourite coffee, a vanilla bean latte from Second Cup and feeling a positive vibe fill my spirit. It's the same vibe I felt watching President Obama give his incredible inauguration speech yesterday.

Obama's speech was heartfelt and I could somehow feel millions of people all around the world resonating with his powerful words of optimism and strength. Listening to him excited me to be a better person and to do my part in making the world a better place.

And we all use the expression "vibe" which actually has a higher meaning. It is based on feeling the vibrations of something that is communicated to us on a deeper level.

Obama's speech vibrated out into the world as sound and energy and you either connected with it or not. It's how you resonate with the source that triggers you just like any other sound or form of music.

August Rush

The movie August Rush is about an orphaned young boy who is highly sensitive to sound vibrations. And he believed deeply he could find his real parents if he learned to create music that would vibrate into the air like radio waves.

Though this is a fantasy movie the concepts of BELIEVING and VIBRATIONS is rooted in what I've been learning to achieve my own dreams and goals. The book Think and Grow Rich: The 21st-Century Updated Edition, that I've been writing about recently, is just the latest book that's been teaching me how to magnetize what I want by raising my own vibrations.

2012 Song

This is why it is very synchronistic that I was recently compelled to create a music video for a song I wrote and recorded over 10 years ago called "2012 Song". The chorus of the song was reminding me to, "Feel vibrations that are new".

See "2012 Song" video: click here

So when you feel a positive vibe from a powerful speech or feel good from your favourite coffee or hear music that lifts you up remember that the vibrations you are feeling are resonating with your inner power.

These vibrations are mirroring the powerful energy already inside you. All you have to do soak up the feel good energy and unleash your unlimited possibilities!

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

Tip#223: Embrace An Optimistic Future - 2012

Predictions of the future can sometimes appear dark and frightening. So it's up to you on how you CHOOSE to see your future.

In 2 days of this writing Barack Obama will be sworn in as the first black president of the United States. Watching the news I can see there is an overflowing sense of optimism and excitement in the air. I've never seen such enthusiasm before from people around the world. Obama truly represents a hopeful and positive future.

That's how I feel about the predictions for the year 2012. I'm CHOOSING to see it as positive. A number of ancient prophecies, including the Mayan calendar, predicted this date as the end of the world as we knew it. And since discovering these prophecies back in 1994 the year 2012 has entered pop culture:

• X-Files series finale: 2012 is the truth Fox Mulder had been searching for throughout the series
• I Am Legend movie: 2012 is the date of this apocalyptic story
• 2012: The War for Souls novel by Whitley Strieber: Read more
• 2012 is new movie to be released July 10, 2009 by director Roland Emmerich (The Day After Tomorrow) See trailer

Despite all the dire representations of the year 2012 I've always chosen to be optimistic about the future. I was even compelled to write and record a song that expressed my positive attitude.

The "2012 Song" appeared on my 1999 debut music CD called Rain of Angels and was always meant to be an uplifting ballad for the citizens of planet earth. And this being the 10 year anniversary of the album's release I've created a music video for my "2012 Song".

2012 SONG by Emmanuel Lopez - Motivatorman


The video is filled with artwork I had created during my depression in 2000. The rich colours and textures helped fill me with optimism despite the pain I was feeling. I always knew this artwork could help others feel positive too.

Choose A Positive Attitude

So if the future is worrying you, if economic predictions are stressing you out, if life ahead appears to be frightening then look at your 2 choices. You can choose a path with a negative attitude OR a path that is filled with optimism.

Join in the excitement of Obama's positive energy. Feel the uplifting messages of my "2012 Song". Let your positive emotional energy flow and energize your spirit. Remember that every cloud has a silver lining and that optimistic thought will lead you down the path you desire.

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

Tip#222: The Riches Within Adversity – Slumdog Millionaire

Sometimes the answers you seek to move forward in life are buried in the traumas and adversities of your past. Do you have the courage to face it?

Looking back over the years to my breakdown and depression of 2000 I can see a big part of my journey since was to deprogram old habits of thinking. These old blocks or paradigms were keeping me from moving forward in many areas of my life and career.

