Tip#299: Share Your Hidden Gifts – The Incredibles

We all have hidden gifts that we're not aware of, or ignore, suppress and sometimes forget over time. When we unearth and share these talents with the world it can lead you towards unexpected opportunities.

As part of my solutions to solve my current financial situation I'm finally selling the large number of original artworks and prints that's been collecting dust in my home office. These are artworks as far back as 1986 from my creative life as an illustrator and gallery artist.

I photographed over 2 dozen pieces and created an exciting new website to make it easy for art buyers to view. See: Click here

When I showed the website to a few colleagues they were surprised to see this hidden side of me. They were excited and inspired by what they saw. Some only knew me as a motivational speaker or they had no idea how diverse my creativity was. It reminded me an important side to who I am had been buried AND that my artworks always make an uplifting, energizing difference in someone's life.

The Incredibles

The animated Pixar movie, The Incredibles demonstrates that hidden, suppressed gifts are meant to be shared. In this film, superheroes are outlawed and forced not to use their special powers. Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) learns to live a mundane, uneventful life keeping his superhero suit locked in a glass display.

After many years Mr. Incredible is called back into action and you can see how his spirit truly shines when he is sharing his gifts. His super talents once again make a meaningful difference in the lives he saves and the people he inspires.

So if you ever find yourself stuck in your life and career take time to recognize your hidden gifts. If you are going through a career transition take inventory of your past successes and identify the skill sets that helped you achieve them.

Time can sometimes bury the greatness of who you are. When you rediscover your past successes give yourself permission to toot your own horn and share your hidden gifts with the world!

See my original artworks and prints for sale: Click here

2 UPCOMING PRESENTATIONS:

1) KEYNOTE AT THE ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM
“HOW FACEBOOK & TWITTER CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE”
Friday, Oct 30, 2009 7pm
See more details: Here

2) BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND:
"HOW TO PRESS PLAY WHEN YOU’RE STUCK ON PAUSE"
Energize Your Career or Business Now - Toronto Workshop
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 1 – 4pm
See invitation for details: Here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
Your Motivational Wingman!
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#298: There Is Always A Solution - The Firm

Overwhelming challenges in your life and career can bring out the very best in you!

The past several months have been filled with such intense financial challenges that I've had to focus all my positive willpower. I've had to be more resourceful than ever and it is bringing out the best in me (see tip#294). If my current situation had occurred several years ago my future would have appeared utterly hopeless.

This is why I believe my path in life has been to transform my old mindset of hopelessness and create indestructible optimism. And I'm meant to share my journey in this blog and my keynotes and seminars so others around the world will know they are not alone in similar challenges.

I now believe there is a positive solution to any obstacle that blocks your path. The key is that YOU MUST BELIEVE there is a solution even if you cannot see it at first. That's why movies and movie heroes can help you visualize a positive future for yourself. This is how you build self-confidence.

The Firm

The movie hero of The Firm is a fantastic example of maintaining a resourceful, self-confident mindset. From the opening scene you see a promising, young lawyer named Mitch McDeere (Tom Cruise) being courted by several prestigious law firms. You see that he has innate talents of great value.

Later he unwittingly becomes involved with unethical and illegal practices of the law firm he chooses that threatens both his personal and professional life. The adversities are so overwhelming you will wonder if McDeere has the ability to escape his predicament.

That's where this movie hero inspires. McDeere chooses to believe there is a solution and his innate resourcefulness and confidence kicks in. He uses his talents and skills to strategize his way free. He organizes a trusting team to implement the solution he envisioned.

So let movie heroes inspire you to believe there is a solution to every problem you face. Believe you already have the talents and skills within to keep you from sinking into a negative mindset. Learn how to activate your optimistic mindset.

Everyone has a level of self-confidence that can help shift your attitude towards the solutions you seek. The challenges you face are there to help you unleash the best you can be!

2 UPCOMING PRESENTATIONS:

1) KEYNOTE AT THE ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM
“HOW FACEBOOK & TWITTER CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE”
Friday, Oct 30, 2009 7pm
See more details: Here

2) BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND:
"HOW TO PRESS PLAY WHEN YOU’RE STUCK ON PAUSE"
Energize Your Career or Business Now - Toronto Workshop
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 1 – 4pm
See invitation for details: Here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
Your Motivational Wingman!
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#297: Are You Waiting or Activating? - The Terminal

Sometimes I feel like I've been in a long waiting period for the financial goals I want to achieve in my career. But I know that I have been focused on making the most of my current resources AND the lessons life is teaching me. I've been activating my resourceful mindset.

