Have you ever watched a movie and heard a character say something that affected you personally? Not only about the meaning within the film, but how it relates to your own life? Movies can have nuggets of incredible wisdom that can inspire and motivate your way of thinking. 

Don’t let people dictate what you can have in life

“Don’t ever let somebody tell you, you can’t do something, not even me. Alright? You gotta dream? You gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you, you can’t do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.”

  – Will Smith as Chris Gardner in The Pursuit of Happiness

In the movie The Pursuit of Happiness, Will Smith’s character tells his son to stop wasting time playing basketball because he didn’t make it himself. After a pause, Will Smith makes a point to his son to not let anyone kill his dreams. This can be a great quote to remember within our own personal and professional lives. We should keep working and fighting towards what we truly want out of life and not let anyone get in our way to success.

Only you can keep yourself going to get your goals and be a success

” You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.”

 -Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa in Rocky Balboa

In the film Rocky Balboa, after Rocky’s son complains about an upcoming fight Rocky is involved in, he tells his son that in life, obstacles arise that will challenge your resolve and motivation. It is up to you to be up to the challenge and rise to the occasion. Success is a long road of work, and you need to motivate yourself to keep going to win. Take this advice to heart whenever you deal with hardships in achieving your goals.

Take time to enjoy the moment before it passes by

“Life moves pretty fast, you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!”

-Matthew Broderick as Ferris Bueller in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

At the end of the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Ferris barely avoids getting caught after playing hooky at school to have a day off he will never forget. Our time is not everlasting on this earth, and it is essential to seize the day. This quote doesn’t just mean skipping school or work, but rather to take advantage of the moments life gives you before it passes you by. You never know what will happen next, so make sure you take time to enjoy life’s little things.

Keep a positive mindset and seek the help of others when needed

“But you know, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light. ”

 -Sir Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Professor Dumbledore welcomes the school back for another scholar year. He then warns the students about the Dementors, a creature that feeds on happiness. Dumbledore then tells the students that you can get through the worst of times if you remember to keep your head up, seek those who are your light and be positive to overcome your troubles. Family and friends can help you even in the worst of times.

You can often find hidden, personal meanings within movies that can be applied to life. These are just a few examples that inspiration and motivation can be found anywhere, as long as you care to look for it!