And for some people these destructive belief systems are born out of traumatic experiences growing up.

So when you learn to develop an optimistic mindset you can look back and see the silver lining of these negative events. Those negative experiences can somehow be harnessed to improve your life or career today.

Slumdog Millionaire

I had a special conversation with someone last week who shared powerful insights that there was still a block inside me that I needed to identify. Deep down I knew she was right and made it my priority to find answers to what it was.

The next day I called upon synchronicity and was guided to see the movie Slumdog Millionaire. It just won best picture at the Golden Globe awards and had generated a lot of buzz when it had its world premiere here at the Toronto International Film Festival last September.

This powerful film demonstrates how one's negative experiences as a child can become the keys to success and abundance later in life.

Set in India, a young man amazes everyone with knowing all the answers on the Indian version of the game show, "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" What unfolds is a story of his childhood and how traumatic experiences were connected to answers for the questions in the game show.

He was able to unearth the positives from the negatives in his life and transform them into riches and success!

See the Answers

The images and messages of this movie has stayed with me now for days. I can feel something deep inside me shifting and I know it is the answers I am seeking to catapult me towards my goals.

So if you are feeling stuck in your life be inspired to know that there is a silver lining to negative experiences of your past. It takes courage to face events that have hurt you and the rewards could be great.

These negative events are like anchors weighing you down today. Once you face, embrace and release these anchors you become free. There are riches within adversity. Do your very best to see the answers already within you!

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

Tip#221: Synchronicities Confirm Your Path – Serendipity

Synchronistic events are meaningful coincidences that can lead you to your goals and dreams. They can also confirm that you are on the right path.

It's been just over a week since my return home to Toronto from my month long vacation in Las Vegas. And every day since then I've continued to listen to specific chapters in the audio book, Think and Grow Rich: The 21st-Century Updated Edition by Napoleon Hill. It's been helping me make a new year's goal to simplify and declutter my life.

During this week there have been some rapid, synchronistic events occurring to confirm that my goals were totally on track for 2009. For example, the day after I posted the blog entry on Laurence of Arabia (see tip#220) I experienced 3 amazing synchronicities.

It started when my "money guru" friend came by my office and was compelled to show me a short online video he had seen by Bob Proctor. Proctor appeared in the movie The Secret and we had both seen him speak live 2 years ago (See tip#56).

In the video the first meaningful coincidence was that Proctor spoke specifically about the book Think and Grow Rich AND the specific chapters I'd been listening to over and over again. I felt my face go flush and tingles up my spine!

Proctor then specifically mentioned Laurence of Arabia as a movie that motivated him and that I just happened to write about the day before! The 3rd is what floored me. Proctor was compelled to create the video I was watching after flying back from Las Vegas to Toronto where he also lived.

Time stood still for me. I was filled with positive emotions! I felt these were 3 meaningful coincidences confirming all my decisions to simplify and declutter my life and work for the new year!

Serendipity (2001)

There are many movies with synchronistic scenes that confirm the hero's choices they've had to make. One that comes to mind is with John Cusack’s character Jonathan Trager in the romantic comedy, Serendipity.

In the film Jonathan becomes relentless in following synchronicities to find his lost love. Finally exhausted and feeling he is at the end of his journey a final meaningful coincidence literally falls into his lap. I won't reveal anymore if you haven't seen this powerful scene, just know that it confirms that Jonathan had been on the right path all along.

“Yet even in certain defeat, the courageous Trager secretly clung to the belief that life is not merely a series of meaningless accidents or coincidences. But rather, its a tapestry of events that culminate in an exquisite, sublime plan.”

So if you are feeling unsure of your path just believe in synchronicities that can fall magically into your lap. Believe that the universe will send you meaningful coincidences to help you feel more confident in your decisions. You will know when these meaningful signs arrive. They will fill you with a positive emotion that lifts you up and re-energizes your spirit!

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

Tip#220: Move Forward By Letting Go – Lawrence of Arabia

In order to move forward with your goals you must let go of something in order to make room.

A very synchronistic thing happened when I came back to my office after my Las Vegas holiday adventure. I noticed that the wall clock I've had since I started my business had stopped. I looked to check the battery and it had completely corroded.