I recently gave a seminar for executives in career transition at a Toronto networking organization called HAPPEN. The presentation was called "The Bright Side of Career Transitions" where I shared the positives of being in that "waiting period". For most it is not a pleasant situation to be in and yet it allows individuals the gift of time to develop a positive and resourceful mindset.

It is a chance to take inventory of all the existing contacts that can support and assist you. And it's an opportunity to develop new skill sets that will be of great benefit for future opportunities.

The Terminal

The movie The Terminal inspires and focuses on the benefits of being forced into an unwanted situation of waiting. The film is based on a true story about an eastern immigrant forced to live in an airport because of unexpected political restrictions. Viktor Navorkski (Tom Hanks) soon demonstrates how resourceful he can be to survive, with no money and little English, in a NYC terminal.

You witness how he learns to earn money in order to eat and how he lives within a part of the terminal still under construction. You witness how he develops supportive new connections and friends as they help one another achieve certain goals.

Navorkski demonstrates how resourceful one can be in a seemingly impossible situation to survive in. It was his resourceful mindset that helped remain positive during his months of waiting AND later inspires countless employees within the airport terminal.

So if you are in a career transition or feeling you are caught in an unwanted "waiting period" do your best to focus on the hidden gifts. Recognize this as a chance to take inventory of the opportunities right in front of you.

Recognize the supportive contacts that are right under your nose. Use the time to get re-energized and to re-assess your goals. And see this gift of time as a chance to improve or develop new skill sets.

Activate your resourceful mindset and you will enjoy the upside of your down time!

KEYNOTES & SEMINARS
FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION...
"THE BRIGHT SIDE OF CAREER TRANSITIONS"
See more info under "Keynotes & Seminars: Here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
Your Motivational Wingman!
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#296: If You Build It They Will Come - Field of Dreams

I am going through one of the biggest career challenges since starting this blog almost 3 years ago. This is my "Field of Dreams" moment and my situation has been mirroring this powerful movie.

My story started about 8 weeks ago in the midst of my current financial challenges when someone recommended I arrange a workshop to generate immediate cash flow. An inner voice told me that this was the answer I was looking for and began creating this event. I would offer my popular workshop to professionals called How To Press Play When You’re Stuck On Pause.

I was resistant but my gut was saying I needed to give this workshop within 10 days. Amazingly I found an ideal space in the heart of downtown Toronto within 8 hours. And I started promoting the workshop as best as I could. I discovered that friends and colleagues around me were quick to help in any way they could.

Just 2 days before the event I had only 2 people signed up but wasn't worried. At first I needed this event to generate immediate income and instead I focused on how I could help others even if, in the end, there were only 2 people.

Field of Dreams

The movie Field of Dreams was my inspiration to keep me moving forward. I watched it a week before my event because I was feeling stressed about having started this initiative. I felt so much like the movie hero Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) who had followed his own mysterious voice that told him to build a baseball field in the middle of his farm.

Ray persevered with this crazy idea even at the expense of what others thought and the money he and his family were losing. Even on the eve of foreclosure he refused to sell the farm simply because his daughter and a supporter reminded Ray that "people will come".

The magic of the movie is that people did indeed come and, in my case, a total of 8 attendees paid for my workshop. And like Ray's magic baseball field, my workshop helped empower and uplift the people drawn to what I had to offer. And news of the positive difference I made for these 8 professionals has already started to spread out into the world.

People Will Come

So if you hear an inner voice guiding you to create, build or do something special and yet frightened by the idea remember my story and the movie Field of Dreams. The universe has a way of prodding you in a direction for you to discover inner strengths you thought you never had.

You will also learn how to become more resourceful than ever and magnetize the people who will help make your dreams and goals come true. It all begins with trusting your inner voice and then believing with all your heart and soul you are on the right path!

NOTE TO MY LOYAL READERS:
During October I will be blogging only on Sundays in order to focus on new, exciting Motivatorman services!

