10 Inspiring Videos To Motivate And Kick Start Your Day

This selection of videos is simply for those occasions when you wake up in the morning and dread getting out of bed. We’ve all been there and sometimes all we need is a gentle reminder that while most people experience this, truly successful people never let these negative thoughts stop them from achieving their dreams

You may have seen some of these before but I guarantee that after watching these 10 videos you too will have that belief that you can change the world.

1. Will Smith

When people think of Will Smith the first image that usually comes to mind is that of the Fresh Prince, which is understandable, it was after all second only to The Simpsons as the greatest American comedy of the 90’s. Thanks in no small part to Carlton’s amazing Tom Jones dancing routine (which would make an inspiring video in itself).

What a lot of people don’t know however is how dedicated Will Smith is to his life. He is the kind of person who once he has an idea, he will pursue it until the point of perfection. This video demonstrates his philosophy towards success and the mind-set he creates when attempting to achieve his goals.

What you can take from this video

You should always believe in yourself and no matter how ridiculous your dreams may be, no one has the right to say that you can’t do something.

2. Arnold Schwarzenegger

Has there been another person in modern times who has achieved as much as this man? Born into a military family in a small Austrian town, he owned a successful gym before moving to the USA to become the greatest bodybuilder of all time (with arguably the greatest physique in history).

After winning 7 Mr Olympia titles he achieved massive success in Hollywood before his 8 years in office as the Governor of California. What a guy!

What you can take from this video

That it doesn’t matter where you come from or what has been done before, you make your own path in this life.

3. Sacrifice for success

I don’t know who the guy is in this video or what company he represents but this video is a must see for those who are wondering why they are struggling to be where they want to be.

The best part is his enthusiasm and the way in which he can get across his point in such a blunt and honest fashion.

What you can take from this video

If you aren’t placing success at the top of your priorities then you will always fall short. You have to want it more than anything else in your life.

4. Al Pacino – Inch by inch

We all have our favourite Pacino rant. If he’s not kicking ass in ‘Heat’ he is giving Keanu Reeves an inferiority complex in ‘The Devil’s Advocate’, yet his most famous scene has to be his half time motivational speech in ‘Any Given Sunday’.

What you can take from this video

To be victorious and to achieve success you have to be willing to trust those around you and to push yourself harder than you ever thought possible.

5. Steve Jobs

Now, I am as far from an Apple lover as is possible to be. I have never owned an Apple product, nor will I ever own one. Not that I think they make bad products, or that I don’t admire the company. It’s just that there are always better and cheaper alternatives. 🙂

They owe their success in most part to Steve Jobs and his ability to market the hell out of his ideas.

What you can take from this video

You have to trust yourself and that you will make the right decisions in the long run. You will have doubts and no doubt make mistakes, but acknowledge that these are always temporary.

6. Randy Pausch – Last lecture

This is the longest video on this list but it is worth your time. You may not have heard of this guy before but he was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. I say was, because he died in 2008 due to pancreatic cancer and this video was filmed several months prior to his death.

The amazing part is that he knew he was going to die when this was filmed and he talks openly about his impending death and how we should all be striving to make the best use of our time.

What you can take from this video

Our time is precious and that we don’t what is round the corner so we should all make the most of the time we have.

7. Alec Baldwin – Always be closing

Another classic motivational scene, this time from the movie ‘Glengarry Glen Ross. In this video Alec Baldwin’s character is giving a bunch of salesman a roasting due their inept performances so far. It’s a little ‘macho’ and very over the top but the lessons contained within remain true.

What you can take from this video

We all have the same tools in life but there are people who know how to use them and people who can’t be bothered to put the effort in. Work harder and have the courage to make it happen.

8. Where the hell is Matt?

I know most of you have definitely seen this one but I’m including it because it deserves to be watched just one more time. It’s that good.

Matthew Harding is a guy who simply wanted to travel around the world and dance in front of famous landmarks. That’s it. But it’s the way he gathered local people to take part that makes his adventure so worthwhile.

What you can take from this video

Everyone, no matter their age or birthplace should travel and see more of the world as there is so much to learn, see and do.

9. Robin Williams – Good Will Hunting

Robin Williams won an Oscar in this role and one look at this video will show you why. The emotion and pure joy of the story of how his character met his wife not only demonstrates his acting ability, but gives us all a lesson on how to prioritise the important things in our life.

What you can take from this video

Sometimes we have decisions to make. Do we follow the crowd and take the easy option or do we take a risk and put ourselves out there for the chance of happiness? There is only one correct answer.

10. Michael Jordan on Failure

Perhaps one of the most inspirational athletes the world has ever seen. Michael Jordan has become well known for his motivational speeches and how he overcame a lack of natural ability by working hard and using his incredible mental strength to become the greatest basketball player of all time.

What you can take from this video

Failure is not an excuse to quit or to lose the belief in who you are and what you do. We all fail and the man who doesn’t make a mistake, doesn’t make anything of himself.

Bonus videos

No list of inspiring or motivational videos can be complete without a bit of cheese to go with it. I grew up in the 80’s and as a kid the movies these videos were taken from contain some of my best childhood memories.

Rocky IV training montage – HELL YEAH!

Kickboxer training montage – HELL YEAH!

What can you take from these two videos?

Perseverance, determination, belief, sacrifice and the knowledge that you can have zero acting ability and still reach out to millions of people.

Keanu – you still have time!

If you have any inspirational videos then please share them in the comments section.