As mentioned in tip#217 I got a new watch for Christmas which I felt was magical in guiding me into exciting business growth in 2009. So it seemed very "timely" that this old clock that had been with me for over 20 years needed to go. So with great reluctance I knew I had to throw the clock out.

And I did.

Since then I was compelled to eliminate other time-wasting activities such as email clutter. I let go of many online subscriptions to events, newsletters and group forums. I knew I had to strip down and simplify my day to make time for my 2009 goals.

Lawrence of Arabia 1962

There are many movies that are great examples of people needing to let go of something in order to move forward. One that comes to mind is a powerful moment in the movie Lawrence of Arabia. There is a scene where Lawrence, played by Peter O'Toole, must cross a deadly hot desert during the night with a group of men on camels.

Unfortunately during the night one of the riders dozes off and falls off his camel. Despite being alone he continues on foot. And because of the intense heat of the day his survival depended on stripping off his weapons and layers of clothing that weighed him down. In the end this courageous act of letting go saved his life.

What Are You Letting Go Of?

So what are you letting go of in order to move forward into a prosperous new year? What are you being called upon to release in order to make room for something new in your life or career?

It takes courage to let go of something you've had for a long time. So if you know there is something that must be removed from your life treat it like a bandage and quickly yank it off. It may sting at first but you'll feel great afterwards!

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

Tip#219: Celebrate Your Inner Wealth - Titanic

Did you start your New Year with a bang? Did you celebrate your inner wealth even if your financial life is not where you want it right now?

I spent the first day of 2009 celebrating in a fantastic new French restaurant in Toronto called MoRoCo Chocolat. Even the name sounds scrumptious! My friend, the "Scone Queen" (see tip#111: Celebrate Food!), recommended it and felt like a great way to launch a new year full of exciting possibilities and abundance.

The MoRoCo Chocolat mission is to create a divine sensory experience and that's exactly what my friend and I had. The setting was luxurious and our delicious omelettes brought out our inner royalty. We toasted to 2009 with a champagne cocktail and let positive emotional energy flow out our smiles and laughter.

Titanic

Soon after I was compelled to watch the movie Titanic showing on TV. I'd seen it many times before but realized there was a synchronistic reason for it. It had to do with Jack, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and his invitation to fine dining on the wealthy level of the ship.

On the ship Jack was classified as poor but enjoyed learning the etiquette of the richer class and to dress and walk the part. And then at the dining table, full of wealthy couples, he exuded self-confidence and resilient self-worth while discussing his poverty lifestyle.

Even when attacked for his lifestyle he remained optimistic and shared his philosophy that each day is about "making it count". He said that attitude led him to winning a ticket to the ship and then to having a delicious dinner with them all on the upper levels of the Titanic. They then toasted in agreement to Jack's speech.

True Richness

I saw myself in Jack in that scene. He reminded me that true richness starts from within. His honesty and confidence inspired me that my financial goals in 2009 will come true as long as I maintain Jack's positive attitude within my own heart.

That movie scene made me think about my amazing New Year's day at MoRoCo Chocolat. There was positive energy in the air and, of course, delcious chocolate! My friend and I shared a dessert of handmade truffles made from pure Valrhona Chocolate from France. Mmmmmmm. Yes it was truly a divine sensory experience!

So do something special for your New Year that will boost your positive emotional energy. Treat yourself to your favourite chocolate or to a restaurant you've always wanted to go. Do something that will activate your self-worth.

Activate that inner wealth inside you and know that this energy will magnetize your desires in 2009. Believe it!

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

Tip#218: Create Your Own Life Story - Bedtime Stories

After a long vacation in Santa Barbara and Las Vegas I have returned home to Toronto slightly jet lagged but filled with optimism. During this time away I was able to dedicate myself to Napoleon Hill's classic Think and Grow Rich audio book. It was the 21st century edition and it energized me every single day I listened to it.

It took me a long time to finally experience this book but I knew the timing would be meaningful and it was. Surrounded by palm trees and the ocean of Santa Barbara and the mountains surrounding Las Vegas I saturated my thoughts with Hill's messages.