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

Tip#295: Put On Your Captain’s Hat - Star Trek Generations

In the previous blog entry (tip#294) I wrote how I needed to solve an immediate financial challenge before the end of that workday. I am happy to say that I accomplished this task within 2 hours.

It was my optimistic mindset that allowed me to focus on taking command of my situation and truly KNOW I would solve my crisis. And I kept in mind of what was said in the film Apollo 13, "Failure is not an option."

The first step I took was to ask key contacts for advice. Then I looked at the obstacle in front of me and saw that I could divide it into smaller pieces and just deal with the one piece that was the true immediate goal to focus on. I took a calculated risk and made a proactive decision like the captain of any ship in a crisis.

Star Trek - Generations 1994

There is a scene in the movie Star Trek - Generations that demonstrates how to solve an immediate challenge. This was the 7th feature film based on the Star Trek TV series and it opened with Captain Kirk (William Shatner) as a guest aboard the maiden voyage of the new U.S.S. Enterprise-B.

They quickly receive a distress signal from ships needing immediate rescue caught within an energy storm in space. The new captain of the Enterprise is clearly inexperienced thus lacking the confidence to solve this crisis. Thankfully he is wise enough to ask Kirk for suggestions.

Kirk immediately suggests moving the Enterprise closer to the surviving ship to rescue the passengers. The new captain replies that this would put the Enterprise in the same energy storm that had trapped the other ships. Kirk says smiling...

"Risk is part of the game if you want to sit in that (captain's) chair."

I've often thought about this scene when faced with overwhelming obstacles in my career or life. It reminds me that dealing with unexpected change or crisis is about taking one small step at a time. And it's about taking a risk even when that one small step takes you into the unknown.

So remember that any obstacle, whether it's financial, career or life related, can be solved. Remember to ask for advice and assistance in your life or workplace when you are at a loss for answers. And know that risk is part of your life lessons. Risk is an important step to achieving success.

Put on your captain's hat today and feel your inner confidence take command!

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
Your Motivational Wingman!
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#294: Be Determined – The Blue Butterfly

Determined: Having one's mind made up; unwavering.

As I write this I am determined to solve a financial challenge before the end of working day today. This is where I will put into full practice everything I have been writing about in my blog. And that is to stay passionate, energized and believe in my optimistic mindset.

There comes a time in your life or career when you are faced with impossible barriers or roadblocks. Developing an optimistic mindset allows you to see this obstacle free of any negative emotions. It's because you have trained yourself to have faith in your abilities and be determined to overcome any challenge.

The Blue Butterfly

The movie The Blue Butterfly inspires determination and faith. Based on a true story, a Canadian boy named Pete is terminally ill with cancer and has one final wish to find a special butterfly called the Blue Morpho. His determination convinces one entomologist to take him into the jungles of Costa Rica.

At first the entomologist (William Hurt) refuses this boy's request but Pete never gave up asking. And even in the jungle when all seemed hopeless his faith was unwavering. He not only finds this magical butterfly he also leaves the jungle cured of his cancer.

The amazing thing is that this cure happened to the real boy (David Marenger). I like to believe that it was his faith in pursuing his dream that empowered his spirit, mind and body. It was his mindset that made the impossible become possible.

This movie and mindset concept is what I am going to think about to fill me with positive emotional energy and believe I will accomplish my goal for today. I have unwavering faith.

So remember that anything that appears impossible is only a mindset. Believe that you can transform these thoughts by being passionate about what you want in your life or career. Fill yourself with "feel good" energy and that will empower your positive mindset.

Be determined to go after what you want. I'll be rooting for you and so will others around you!

UPCOMING TORONTO WORKSHOP:
HOW TO PRESS PLAY WHEN YOU’RE STUCK ON PAUSE
Saturday, Oct, 3, 2009 1 – 4pm
See invitation for details: here

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

Tip#293: The 2nd Key to Success is Mindset – Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Mindset: A fixed mental attitude that predetermines a person's response to and interpretations of situations.

As mentioned in the previous tip#292 your passion is the fuel that energizes your drive towards success. Your mindset is what controls the direction and speed to that success. That's why learning to be mindful of how you think, act and react on a daily basis determines how fast you will achieve your success.

