OK, so it’s not quite that simple. But hear me out.
Let’s go back to 2018. I had just quit my job as a copywriter, in the digital department of one of the world’s largest advertising groups, to become a pure creative (think less articles, more billboards).
I needed to go ‘back to school’ to brush up on creative advertising. I had to build a new portfolio too. (And build a business as a freelance writer to help me pay for it all).
The truth is, they teach you very little about motivation and success habits at school in the UK. So I had to figure it out.
Thankfully, alongside the works of speakers like Les Brown and Eric Thomas, there were a few movie clips that helped me stay inspired on the hard days. They got me into that ‘flow state’ where I was fully engaged. One that I found particularly useful was a science fiction flick called ‘Limitless’.
The movie centres on the life of a down-and-out writer, Eddie. He’s already got more than most ‘wannbe’ writers have; a book contract.
Only, he hasn’t written a word.
It turns out that this writer’s block is the result of a bout of laziness that has persisted for some time. Eventually, Eddie’s girlfriend, Lindy, loses faith in his capacity to capitalise on the potential she sees in him. Tired of being his bank and cleaning lady, she breaks off their relationship.
Eddie’s feeling pretty low at this point. But, whilst walking home, he bucks up on an old acquaintance. And, long-story-short, this ‘friend’ ends up giving him (big old *spoiler alert*) a pill that lets him access 100% of his brain power. No surprises, it transforms his life.
Now, even if such a science-fiction style pill existed, I’m no advocate of a better life through pharmaceuticals. In fact, I firmly believe we all come pre-loaded with all the potential we need for greatness.
With that in mind, what can a movie about a fictional smart drug offer to us in real life?
Well, Eddie takes a journey. And below I’ve plucked out some of the things that I found useful along his path, see what you think.
Eddie: “Home, but it couldn’t be my home could it?”
What’s the first thing Eddie does for himself with his new-found powers?
Well, remember I said that Lindy was tired of being a ‘cleaning lady’? When you see the state of Eddie’s apartment, you understand why.
Contrary to expectations, Eddie doesn’t hit the casino and start raking in the dough. Instead he returns home, where he cleans, declutters and organises his apartment.
Now, I’ve often done busy work as a form of procrastination. But the Feng Shui really is important – just the thought of having to root around in a mess for the things we need can be enough to dissuade or distract us from getting started.
There’s also something uplifting about correcting those long term, lingering tasks we keep putting off. It’s a far better use of our brain’s dopamine reward system than endless scrolling on social media, snacking, or whatever else we might be tempted to do instead of work.
“I wasn’t high, wasn’t wired, just clear. I knew what I needed to do…”
We may not have our to-do lists in our heads like super Eddie. And if you don’t have a list, make one (I found Steven Covey’s time management matrix particularly helpful – check it out).
Taking stock of the tasks you need to do and tackling those tasks in a smart order is a powerful move.
“I was jacked in, booted up…”
With all the incredible things a person could do with a four digit IQ, Eddie still doesn’t go out looking for the fame and fortune his powers could instantly grant him. Instead, he gets straight to work on his unwritten book.
Of course, the drug gives Eddie the power to finish the book in four days. Admittedly, this is a goddess-like display of mind power that we real folks don’t have.
But as Eddie finishes typing up the last page, he gives credit, not to his new smarts or speed, but what he calls ‘an unprecedented surge in motivation’.
If you’re anything like me, once you actually get stuck into your work, you realise it’s nowhere near as bad as you thought.
Making the decision to commit to seeing a task through is the real super power here.
“Who would live like this?”
Walking down the street with his new level of focus, Eddie catches a glimpse of his reflection in a shop window. He hasn’t been taking care of himself.
He immediately gets a haircut, takes a look at his wardrobe, and starts to exercise.
You don’t need a big budget for flash clothes, beauty treatments, and gym memberships. This is more about the power that a self-care routine has to build your self esteem and help you maintain your momentum.
Physical benefits aside, exercise boosts your mood. Eddie also starts learning the piano and new languages, all of which have massive brain benefits.
Now, I’m not saying you have to do any of these things specifically, but we all need hobbies, projects and ‘side-hustles’ to keep us invigorated.
“Mom, Dad, I’ve been doing some research on Aunt Helen’s tumour”
Eddie also starts helping others. This doesn’t seem like a purposeful goal, but more of a side effect of a successful mindset. Don’t get me wrong, he certainly enjoys himself. But when he was down on his luck, he only consumed for his own instant gratification.
I had never considered it being part of my life overhaul, but I’ve found pro-bono creative work for charities incredibly rewarding.
“But mere lounging wasn’t enough”
Pretty soon Eddie’s life is transformed. His book is finished and the deal has him living a far more comfortable lifestyle.
It’s perhaps tempting to think that he’s made it, that he can sit back and bask in the riches of his new-found success. But on the road to realising his potential he’s unsatisfied with simple relaxation. Goals become far more exciting than rewards.
“I made some new friends who invited me to the beach…”
When Eddie was in his rut, he wasn’t sociable. But, he makes a lot of new friends as a result of his new level of activeness.
The important thing here is to be socially active and leverage your network.
Community groups that operate in your area of interest are a powerful thing. You get encouragement from people on the same path, as well as mentorship and accountability to help keep your drive alive.
In the film, one of Eddie’s new friends ends up being instrumental in his bid to get a new job. This is something that’s happened to me more than once when attending advertising and creative socials across London.
“If I remembered to eat – and drank no alcohol…”
Magic drug aside, Eddie finds that he performs at his best if he eats well and ditches the booze (and he doesn’t feel compelled to continue smoking either).
The negative effects of alcohol on motivation (and smoking on, well, life) have been well documented. I’m not saying you should quit the occasional beverage, but it’s easier to get in the zone with a clear head.
“And then I began to form an idea. Suddenly I knew exactly what I needed to do.”
Eddie has long dreamed of being a writer.
And with his new found level of focus he soon makes it a reality. This springboards him into forming a new goal beyond the scope of what he thought was his ultimate achievement.
Growth never stops. What goals wait for you beyond the ones you’re working on now?
So, entertainment aside, what does this film offer?
Well, Eddie the character is far from the embodiment of morality, he’s certainly no role model.
It’s not about taking a limitless pill, it’s about developing a limitless mindset. The character and the pill don’t exist. But the range of powerful habits the character gets into, they’re real and they’re ours for the taking.
Admittedly, they’re simple steps. And on paper they’re not very sexy either. And that’s probably why hardly anyone ever bothers to do them.
But seeing Bradley Cooper put them into action made it easier for me to see myself taking them. Because he made it all look so gosh-darn cool!
And I can say, at least anecdotally, that they work.
American comedian and podcast host, Joe Rogan, famously said ‘be the hero of your own movie’. Whether you’re a Rogan fan or not, if you’re feeling stuck, or have a huge dream to work on, this is one way you can start to visualise your future in a way that’s motivating.
Watching film clips and reading books about people transforming their lives has really helped me get in the zone, and I hope me sharing this with you is helpful. Do you have any things you do that help you bring your vision of the future to life?
I’d love to know what works for you.
Nat is a freelance copywriter under Lightbulb Cloud Creative. He develops creative advertising concepts to solve business problems and content to help audiences.
You can get in touch with him on Twitter and Instagram using @lightbulbcloud