The book has supported all that I've experienced so far about the power of synchronicity, law of attraction, positive emotion energy and the building an optimistic mindset.

This book has also inspired other great motivators since it's publication in 1937. Earl Nightingale, Tony Robbins, Bob Proctor and Stephen Covey are among many who have been inspired by Hill's powerful messages.

The core message of this book is that YOU create your reality. You create your own life story by what you think and say.

Bedtime Stories

With a slew of new Christmas movies I was compelled to see Bedtime Stories which mirrored what the book was saying. The film is a family comedy with Adam Sandler minus all the crude or sexual innuendo that saturates his other adult-humour comedies. Though like Sandler's other comedies it still retains meaningful lessons about creating the future you want.

Sandler plays an uncle taking care of a niece and nephew for a week. He tells them bedtime stories which the kids playfully add elements to like "then it starts to rain gumballs!" And whatever they say comes true the next day.

The film is a great metaphor for what Napoleon Hill is saying in his book. We have the power to create story of our lives if we are dedicated to training our mind to believe so.

I feel so happy and grateful for the long vacation I've been on because I was able to disconnect from my daily work routines and train my mind a little bit everyday to Hill's teachings. And now that I'm back home I'm excited to create the next thrilling chapter of my life and career!

So look at the new year as an exciting new chapter of your own life. Believe that you are in control of all your challenges, your career, your workplace, your finances, your relationships and your home life. Believe you are the author of whatever story you want to live.

Fill yourself with positive thoughts and possibilities for a fantastic 2009!

Happy New Year to you!

"Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve."
Napoleon Hill

Emmanuel Lopez
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008

Tip#217: Appreciate What You Have - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

On Christmas Day I got a new watch I absolutely loved. It had a luxurious, retro look and this rich chocolate colour to it. It actually felt like a magical watch that was going to guide me into a fantastic new year.

Later that day I would also see a movie that would have a powerful and magical message about time for me.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

The film I saw was The Curious Case of Benjamin Button starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett and it struck me on so many emotional levels that I've thought about it every day since. It's a fairy tale-like story about a man who is born an old man and then ages backwards.

It is such an absurd concept and yet it becomes this life-affirming movie about how special we all are and to appreciate the time we are given. It will also make you see that all your problems are important parts of your own wonderful, unique journey through life.

Reflection

The movie was also a reflection of my own unusual journey in life. For example my chronological age does not match my biological age. Audiences in my keynotes and workshops are always shocked when they learn I am in my mid-forties. My outward appearance, especially my face, can still pass for someone in their twenties.

There have been many times while meeting with clients or people for the first time AND even relatives who are compelled to blurt out the question, "How old are you?!" Of course it is inappropriate to ask such a question especially in a business meeting but these days I do my best to see it as a compliment rather then an abnormality.

That's why The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a huge inspiration to me because Button's experiences with people he meets mirrors some of the unwanted questions about my appearance. The movie reminds me to focus on my personal foibles as unique and special.

And Button's story will inspire you to just live and love no matter how strange or isolating your own life can get.

So if you've been feeling disconnected from others around you or if you feel like time is passing you by, know that you are not alone. As they say in the movie, we are all on different paths but heading for the same place. Appreciate your uniqueness and the time you are given on this world.

*Read the best review of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button that mirrored my own thoughts on Ain't it cool.com: click here

Emmanuel Lopez
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008

Tip#216: Indulge Once A Year, Part 1 - Elf

For some, the Christmas holiday is about family gatherings, gift giving and feeling Christmas spirit. For some it's all about the food!

If you didn't know, Las Vegas casinos are also famous for their gloriously delicious buffets. And not just on the strip but everywhere else in surrounding areas. Since arriving I have felt so bloated because of all the good food I've enjoyed.

So far I've been to Christmas dinner parties with juicy roasts, creamy mashed potatoes and buttery peas. I've been to amazing restaurants like Olive Garden for their incredible Toscana soup (see tip#212) and Romano’s Macaroni Grill for their Shrimp Portofino complete with a Broadway singing waitress!

Sweet Tomatoes are famous for their great salad bars, unlimited homemade soups, pastas and fresh out-of-the-oven muffins. I definitely over ate here because it was so good. Felt like I needed to be wheeled out I was so stuffed!