A positive mindset is something every single person must build in order to cultivate optimism, confidence, perseverance, persistence, determination, and resilience. For some these characteristics come easily and for others they must be developed.

For some, like myself, you may have to go deep within yourself to deprogram many years worth of old habits of debilitating thinking (see tip#271 and tip#286). This is a big part of why I write this blog, I love sharing the journey of how I am creating indestructible optimism. For you it may also take months or years but eventually YOU WILL become the master and commander of your own life, career or business.

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World 2003

The movie, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World features an inspiring hero with an outstanding mindset. Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) demonstrates what it takes to achieve success.

During the Napoleonic Wars of 1805, Captain Aubrey commands the British ship, HMS Surprise to battle a far superior ship called the Acheron. Aubrey's years of experience is what honed his optimistic mindset, determination and resilience. So when faced with unexpected challenges he is always in command of his thoughts, decisions and actions.

And his passion helped add to the inspiration of his loyal crew. Aubrey's compassion for every single crew member young and old was equal and unwavering. He shared his passion as much as he shared his knowledge, courage, confidence and all the other characteristics of a great leader.

Do A Mindset Check

So do your best to be the leader of your own life, career, job or business. Make it your daily goal to be mindful of your thoughts and actions. Learn to focus on the present moment so you feel in command of what you say and the actions you take.

Feed your mind with the myriad of motivational materials the world has to offer. Be inspired by successful individuals in the world of business, entertainment, sports or other heroes you may have. Learn about the positive mindsets they created for themselves that led them to their dreams and goals.

And remember you will always have your favourite movie heroes to mirror your hidden strengths and skills!

UPCOMING TORONTO WORKSHOP:
HOW TO PRESS PLAY WHEN YOU’RE STUCK ON PAUSE
Saturday, Oct, 3, 2009 1 – 4pm
See invitation for details: here

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

Tip#292: The 1st Key to Success is Living Your Passion – Mrs. Doubtfire

The key to success in your career and life centers on identifying and living your passions. What you love AND love to do is the core factor for magnetizing your dreams and goals.

I am excited to announce that I have designed a new website for Motivatorman.com. It was truly an eye-opening exercise in redefining my services and articulating a brand identity with even more sizzle. And it is the result of months of focusing my passion for how I can help others achieve their own dreams and goals. See website: www.motivatorman.com

A big thanks to everyone that's been advising me especially to a5MEDIA for the business brand analysis I received before the summer. Their expertise helped me look inwards at my "corporate soul" and think carefully about my original career goals and what I loved most about my profession. And since I have many passions I needed to take a passion check and identify the core of these passions.

Mrs. Doubtfire 1993

A movie with a strong underlying message about living your passions is Mrs. Doubtfire. Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) is an eccentric actor specializing in voicing cartoon characters. When he loses his job and experiences challenges as a separated father wanting to see more of his kids, Daniel becomes their nanny by transforming himself into an elderly British woman named Euphegenia Doubtfire.

The scene that exemplifies successful results from demonstrating your passion is when Daniel is working as a shipping clerk at a television studio. He secretly starts clowning around with toy dinosaurs on a TV show set unleashing his natural creative skills. His creative expression IS his passion.

The CEO of the television studio happens to be passing by and sees Daniel's passion in action. He loves what he sees so much that he offers Daniel a job hosting a children's TV show.

Do A Passion Check

So if you find yourself in a career transition or simply feeling stuck in your career or life it's time for you to do a passion check. It's time to take inventory of what you love and love doing and integrate it somehow into your career and life.

There are many ways to rediscover your passions. Look back at what you loved doing as a child and see if there are connections to what you are doing today either in your spare time or at work.

Look at the topics of your favourite magazines and newspaper sections you are compelled to read on a regular basis. Be aware of your favourite websites that you are compelled to go to on a daily or weekly basis. These are examples of passions!

Your passions and personal interests hold the key to a career and life you will truly enjoy. Take a step today to identify something you love to do.

UPCOMING TORONTO WORKSHOP:
HOW TO PRESS PLAY WHEN YOU’RE STUCK ON PAUSE
Saturday, Oct, 3, 2009 1 – 4pm
See invitation for details: here

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

Tip#291: Persevere and Find Your Hidden Strengths – The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

The Toronto International Film Festival has just ended for 2009 and I was sick in bed the entire week. And though you might think it was a slow period I was actually very active researching a stronger business model and fine-tuning my business identity.

