10 Movies to Boost Productivity and Motivation
- Productivity
Zach- 13 minutes read
How often have you watched a movie that motivates you to take action? Is work wearing you down? Does your to-do list seem impossible? Avoid burnout and take a break, and while you’re resting watching something inspirational to boost productivity and creativity. Here are 10 movies to boost productivity and motivation.
The Pursuit Of Happyness (2006)
A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he’s poised to begin a life-changing professional career.
Creative Lessons
Life will sometimes be tough. Never give up.
Believe in yourself, even when others don’t.
- “Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream. You gotta protect it. When people can’t do something themselves, they’re gonna tell you that you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period.”
Spread happiness even when you’re going through hard times.
The road to happiness is full of setbacks.
Yes Man (2008)
A man challenges himself to say “yes” to everything.
Creative Lessons
Live life by saying YES to overcome fears.
Saying yes leads to new opportunities to get outside your comfort zone and overcome fears.
- “You’re dead, Carl. You say “no” to life, and therefore, you’re not living.”
You’re never too old to play.
- “The world’s a playground. You know that when you are a kid, but somewhere along the way, everyone forgets it.”
Life isn’t just about saying yes or no. It’s about sharing experiences and what you have to give to the world.
- “The old Carl didn’t think he was enough for anybody. I thought if I said yes to things, and got involved with people, then sooner or later, they’d find out I’m not enough. I didn’t think I had anything to share. But now I know that what I have to share is pretty huge, and I want to share it with you.”
Don’t let your past control you. Embrace change.
Pumping Iron (1977)
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno face off in a no-holds-barred competition for the title of Mr. Olympia in this critically-acclaimed film that made Schwarzenegger a household name.
Creative Lessons
Always strive to be better.
- “The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides the champion from someone else who is not a champion. That’s what most people lack, having the guts to go on and just say they’ll go through the pain no matter what happens.”
Believe in yourself. Confidence is key to success.
- “Never feel sorry for yourself. Remember, if you are training hard, he may be training twice as hard. You just gotta keep coming back stronger.”
Block out negativity.
- “If you want to be a champion, you cannot have any sort of negative force coming in and affecting you.”
Dead Poet Society (1989)
Maverick teacher John Keating uses poetry to embolden his boarding school students to new heights of self-expression.
Creative Lessons
Make the most of the present moment.
- “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”
Creativity can change the world.
- “No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.”
- “Poetry, beauty, romance, love… these are what we stay alive for.”
Patience is not the enemy of productivity.
- “There is a time for daring, and there is a time for caution. And a wise man understands which is called for.”
Think outside the box for creativity and self-discovery.
- “We must constantly look at things in a different way.”
- “You must strive to find your own voice.”
Limitless (2011)
With the help of a mysterious pill that enables the user to access 100% of his brain abilities, a struggling writer becomes a financial wizard, but it also puts him in a new world with lots of dangers.
Creative Lessons
There is no magic pill for success.
For better productivity, clear your mind.
- “I wasn’t high, wasn’t wired, just clear. I knew what I had to do, and I knew how to do it.”
Master a growth mindset with good questions.
Live life proactively.
Freedom Writers (2007)
A young teacher inspires her class of at-risk students to learn tolerance, apply themselves and pursue education beyond high school.
Creative Lessons
We all have the opportunity to make a difference with the people whose lives we touch.
Whatever your situation, you can draw on your own creativity to improve your life and others.
Overcome adversity through creativity.
Find empowerment and self-worth through self-expression.
Peaceful Warrior (2006)
Based on a book by the same name, Dan Millman is a gifted athlete whose desire for success drives everything he does. When a mysterious stranger opens Dan’s eyes to a new vision of strength and understanding, the Olympic hopeful finds that he still has much to learn and more sacrifices to make.
Creative Lessons
There are no ordinary moments.
Be present in the moment.
- Where are you? …. HERE.
- What time is it? … NOW.
- What are you? … THIS MOMENT.
Love what you do
- “The warrior does not give up what he loves, Dan. He finds the love in what he does.” – Socrates (Nick Nolte)
- “The accident is your training. Life is a choice. You can choose to be a victim or anything else you’d like to be.” — Socrates (Nick Nolte)
You control yourself. Master you.
Don’t pin your success on outcomes.
A warrior acts; only a fool reacts.
Knowledge is not the same as wisdom. Knowledge is knowing — Wisdom is doing.
You’ll never be better than anybody, the same way you’ll never be any less.
The Bucket List (2007)
Two terminally ill men escape from a cancer ward and head off on a road trip with a wish list of to-dos before they die.
Creative Lessons
Find the joy and make it contagious.
- “You know, the ancient Egyptians had a beautiful belief about death. When their souls got to the entrance to heaven, the guards asked two questions. Their answers determined whether they were able to enter or not. ‘Have you found joy in your life?’ ‘Has your life brought joy to others?'”
Don’t let fear stop you from following your dreams.
Be grateful for what you have.
It’s never too late to start living.
Mulan (1998)
To save her father from death in the army, a young maiden secretly goes in his place and becomes one of China’s greatest heroines in the process.
Creative Lessons
Be your best, despite the odds.
- “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.”
Everything happens in its own time.
- “My, my, what beautiful blossoms we have this year. But look! This one’s late. But I’ll bet that when it blooms, it will be the most beautiful of all.”
Don’t be afraid to be yourself.
Take charge of your own destiny.
- “I have to do something.”
Anyone can make a difference.
- “A Single Grain Of Rice Can Tip The Scale. One Man May Be The Difference Between Victory And Defeat.”
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
A smart but sensible new graduate lands a job as an assistant to Miranda Priestly, the demanding editor-in-chief of a high fashion magazine.
Creative Lessons
Have your priorities in order.
Don’t be afraid to take chances.
Always walk into a room with confidence.
Build a thick skin. Ignore the haters.
Always do your research.
Know your worth.
Zach is an international writer, photographer, filmmaker, martial artist, and creator of Creative Enso, the Zen art of creative living. His goal is to empower and inspire creatives to live healthier, happier, and more creative lifestyles.