Recently I went to Johnny Mac's for their succulent chicken wings and pizza. It was so delicious that I tried to fill myself with as much food my stomach could hold. It was such a joyful experience and yet very gluttony at the same time.

Elf

It reminded me of one of my favourite Christmas movies called Elf starring Will Ferrell as a human raised by elves. There is a scene where he has made breakfast at the home of his real father in New York City. His meal starts off with a heaping pile of spaghetti and meatballs topped with maple syrup.

But then he piles on chocolate syrup, M&M's and Pop Tarts which he mixes together with his hands and then hoovers it into his mouth. Though completely disgusting he is clearly in a state of joy and passion!

So be easy on yourself this holiday season if you're overindulging because of huge family meals or favourite restaurants. As long as you are enjoying the moment then you are being in the moment and that is a positive thing.

Just remember the cause and effect rule. It'll be time to exercise in a big way after the holidays!

Happy Holidays to you and all my loyal readers around the world!
See my holiday video greeting: click here

Related Tips:

Tip#216: Indulge Once A Year, Part 1 - Elf  

Tip#814: Indulge Once A Year, Part 2 – Just Friends

Emmanuel Lopez
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008

Tip#215: Blow Open Old Ways of Thinking - The Day After Tomorrow

Without warning things in life can suddenly change. It can shake up everything you're sure about and push your comfort zones.

It's been mostly sunny during my vacation here in Las Vegas. But out of the blue a huge snowstorm hit on Wed. Dec.17th. It was such a new concept for me because I've never seen snow here let alone a blizzard.

And apparently countless people living in Vegas were also shocked by their first snowstorm ever. And driving at night was scary with snow turning to slush on the roads. But what was most frightening were some of the drivers around me were driving with snow covering their entire back windshield!

I later talked to the locals who had never driven in snow before and they felt like they were driving for the first time. It was a shocking new world to them and some probably didn't even consider wiping off the back of their windshields before driving.

Their paradigms, or old ways of thinking, were being blown wide open. Their mindsets were shaken up. And this is exactly what happens when unexpected change or crisis happens in your life or career. You are forced to expand old ways of thinking and adapt.

The Day After Tomorrow

I'm reminded of similar messages of change told in the action adventure film, The Day After Tomorrow starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Dennis Quaid. In the story a new ice age hits the planet and weather patterns shift wildly. Tornadoes hit Los Angeles and then a tidal wave drowns New York City. Soon the temperature drops and snow falls in record amounts in places it never did before.

All the characters of the story are forced to change their old paradigms of thinking and learn to deal with the weather changes. The heroes do not focus on the negatives, they focus on opening their minds to adapt and persevere.

Years ago people thought the world was flat or that man could never fly. And some thought they'd never live to see a black man as president of the United States. History reminds us all that paradigms are always changing.

So keep an open mind whenever unexpected storms hit your life. Adapt to ever-changing weather patterns. Stay optimistic during economic instability. The world is always evolving so do your very best to have a flexible, adaptable mind.

SEE IMAGES FROM THE LAS VEGAS SNOWSTORM
IN MY HOLIDAY VIDEO GREETING...



HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM MOTIVATORMAN!

Emmanuel Lopez
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008

Tip#214: Zappos Inspires, Part 2 – Patch Adams

Part 2: Every Person Is Special

Success in the workplace and in life can be attributed to the quality of how well you treat others.

On Dec. 15th Zappos achieved a new record day in sales of over $6 million. The day after I was lucky to be at the Zappos offices for a second time to see continued celebrations among the Zappos team. People were high-fiving and congratulating one another with zesty enthusiasm.

Every single person there is seen as having been a part of that record day success. Everyone is part of one big supportive team.

The Zappos primary mission is to provide the best customer service. To do that they focus on getting the work culture right. Their bottom line IS their people. And part of their approach is very different from the standards of many organizations today.

For example:

1. Job interviews are a 2 part process. They go through a standard job skills evaluation and if accepted still have to go through another process to see if their values fit into Zappos culture. They hire for attitude first.