At least I was able to watch live TV coverage of the movie stars being interviewed here in Toronto. I saw Drew Barrymore talk about her directorial debut of her movie Whip It. It was inspiring to hear her say she'd been looking for a movie she was passionate about to direct for 10 years. She said it was worth the wait saying, "Slow and steady wins the race."

Thankfully I had a friend and colleague who invited me to one film festival film on the last day. I was able to pull myself out for what turned out to be an exciting gala opening at the Winter Garden Theatre. Fans outside were screaming for the East Indian stars coming in and later the cast and crew were on stage to present the movie.

The film was called Road, Movie and is indeed a road movie set in India. It's a story about a young man named Vishnu (Abhay Deol) on a journey to drive his uncle's fanciful truck that is an old traveling movie theatre. Along the way he not only meets supportive characters he also finds his inner strengths.

The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy

I was later reminded of The Lord Of The Rings movies and how Frodo Baggins (Elijah Woods) had a goal to deliver a magic ring to a far off destination. Along the way he too meets supportive characters that help him on his quest that stretches into a long, perilous adventure.

By the end of the trilogy Frodo demonstrates courage, resilience and leadership qualities. Much like Vishnu in Road, Movie they both face nasty people, struggle through desolate lands and periods of having no food or water. Whatever happened they persevered.

All these parallels made me think about my own journey of my career transition and how long it has been in stabilizing my finances. Drew Barrymore's message ended up being extremely meaningful, timely and inspiring...

"Slow and steady wins the race."

So if you are on a journey yourself that seems to stretching out much longer than you ever imagined remember to persevere. Remember all of your movie heroes who found their inner courage, resilience and leadership skills along their own struggles.

Learn to be the leader and hero of your own life story in order to face the challenges that block your path. That's what movie heroes are there for. They are there to mirror your hidden strengths and abilities!

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

Tip#290: The Power of Sharing On Facebook – Oprah’s Flash Mob Dance – Be Kind Rewind

Social media like Facebook and blogging will amaze you with how social networking can connect you with people around the world instantly. Most importantly it can energize and open your mind to a new world of communicating.

2012 Comment on Facebook

Two examples happened recently about how social media increased opportunities for sharing my interests and skills. I recently received a Facebook comment on my 2012 song video from a teenager who didn't find my song very positive despite the positive lyrics. I then sent him a link to my blog post (tip#223: Embrace an Optimistic Future) that will hopefully help him develop a more optimistic mindset.

So, through social media I shared something meaningful to me (my 2012 song video) and attracted someone who did not agree and yet was seeking guidance. Through social networking I was able to share my motivational skills to make a difference in his life. Read Facebook comments: here

Oprah's Flash Mob Dance

The other example was the link I shared on my Facebook wall. I posted the video of the stunning flash mob dance on Oprah's opening show for her 24th season. If you are ever having a bad start to your day you must see this video of 21,000 people dancing in unison! It will lift your spirits into the stratosphere and beyond! See: Flash mob dance video

Social media allowed this video to be available for the world to see who missed this live event (like I did) and share it with your own contacts. When I shared this video I instantly received several comments thanking me for posting the video. And now I am sharing it on this blog which may be forwarded to even more people!

Be Kind Rewind

One movie that inspires the power of social media and spirit of social networking is the comedy Be Kind Rewind starring Jack Black. In the story all the VHS tapes of a video store get destroyed so two friends decide to re-create the movie Ghost Busters so one customer can watch it on video.

The concept sounds crazy but that one video starts to circulate through word-of-mouth buzz and creates such a massive interest with other customers that they demand more movies made in the same, crude fashion as Ghost Busters.

What ends up happening is the entire neighbourhood becomes involved in the film-making process. They become part of the passion they were initially attracted to generated by that first video.

That's what social media is all about. It's about expressing what is meaningful to you and the meaningful connections you make. It's about sharing your knowledge, information, skills and gifts that can make a difference in other people's lives.

So discover the power of sharing on Facebook. It will help you connect with like-minded people around the world. It will activate your optimistic mindset and see the value of this important new world of networking.

Most of all social media is a way to connect with individuals so fast that it will seem like magic!

