Besides the Dark Knight, the summer movie season wasn’t as great as it has been in the past. A lot of the movie executives want to blame the decline of theater attendance on the internet and pirated material. 
But they’re missing the biggest contributing factor; their selves. They need to take responsibility. Most of the problems arise from them.
Here are a few of the reasons why movies are hurting and how these same mistakes can damage your own success.
Profit over passion
Sure, there are many great movies that come out each year, but it seems the studios are pushing quantity over quality.
If you want to succeed in business and in life, you can’t be in something solely for the money. Passion must be first and foremost.
Not being open to others, especially newcomers
Studios are extremely difficult places to get your foot in the door. They don’t want to deal with new people or with new material. This is damaging to the future of Hollywood.
Some of the greatest ideas come from people who are detached from the inner circle. When you succeed, give everyone an opportunity to express themselves, even the rookies. You never know what or who will be the next big thing.
Not trying new things
This goes along with quantity over quality. Studios just want to keep pumping out the same type of stories that made them great returns 25 years ago, because they don’t want to take a risk. But this is a huge risk compared to trying new things never done before.
Many writers, artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs fall in this trap. They succeed with one project and then they try to “photocopy” both the idea and its success. Sometimes they do succeed again, but this photocopying can never sustain itself. Don’t be afraid to do something you’ve never tried before or aren’t known for. If you fail, then you try something new. If you succeed, then you try something new still.
Resisting change
If studio execs think the internet is to blame then why don’t they take control and embrace it? When you can’t beat them, you’ve got to join them. The studios are just resistant to change.
Change is inevitable but it can be extremely beneficial. It gives you an opportunity to improve from past failures and move forward. Embrace change and harness its power.
With the excitement for the new Indiana Jones movie mounting I thought I’d reflect on some life lessons Indiana has offered besides the timeless entertainment and action.
1. Study up first
Before Indy set out on any adventures he was a professor with plenty of knowledge about archeology, history, and foreign lands. If you’re interested in starting a new business, new career, or even a new hobby, you should hit the books first. Read as many books, magazines, and internet articles as you possibly can. Learn from others and their mistakes, so that you can avoid the same pitfalls.
2. Know your weakness
“Snakes. Why’d it have to be snakes?” Indiana knew exactly what his biggest fear and weakness was. Know what yours are as well. Learn how to work around them or conquer these fears.
3. Have your own image
The whip, hat, and the rest of Indy’s outfit is unique to him. When you see it, you instantly think of him. Don’t conform to everyone else. Have your own style, opinions, and personality.
4. Keep your eye on the prize
In Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana is approaching the golden idol. He’s unaware of anything around him. He sees his goal and nothing is going to stop him achieving it, not even a giant rolling boulder. Even when things get tough in business and/or life, you have to think of the future and what you’re going to get from your struggles. Entrepreneurs become successful because they keep the thought of being free to do what they want in their mind. Medical students make it through all those years of education because they know they’ll be helping ill people in the future.
5. Be ordinary, yet extraordinary
Even though you should have your own style and be unique, you can also appear to be ordinary. You don’t have to be superhuman to accomplish larger than life tasks. Have super strength within you to continue even when life gets tough. Indy certainly wasn’t a superhero. He was just a guy with some knowledge and skills that helped him get what he wanted.
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People say that TV destroys brain cells and makes you stupid. Well I can’t think of what programs they were watching. Just like the rest of your life, you’re in control, you can watch what can entertain you and change your life. Here are TV shows that can change your life. They’re in no particular order. Some are current programs while others are in syndication.
1. The Big Idea – For entrepreneurs and business people this show, hosted by Donny Deutsch, has brought a fresh perspective to business TV programs. Every time you watch you’ll be inspired and motivated to do what you want in life.
2. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition – The idea for this show is very simple: provide homes for needy families. The life stories on this program show that there are struggles and triumphs everywhere, everyday.
3. CBS Sunday Morning Show – The Sunday Morning Show can open you up to a variety of topics, from art and history to sports and celebrities. You can learn at least one new thing each time you tune in. They host the show at a calming pace which is great for a Sunday morning.
4. The Amazing Race – Though the show is fast paced you can see a little bit of the world and the various cultures and people. And you see all this first hand. The Amazing Race also displays human courage, struggles, and those you overcome or “fail”.
5. Oprah – This is an easy choice. Oprah has covered countless subjects and can appeal to almost everyone. Even if you don’t watch the show, Oprah Winfrey’s success story is truly amazing.
6. E! True Hollywood Story – The various life stories on THS will make you aspire to have success like some people or stay far away from negative temptations that can destroy lives. THS shows that money and fame are not the answers to all your problems.