2. All employees at head office in Las Vegas are sent to the warehouse location in Kentucky and visa versa to learn what other Zappos team members do. Everyone is considered equal at Zappos including the CEO and their customers.

3. Call centre reps have no scripts, no measurement of average call times, no recordings. Their goal is to provide a memorable customer experience even if the customer doesn't order anything.

Patch Adams 1998

One movie I am reminded about when it comes to treating people well is Patch Adams starring Robin Williams. Based on a true story, Adams shook up the medical establishment with his unique methods for treating patients with humour.

Adams then went out on his own to create a new centre for patients unable to afford medical attention. Other medical students believed in Adam's vision and were quick to follow and build a new, exciting work culture. The centre was called the Gesundheit! Institute and since the 70's has treated over 15,000 patients without payment or medical insurance.

Make Others Feel Good

So be inspired by the values of a work culture focused on giving the best customer service possible. Be inspired to blur the lines of a work/life attitude for making others feel good wherever you are.

There is an empowering sense of equality that comes from how Zappos treats its company team and how they in turn treat their customers. Each and every person IS special and that is one of the biggest messages any company or anyone could experience!

More tips about Zappos:
Tip#205: Follow Your Passion No Matter What - Zappos
Tip#213: Zappos Inspires, Part 1 - Office Space
Tip#238: The Importance of Team Spirit - Zappos – Watchmen
Tip#261: Synchronicity Stories – Zappos & Twitter – I Heart Huckabees
Tip#374: Create Your Own Universe – Tony Hsieh’s Delivering Happiness - Inception

Emmanuel Lopez
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008

Tip#213: Zappos Inspires, Part 1 - Office Space

Part 1: Be Inspired By Living Examples

One way to find an enjoyable work experience is to visualize the environment you want. And if you are looking for a workplace that is fun and productive then just look at a living example to be inspired.

Currently I'm visiting family in Las Vegas which means I've had many memorable times in this big show town for over 10 years. Recently I've added another amazing experience with a tour of the Zappos head offices, North America's #1 online shoe store.

I was completely blown away by the positive energy and passion I felt from everyone I met there. I had originally seen video footage of the workplace on Oprah when she featured Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh and yet in person there's so much more. The positive energy was so tangible that it was like swimming in a delicious sea of my favourite coffee, vanilla bean lattes! (Read more about Zappos in previous blog entry here: tip#205)

When I first arrived at reception I immediately felt this lively carnival atmosphere and an authentic, happy greeting from front desk. The thing is, I received the same type of greeting from just about everyone along the tour.

Whether it was in the hallways or in each of the divisions I visited, there was this warmth I received that made me feel special. And great eye contact too! Eyes don't lie so when it was fairly consistent throughout the 2 floors I toured I knew that these people truly LOVED working at Zappos.

Office Space 1999

Zappos is clearly an amazing model of a fun AND high performance workplace that other organizations could learn from. The opposite of this positive work culture can be seen in the comedy Office Space which portrays the sad (yet hilariously depicted) reality of dysfunctional companies that exist.

The movie stars Ron Livingston and Jennifer Aniston and is a story about company workers who hate their jobs. It's also about how the movie hero suddenly becomes fearless and finally stands up for himself. He also inspires others just by doing whatever he enjoys doing.

For years I've known so many friends and other individuals who have complained about their jobs or workplace so Office Space is like a mirror for so many people. And that's why a big part of what I do as a motivator is to teach people and organizations how to visualize a better life or workplace experience.

It's ultimately a pleasure now to recommend Zappos as a living example of what is possible in a workplace that also has a strong sense of community and family. Plus I got to meet Tony Hsieh and shake his hand for all his amazing achievements that's inspired me!

Spirit

In the end it was the generosity of spirit that lingers from my Zappos experience. It's like the delicious taste of my favourite vanilla bean latte that has stayed with me far beyond the day of my tour. It's the passion and the positive emotional energy from the people at Zappos that inspires me even as I write this!

So if you are unhappy in your job or workplace be inspired by the Zappos culture. Go on a tour of their offices to see what is possible. Or go online and read their blogs or see their videos to see how FUN can be a catalyst towards a highly productive workplace.