Join me now on:
Facebook

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

Tip#289: Are You Having Fun? - Bandidas

Despite the challenges and problems you face remember to focus on the bright side of life. Training yourself a little every day to have fun and feel good helps you achieve this optimistic mindset.

For the first time in years I recently indulged in the joy of Pillsbury chocolate chip cookies. To my delight they were just as delicious as I remembered as a kid. The warm crispness and chocolaty textures sent my feelings soaring. And being conscious of these positive feelings at these heightened moments will make a world of difference in your life.

Becoming aware of every activity that makes you feel good trains your mind to accept more feel good energy and thoughts into your life. Over time your thought patterns alter so your mindset defaults to an optimistic point of view.

Bandidas

A movie that was all about good old fashion fun was the western comedy Bandidas starring Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek. The story is about 2 Mexican women who join forces in turn-of-the-century Mexico to help their people against a cruel, murderous US land baron (Dwight Yokum).

And despite that dark description this movie is full of light. There was a sense of fun that permeates the story and all the characters. In fact it looks as if all actors had a ball making this movie. For example it was fun seeing Cruz and Hayek argue about who was a better kisser by demonstrating their techniques on a man they had tied up to question.

The lightness saturating this film is a great example of that necessary fun you must have every day of your life. Keeping fun alive is the key to enjoying the ups and down of your journey.

So do your best to be conscious of activities that bring you joy. Watch a favourite movie that you've always loved. Close your eyes and enjoy the taste of a favourite childhood treat. And if you are feeling down let yourself indulge in this childhood favourite to activate your positive emotional energy.

It's fun to feel good! What will you do today to have some fun?

"People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing."
Dale Carnegie

"We've got to learn hard things in our lifetime, but it's love that gives you the strength. It's being nice to people and having a lot of fun and laughing harder than anything, hopefully every single day of your life."
Drew Barrymore

"Fun is good."
Dr. Suess

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

Tip#288: The Key to Happiness, Part 1 – Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

You can find many inspiring quotes about the key to happiness from successful people around the world. And yet it can be exhilarating to discover them unexpectedly just by watching a movie!

One of the primary skills I teach professionals is how to build an optimistic mindset. It's the ability to recognize the hidden benefits within the blocks they face in their career or life. This especially applies to movies because even a lackluster film can contain a silver lining or gift for you.

And you will know when that special movie moment happens. You feel it. It may be a scene that mirrors a challenge you are currently facing. Or it is something the movie hero says that tugs on your heart or resonates in your mind. That is the moment the universe speaks directly to you through the magic of cinema.

Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian

The movie, Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian is an example of a movie that isn't so great but has a great movie message. The film is a sequel that follows former night watchman Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) in another adventure in a museum where the wax figures and artifacts all come to life at night.

The film also features historical figures such as Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams) and Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams). The motivating message that comes is initiated by Roosevelt at the beginning when he is about to tell Larry the key to happiness. Unfortunately he is unable to finish his sentence.

Amelia then plants the seeds of the answer to Larry throughout their adventures together in the Smithsonian museum. By the end of the film he reunites with Roosevelt and says about the key to happiness...

"I think I figured it out. It's doing what you love. With people you love."

That was a powerful statement that was the silver lining of the movie for me. The key to happiness is doing what you love with people that you love. And that can apply to both your personal life and your career.

So keep an open mind when it comes to movies that have received negative reviews or bad word-of-mouth. If you are compelled to see a movie it is because the universe is leading you to a resource that can empower your thoughts and re-energize your heart.

Build yourself an optimistic mindset. The messages and answers you seek are always nearby. Even in the movies!

"Happiness only real when shared."
Into The Wild

"You and I, we know the secret to life. It’s butter."
Last Holiday

Related Tips:
Tip#288: The Key to Happiness, Part 1 – Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian 
Tip#792: The Key to Happiness, Part 2 - Hector and the Search for Happiness

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

Tip#287: Activate Your Innate Courage – The Tale of Despereaux

Courage: The state of mind or quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear.

It's been sunny for days here in Toronto. I've had a great week and a fantastic start to my business for the fall season. Speaker bookings have been flowing and new clients have been initiated. Opportunities continue to come my way. And despite a challenging summer it's due to tapping into my innate mindset of optimism and courage.