7. Intervention – Intervention shows how addiction affects your life and the lives of those around you. You can also witness how people can’t change someone without their cooperation.
8. The Simpsons – This is the only cartoon show on the list. But it’s not just a cartoon, there’s plenty of underlying themes about life and the world. There’s much that can be learned from The Simpsons, click here to read a previous article.
9. The Cosby Show – The Cosby Show broke barriers and showed that stereotypes are just that, they don’t truly reflect everyone.
10. Roseanne – This may be a strange choice but Roseanne showed that everyone’s family is dysfunctional and you should not hide that fact. Roseanne’s family has also gone through their fair share of struggles, but they almost always laughed their way through it, which only makes things better.
11. Freaks and Geeks – This show was only on for one season but has been regarded as one of the best shows ever produced in television history. Freaks and Geeks displayed the strange and tough times that come with growing up and going to high school. Which is something everyone has gone through.
12. 60 Minutes – 60 Minutes has been on air since 1968 and hasn’t changed it’s format all that much. They bring you investigations, news, and stories about many well known figures.
13. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous – Some may think that Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous just displayed unnecessary extravagance, but it can also give you inspiration and motivation to reach for similar dreams. Many of the people profiled on that show started “no where” and made it to the top.
14. The Jeffersons – This is another show that broke barriers and stereotypes. Probably the best known and most motivational part is the song. For some it’s a goofy song but for others it’s hope.
15. Jeopardy – I don’t think there is another game show where you can learn so much in one sitting and keep your mind sharp.
16. Rob & Big – Most of what MTV puts out these days is not something to be desired but this show is different. Rob & Big chronicles the lives of Rob Dyrdek and Christopher Boykin, two guys living in LA who make the most of life, no matter where they are.
17. Dirty Jobs – Dirty Jobs is both fun and disgusting to watch but it should also make you appreciate the work that others do to keep you safe and living life.
18. M*A*S*H - MASH had plenty of political undertones. It was a sitcom that tried to bring tough topics to television audiences in a lighter way.
19. The Crocodile Hunter – You may have your own opinions on the tactics of the late Steve Irwin but you have to give it to him, he left a lasting affect on a whole generation. The Crocodile Hunter brought animals and the world to viewers in a much more exciting format than those of the past.
20. Man vs. Wild – Though this show has been claimed to be faked many times, it certainly can change and save lives. In one instance, Man vs. Wild helped save a young man who fell into freezing water. (Read story here)
For the last five spots I have decided to let you and other readers decide what TV shows have changed or can change your life. The most requested will be added to the list. And no, I’m not lazy, in previous lists readers were very vocal about the choices so I want your input. Leave your choice in the comment section below.
21. Scrubs – Chosen by Hunter Nuttall, “Scrubs! It’s right up there with The Simpsons in being a hilarious show with serious life lessons.”
22. Lost - Chosen by Becky Pierson, “It has lessons regarding faith, and fate, and doing what’s right even though it doesn’t bode well for you. It’s also laced with all sorts of complicated moral crisis’ like, sacrificing one person for the greater good, and working collectively as opposed to by yourself. It has some great life lessons!”
23. The Biggest Loser – Chosen by Tammy Hart, “The Biggest Loser has definitely had a positive effect. Obesity is a big problem, and to see these people change their lives, encourages so many people to.”
24. Modern Marvels – Chosen by Dana, but given no reason. Certainly a great choice though.
25. ?
The Simpsons is the longest running sitcom in American Television history. It’s a show that has entertained people for decades but there’s more to The Simpsons than most can see. There’s underlying themes about the world and life.
Try Different Things
Whether it’s a different career path or just a new hobby, it’s good to try new things. It makes life interesting. How many jobs has Homer tried? He’s been everything from a professional tennis player to a farmer. Even though he always seems to end back working at the nuclear plant, Homer gives everything a try.
Don’t Take Everything So Seriously
The Simpsons is a comedy so it’s supposed to be funny. But why not turn even the toughest events in your life into something positive and fun. It’ll ease your pain, frustration, and help you move on much faster.
Listen And Don’t Listen To Your Family
Marge, Lisa, Bart, and the rest of the family, even speechless Maggie, are always criticizing Homer. They do this because they worry about him and want the best for him. Your family may do the same to you, but it doesn’t mean that you should always listen to them. Sometimes you just have to trust your gut and go with something. Homer does.
Get Help From Others
If you want to be successful in life you’ll need help from other people at some time. Whenever Homer comes up with a crazy idea he almost always gets a group of friends to help out. They’re not always successful but they stand a better chance together. So will you. Find people that can help you financially or just help motivate you.
There’s plenty of political and philosophical undertones in various episodes of The Simpsons but there’s less noticeable lessons about life you should take note of.
Photo by star5112
