Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Tip#321: What Do You Want? – The Devil Wears Prada


Based on a Gallup poll the No. 1 reason people quite their jobs is because of a bad boss. It takes courage to leave a job you are not enjoying. And yet the only spark needed to ignite action is to really know what you want.

In the previous blog article (see tip#320) I wrote about the thought-provoking messages of the movie Up In The Air. George Clooney's character, Ryan, was a mirror for me in that he showed me what I DIDN'T want in my career. His whole existence was about flying constantly alone all over the US and not cultivating any meaningful relationships.

What the movie helped me see is that I want to share the adventure of my business and career with others. What I want is to enjoy my job with people I enjoy working with. Life is too short to waste flying solo AND on negative individuals or energy stealers.

The Devil Wears Prada 2006

The movie The Devil Wears Prada can help show you what you want and don't want in a career or job. Andrea (Anne Hathaway) is an aspiring journalist fresh out of university who lands a coveted position as a junior personal assistant to the editor-in-chief of a famous fashion magazine.

The challenge is that her boss, Miranda Priestly, (Meryl Streep) is a boss from hell! She is demanding, rude, controlling and condescending. However, Andrea puts up with relentless abuse because she believes the position is a stepping stone for her real passion of journalism.

Over time Andrea begins to let the fashion world transform her into something not aligned with her true self. And though she excels at her job she finally chooses to abruptly leave Miranda during an important fashion event when she realizes what she wants. And what she wants is NOT to become like her boss.

See the Benefits

So see the benefits of negative people around you. They can help you identify what you DON'T WANT in a job or career. Let them help you realize what you DO WANT. That is the benefit of movies with antagonistic characters or villains. They are there to help mirror the path you can choose NOT to travel on.

Ultimately it is your job to emulate the positive role models that demonstrate the future you desire. Celebrate all your favourite cinematic role models and real-life heroes around the world. They knew what they wanted and took action to get it. If they can do it so can you!

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
Social Media Consultant
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

2 comments:

Candice Frederick said...

you know, i always say the last reason i'd ever leave a job is because of someone, rather than what i think is a better reason--because of something. but in the end you always learn what you do and do not want in situations lke this.

Head Health Nutter said...

This is a great blog post for a great movie!

It's really a shift in thinking, isn't it? From the negative to the positive. But not through denying the negative, but transforming it. Thanks, Emmanuel, for reminding us of the silver-lining once again! :)

I also loved your personal message, the lessons you learned from Up In The Air. It's all about collaboration these days! And why not? Who wants to go on this journey of life alone?

Perhaps that was what Miranda felt when Andrea left to pursue her dreams?

Steph @ Live Lighter.org