We are all born with positive mindsets that just need to be activated. The challenge is that most of us were programmed at an early age NOT accept or express the power within us. We were NOT encouraged to be the strong, courageous souls that we truly are.

That's why there are many motivational resources available to help encourage you to be the best you can be. Reprogramming your mind with resources like the ones I've been using (see tip#271: Getting To The Core) is the key to achieving the success you desire. Thankfully we also have cinematic role models to help remind you of your hidden strengths and abilities.

The Tale of Despereaux

Based on a children's fantasy book, The Tale of Despereaux is an animated film with a fantastic cinematic role model in the title hero. Despereaux is a young mouse who was born fearless and with his eyes literally wide-open to the world's wonders.

While other mice were expected to be fearful of life, Despereaux feared nothing. In fact all the adult mice were so worried about his "unusual" situation that they embark on programming him to "cower". This absurdity punctuates the sad truth of what happens to humans consciously or unconsciously growing up.

But as the narrator says, though he was small even by mice standards, in his own mind Despereaux was a giant. This is a great message for the visualizing techniques you can learn to unleash your inner strengths. Picture what it is that you want and believe it deeply despite what others tell you.

So activate your innate courage to face your challenges and fears. You were born with courage. Activate your optimistic mindset that allows you to SEE the positives in the negatives in front of you. You have what it takes inside you to move forward with confidence.

Remember that success begins with your thoughts so that's where the steps to success begins. Think courageous thoughts and YOU ARE courageous!

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

Tip#286: Face Your Dark Side - Revolver

Ego: In psychoanalysis, the division of the psyche that is conscious, most immediately controls thought and behavior, and is most in touch with external reality.

More unusual synchronicities have happened to me recently. On my way to a friend's home via a streetcar I looked out the right-hand windows and saw a thick, dark sky with billowing storm clouds. Out the left-hand windows I saw a perfectly clear and gorgeous blue sky with pillowy white clouds. The contrast was staggering.

Later as I sat in my friend's living room he commented on how strange the sunlight was peeking through his curtains and covering only half of my face. I realized the universe was mirroring to me a deep, important message about the light and dark sides to myself.

I knew this dark side had to do with the negative talk going on in my head. Everyone has these voices and they either support your decisions or they fuel your fears and talk you out of doing what you truly desire. Some call it your ego.

Last year I was introduced to a book by Dr. Shad Helmstetter called
What to Say When you Talk To Yourself which opened my eyes (and inner ears!) to the negative talk in my head. I realized that this is how my subconscious fears build roadblocks to my dreams and goals (see tip#271).

Thankfully I realized all I needed to do was find the courage to face the dark parts of myself and my ego and announce that I was the one IN CONTROL!

Revolver

A powerful movie that reflects how the movie hero faces his dark side is Revolver by director Guy Ritchie. It stars Jason Statham as a con artist named Jake who finds himself caught in a game that forces him to question the source of all his problems in life.

This visually stylish and complex movie about con games will literally have your head spinning because it is designed to crack open your current mindset about the illusions in your life.

NOTE: This film is not for everyone. It's definitely for those individuals who have reached a place in their life where they are willing to let go of everything they thought was real and the truth. It is for anyone who has been on a long path of deep personal development and open to the inspiring revelations about ego.

This movie may test your patience and even confuse you at first. So do your best to keep watching until the very end because the key to dealing with your dark side will be handed to you.

It takes courage to let go of everything you thought was real and true in your life. And if you have tried everything to overcome your challenges then you get to a place where you have nothing to lose.

This is where you face the dark sides of yourself. This is where you realize how powerful your thoughts really are. And no matter what happens always remember that YOU are always in CONTROL.

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

Tip#285: Focus On Inner Beauty - Shallow Hal

This weekend marks the end of what will be a very memorable summer. There has been unusual weather patterns capping off with surprise tornadoes north of Toronto. And for me, my life's training for maintaining an indestructible mindset continued successfully in a summer full of urgency and action for maintaining my business. Yes I was dealing with my own career tornadoes!

One of the recent resources helping me stay positive were 2 new video clips circulating online from motivational guru Tony Robbins. For whatever reasons Robbins was not a big influence in my life or career until I saw these video interviews he did with young, self-made millionaires. They talked about the mindsets necessary to stay determined and increase momentum towards your dreams and goals.

