Alright, so I know you’re busy and have a ton of stuff on your plate… who doesn’t?
But really… you can’t be so terribly busy that you can say no to watching a few great movies for your weekly dose of R and R can you? (Don’t answer that, just watch them anyway!)
And yes, I know I’m demanding.
I understand that you may have a lot weighing on your mind these days, what with your new business venture and that little fiasco with your outsourcers. (Oh wait… that might have been me…)
Then again, you shouldn’t be wearing yourself too thin. Remember that recent post I did on the importance of “Me Time”? Perhaps you should refresh your memory and read it again. Maybe even three times for good measure!
Regardless, right now my prescription for your current case of workaholicism is to go buy an original DVD of these 5 movies ASAP to inspire you in your work. Then I command you to watch them again and again as needed.
I did admit I was demanding!
Now, stay with me here because at first… these movies might not seem like your standard-issue how-to movies for entrepreneurs. But I assure you that every title in this list will help you get yourself back on track and renew your sense of inspiration and entrepreneurial spirit.
Trust me, they’ll be like downing a bottle of liquid vitamins, or drinking a can of Red Bull… you’ll be energized and smiling by the time it’s over!
And besides, if you really, truly want to relax… why watch something that’s all business? You gotta let business go once in awhile.
That said… here’s my top five fave movie picks for crazy entrepreneurs like you and me. Enjoy!
Man… I really love that Leonardo DiCaprio guy in this movie. If you ask me, he played his role better here than in Titanic (which was a huge hit for sure, but… it was all about Rose!)
Catch Me If You Can is all about this brilliant and funky master forger and pretender by the name of ___. (Don’t want to spoil it too much.)
He was so good at what he was doing that he fooled everyone—the FBI, his bosses, his girlfriends, the whole lot of them. And while he could have put his smarts to legitimate use, he chose to participate in a variety of illicit activities instead. (I know… illicit is WAY more fun, so I get the compulsion!)
Bottom line is he got caught by the authorities, but when they realized how incredibly brilliant he was they decided to hire him to help spot counterfeit forgeries, from documents to passports to money to impostors. He had finally stumbled upon a way to put his talent to good use!
And no, this movie isn’t about doing illegal things first before going legit—it’s all about finding your special knack and working hard to improve upon it. If you know in your gut that you’re made to be an entrepreneur and not work for “The Man”… then act on it already! LISTEN to your gut!
Always, always, ALWAYS… listen to your gut and focus on your strengths. That’s the moral of this little tale, at least in my opinion.
OK, now who doesn’t know love-stricken, lonely-hearted Jamal and his sob-turned-success story? The first time I watched this movie, I marvelled at how a person’s dreams can be reached by the simple combination of hope, persistence and courage.
If Jamal were a businessman, I thought to myself, I’m sure he would’ve made more than the one million he won in the game show. I think that those three personal qualities found in the body of one person are more than enough to ensure that they enjoy a lifetime of success and entrepreneurial adventure.
And you’d have to agree that the guy had guts to go against all the odds. Jamal, the tea-walla at a call center, daring to try his luck at a million-dollar game! If little Jamal can make the impossible happen, surely you as an entrepreneur can too with a little luck and a lot of hard work… wouldn’t you say?
Little Women may be an old movie; a classic that is more appropriate for the fifty-year old and above crowd, but it really got me thinking about the benefits of relying on yourself and your own devices during hard times.
For the busy entrepreneur, a little creativity and a dash of fun never hurt anybody. Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy were girls who thought out of the box and far ahead of their time when they started their own newspaper together.
It was the concrete product of childhood fantasies, sure, but it also reflected their ability to do something other than mope about their dire situation… by taking action and focusing their creative energies towards a productive endeavour.
While the sisters never got to make money off their little paper, it was a fun way for them to do what they really loved.
And if right now you’re thinking that you would be a lot happier if you quit your J.O.B. and started your own business or entrepreneurial adventure… chances are good that it’s the perfect path for you.
Remember… I’m a big fan of gut feelings, you know!
The Nightmare before Christmas
(Okay, so now you also know that I have a pretty diverse taste in movies. I’m the same about music too, so don’t get me started!)
I’m sure you remember Jack Skellington, that big bony skull with a grin stretching from one pale corner of his face to another. What I do admire about this character is his ability to pursue his ideas despite all the problems and challenges that blocked his way. And really, you gotta give him props when it came to translating his ideas into workable solutions and real answers!
If there’s anything more you need to know about Jack the Pumpkin King, it’s his ability to plan out all his actions carefully and way ahead of time. He works on a tight schedule, knows how to manage his people well, and is a great communicator. Perfect entrepreneurial material. And besides… he’s just the man! He rocks!
Of course, it’d be pretty shoddy if I didn’t end this list with a really chipper and feel-good movie suggestion for you. And while Mamma Mia! is the only movie in my list that directly touches on the topic of managing your own business, it does so with a certain flair and cuteness that you just can’t help but enjoy.
This Abba-themed movie musical is refreshing and insightful in so many ways. It shows you how with only creative and persistent management an entrepreneur can keep business afloat. It also gives a whole new meaning to the equation of hard work plus good cheer equals success.
But, despite all the solo work that Meryll Streep’s character has given the island hotel, there are times when you just can’t hack it alone and you need someone to give you a little helping hand on occasion. I know I do, how about you?
Warm regards,
AKA k0zm0zs0ul