You spend most of your life working so why not balance it with a sense of daily fun. If you don't you'll really only be living half a life.

More tips about Zappos:
Tip#205: Follow Your Passion No Matter What - Zappos
Tip#214: Zappos Inspires, Part 2 – Patch Adams
Tip#238: The Importance of Team Spirit - Zappos – Watchmen
Tip#261: Synchronicity Stories – Zappos & Twitter – I Heart Huckabees
Tip#374: Create Your Own Universe – Tony Hsieh’s Delivering Happiness - Inception

Emmanuel Lopez
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008

Tip#212: Enjoy Great Service When You Get It - Pleasantville

There's nothing like getting great customer service to make you feel special. It can make you feel like a million bucks!

I am currently visiting family in Las Vegas and always look forward to dining at favourite restaurants like Olive Garden. To some this restaurant may not be a favourite but it is to me because I always get great customer service!

First off every wait staff greets you with a smile and warm eye contact and is happy to serve even if they are not your official waiter. I just had lunch there and they already made my day when they offered a complimentary wine sampler!

The Toscana soup is out of this world and they are happy to refill that or a delicious salad that comes with your meal. I am so joyfully stuffed after my meals! Now there are times when my meals are not satisfactory but the wait staff and manager are always quick to remedy the situation.

In the end it is my overall customer experience that always makes me want to come back over and over again.

What they are doing is activating positive emotional energy within me. It's that feel good feeling that can lift your spirits and increase your enthusiasm for life! And that positive energy makes me think of them even if I'm thousands of miles away in Toronto.

Pleasantville

I am reminded of the warm small town feeling in the 50's sitcom featured in the movie Pleasantville. David, played by Tobey Maguire, is magically pulled into the black and white TV show where everyone is kind and friendly to each other. It's that universal sense of community that initiates thoughtfulness and friendliness that more big cities today could use more of.

That's what I loved about Olive Garden because all my interactions felt like I was being treated like a best friend or a VIP. And it felt authentic and from the heart. This attitude of service also feels embedded in most places I go in Las Vegas.

So imagine all your own interactions being as positive as this restaurant experience. Imagine being treated with extra attention and kindness anywhere you go. Visualizing this kind of world is the first step to creating the world you want to live in. Or dine in!

And enjoy great service when you get it. Let it make you feel like a million bucks! The positive emotional energy you get will radiate out and can attract more of the same because that energy is magnetic. Remember, feeling great is contagious!

Emmanuel Lopez
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008

Tip#211: Help Someone To See - Ghost Town

We all know someone who is rude and thoughtless. And though they may act like a jerk you may be in their life to help them see a better way to interact.

Ghost Town

The comedy, Ghost Town introduces us to a self-centred dentist named Bertram Pincus, played by Ricky Gervais, who clearly does not like people. He consistently displays rude, thoughtless actions towards others and is simply a real jerk!

His horrible day-to-day behaviour is like a checklist of the nastiest "grinchlike" person one can become. You may laugh at some of what Pincus does or you may unfortunately be reminded of someone similar in your workplace or personal life.

Pincus would have gone on being incredibly antisocial if not for a near death experience that causes him to see and interact with dead people. They all have unfinished business on earth and our unlikely movie hero has a chance to help them.

Through a series of synchronicities our movie hero is forced to see that his unsocial behaviour must end if he is to find happiness. He struggles but in the end chooses to act beyond his selfish needs and help these wandering souls.

In doing so he alters his mindset and develops thoughtful and meaningful interaction skills. He breaks out of his self-imposed social walls and becomes a better human being.

The irony is that it was with the help of dead people that Pincus was able to create new life for himself.

So let this story inspire you if you know someone who is antisocial or has a rude demeanor. Perhaps they don't know any better. Perhaps they just need someone to tell them that certain behaviour is unacceptable. Perhaps you are that someone who can help them.

We all encounter people for a reason. And some of them do push our buttons. The key to dealing with these individuals is to not take their actions personally and view them with a compassionate mindset.

Take the high road and find out why they are the way they are. It will help you to help them breathe new life in the way they interact with others.

Emmanuel Lopez
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008