1) See Tony Robbins interview: with John Reese
2) See Tony Robbins interview: with John Reese and Frank Kern

These videos energized my determination and also made me remember my first exposure to Robbins when he appeared in the movie Shallow Hal. I watched it again recently and found that I not only laughed and enjoyed this unique, romantic comedy but found many motivational messages as well.

Shallow Hal

The film Shallow Hal is made by the Farrelly brothers whose comedies are usually a unique blend of unabashed humour and strong messages for the heart. This movie follows the transformation of Hal (Jack Black) from having an extremely shallow view about women to focusing on their inner beauty.

This is initiated by an encounter with Tony Robbins (playing himself) while trapped in an elevator. Robbins gives some simple and powerful advice to deprogram Hal's shallow attitude thus giving him the gift of seeing into the heart of women he soon meets.

The movie features several characters using prosthetic make-up to either show the inner beauty Hal sees or how they actually look in real-life. Gwyneth Paltrow is amazing both in how she is first viewed by Hal and when she is in her obese prosthetics. There are also several characters with real-life medical conditions that make them stand out physically. They really help drive the point home that despite what people first see they ALL have beautiful personalities.

So be inspired to see beyond the physical of every person you meet. Focus on the inner beauty of everyone around you. Doing so helps transform your mindset into indestructible optimism. You will learn to see the positives in the pre-perceived negatives of your life or career.

Remember, it takes time to build an optimistic mindset and all you have to do is DO SOMETHING once a day to see the silver lining in your challenges. And look for the good in the challenging persons you encounter. That's your challenge for today!

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

Tip#284: Failure Is Not An Option – Apollo 13

Being in a crisis is the ultimate test for you to unleash all your dormant strengths within you. You just have to believe that failure is NOT an option.

I've recently experienced the strangest series of synchronicities revolving around the movie Apollo 13. I was first inspired by someone's enthusiasm for the film and wanted to finally see it. But it wasn’t easy.

Here's what happened:

• Bought a new DVD of Apollo 13 but wouldn't play on my DVD player. First time this has happened. Cleaned it several times and player couldn't even read the disc.

• Exchanged DVD with another new disk. It played for several minutes and then started to pixelate and freeze. Again, cleaned the disk several times but kept starting and stopping.

• At this point felt there was a deeper meaning. Not meant to watch it now? Or maybe I'm meant to see the movie with someone.

• Decided to see movie at my money/wealth guru friend's home a few days later. Happily, it played for about 90 minutes and then started to freeze just like before. My friend said this has never happened before on his DVD player.

• We tried to fast forward beyond the frozen section of the movie and ejected the disk several times, cleaning it and still couldn’t get past the frozen chapter. That chapter was number 13.

• We had just seen the scene with the famous quote, "Failure is not an option." So we were determined to somehow finish the movie!

• My friend and I persevered and kept a positive mindset just like the events in the movie. It was incredible how synchronistic our challenges were in trying to finish this movie with the events of the characters of Apollo 13 trying to get the astronauts home.

• Amazingly, after pausing to build our positivity, the DVD began to play again. It continued to pixelate and freeze periodically but we made it to the end. It was the most excruciating viewing of a DVD I've ever had experienced and yet we made it home. Just like the astronauts in the movie.

Apollo 13

This may be the most unusual blog entry on how a movie motivates because the lessons of Apollo 13 were being played out in real time while trying to watch this movie! Everyone from the 3 astronauts of Apollo 13 to the people at mission control became heroes for demonstrating a positive attitude, optimism, teamwork, perseverance, resilience, adaptability and resourcefulness.

Flight director Gene Kranz (Ed Harris) was inspiring with his indestructible optimism and astronaut Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks) was amazing as a leader who’s intention and vision got his entire team home.

So whenever you are faced with a crisis remember the power of positive thinking. Remember to focus your mind on moving forward with optimism and determination. Remember you are never alone and that there is always a solution. Failure is NOT an option!

NOTE:
One last meaningful coincidence. This blog entry demonstrates the incredible connections with the number 13. It extends even more to my tip#13 where I wrote about how I first met someone under a series of 13's. That person was the one I ended up watching Apollo 13 with! (cue Twilight Zone theme)

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