A Little Inspiration Goes A Long Way

Take two hours to adjust your attitude and jumpstart your career

Most of us look forward to those lazy, hazy days of summer. Sometimes we get lucky. Sometimes, particularly here in the Northeast, we don’t.

The next time Mother Nature rains on your parade don’t despair. Instead view that that rainy summer Sunday as an opportunity to grow. Spend a couple of hours with a great movie and you just may change more than your afternoon.

Before you discount this idea, consider this. Not long ago I heard Bryan Mattimore* and Gary Fraser, co-founders of The Growth Engine Company, speak about developing creativity in the workplace. One of the exercises they talked about was having employees watch Remember the Titans while traveling to a company event. They used the movie to help everyone get ready to work as a team.

Wow! Sounds like Media Therapy to me. Remember that old saying, when you get lemons make lemonade. Turn your next rainy afternoon into a growth opportunity. Here are a few films to get you started.

Erin Brockovich — As the movie’s tagline says “She brought a small town to its feet and a huge company to its knees.” What they don’t mention is that in the process she manages to transform her own life. And earn the respect she always wanted.

Finding Forrester — Many successful women say that having a mentor has helped them immeasurably. But despite all this talk, what’s rarely mentioned is how mentoring benefits the mentor. Which is one of the overriding themes of this movie.

Music of the Heart — Based on a documentary, the film tells the story of a woman who manages to get her life back and achieve a lifelong dream. Along the way, she happens to change the lives of many of her students as well.

Remember the Titans — Not just about football, this movie illustrates the benefits of being part of a cohesive team. And provides a couple of tips on how to create one. Hint: get to know each other, learn to appreciate your differences.

Sliding Doors — While the prevailing theme is how a tiny twist of fate can change your life, the movie is also about what you can do when you believe in yourself. When you have people who encourage you to take control of your life and be everything you want to be.

Working Girl — Next time you need some motivation, inspiration or just a small kick in the pants, stop by the video store and pick up a copy. Whether you’re working for a large company or out on your own you’ll pick up several principles of business success.

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