Females are strong as hell — and Kimmy Schmidt, a former doomsday cult member adapting to a new life in the Big Apple, is the epitome of relentless optimism.
Don't listen to the perpetually angry Twitterverse's reviews of this one: Girlboss — the loose re-telling of how Nasty Gal founder Sophia Amoruso went from teenage shoplifter to the owner of a
multi-million dollar company by age 27 — is hella inspiring; a good reminder that no matter where you are right now, you could be on the cusp of your big
While the entire cast of Parks And Recreation is fabulous, it's Amy Poehler's Leslie Knope that will motivate you to keep going. She's a small town government hero, to say
the least, who crusades to help the people of her town even when they don't want her help (and treat her like crap). It's one of the most uplifting sitcoms
While Younger is kind of built on a deception (a woman lying about her age to get a job), Liza and the rest of the characters are all hardworking, ambitious,
New Year's rezzies, right? This dysfunctional friend group will probably remind you of your own, making you laugh, cry, and feel all the feels along the way.
This CW gem has some of the most badass female characters around. If you're looking for a dose of inspiration to not just achieve your goals in 2018, but to
freaking slay them, this sci-fi drama is your best bet. After watching the intelligence and all-around strength of Clarke, Octavia, and Raven, you're sure to have the courage to accomplish
Jane Villanueva is one of the best female characters to grace our television screens in a very long time. She is the epitome of what it means to follow your
heart, be a good person, and tackle your dreams. She is basically a superhero and if her wholesomeness, drive, and optimism don't inspire your own goals, I don't know what
Freeform’s new show The Bold Type follows three young professional women making their way in the Big Apple. The struggles they face hit home for many young, working professionals. They're
In Wild, Cheryl Strayed (played by Reese Witherspoon) takes a 1,100-mile hike by herself, searching for recovery. As one may guess, she is super unprepared for what's to come. Nevertheless,
she persisted. There are two things you'll take away from this film to go forth in the new year: Keep going and keep growing. Focus on healing, and do whatever
Of course we can't have a motivational list of shows and movies without mentioning Shark Tank. In this show, entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to the "Sharks," which are highly successful
On the surface, this is a film about the black female geniuses who helped send John Glenn to space. Once you dive deeper, it's about fighting the system, breaking glass
ceilings, and coming together as a human race. It shows you that courage has no limit, and that's exactly the kind of film you need to start your year off
Friday Night Lights, the TV show, is one of those warm-fuzzies-inducing kind of dramas. But don't write it off just because of that. It centers around Eric and Tami Taylor. Tami
is the school principal and her husband, Eric, is the football coach who is trying to build his team from the ground up. It's pretty inspiring, but also really heartwarming.
Master Of None's second season might finally get you to buy that plane ticket and travel the world. Dev starts the season learning how to make pasta in Italy, and
of course, trying to make his way around without knowing too much Italian. Life's too short to NOT travel, and that's kind of what Master Of None shows you, in
Dr. Mindy Lahiri is a trailblazing character, as is the woman who plays her, Mindy Kailing. After one episode of this rom-com TV show, you'll quickly see how inspiring her
Marvel's Jessica Jones is pretty dark. However, the main premise, which is of a woman experiencing PTSD while trying to reclaim her power, is pretty damn inspiring. Plus, Krysten Ritter
Moana is Disney's latest masterpiece getting hyped up around the world. There's good reason for that, though. She is strong and determined and depends on no man to save her
people. Of course, The Rock's mighty demigod Maui is pretty great too. But, it is Moana who is the fierce heroine in this film. Young or old, this is a
person. The show dives into what it means to be a good person and teaches people to be good, which is pretty inspiring after leaving 2017, arguably one of the
Suffragette is incredible for so many reasons, but mostly it will inspire you to stand up for yourself and others. Seeing the movement that literally sparked women's right to vote
struggles with homelessness while raising a toddler, but his perseverance and refusal to give into despair ultimately lead to a better life for him and his son. It's seriously one of the
Begin Again is a feel-good film about an unemployed record executive and a solo singer-songwriter who unexpectedly find solace in their working relationship. The irresistible optimism and the main characters'
ability to inspire one another will give you all the feelings of positivity you could ever dream of. It will motivate you to keep going, and help you realize that
The Carrie Diaries is kind of a pre-quel to Sex And The City, except its much more inspirational. Carrie is a teenage girl, struggling with the loss of her mother,
trying to find herself and her passions. As far as teenage, female characters go, she is definitely a role model. Carrie sees what she wants and goes after it, which
No matter what your resolution is this year—learn a new skill, take up a new hobby, etc.—Groundhog Day will make you want to do it. You'll see Bill Murray's repetition
Sing Street will make you laugh, cry, and sing along. In a nutshell, it's a universal story about going after your dreams. Plus, its bold, triumphant ending really goes there. You'll love it
Erin Brockovich is a social crusader who can literally do it all. The best part? This film is based off a true story. Basically, a single mom becomes a legal
assistant and her determination and willpower lead to her taking down a California company that's been polluting the water supply. Erin is a badass who will make you want to
She sets out on a series of good deeds, like returning someone's lost items and playing matchmaker for lonely people. It will truly inspire you to just be better in
You can't have an inspirational list without mentioning Oprah. You just can't. In Oprah's Master Class, you'll hear lessons, stories, and advice from some of the most talented and most
successful people around—ranging from actors and songwriters to journalists and politicians. You'll walk away ready to follow your dreams and find your purpose, and what's better than that in the
Bridget Jones is a silly, ridiculous character that somehow still gives you inspiration to be yourself and do you. She falls on her ass so many times, but gets back
Despite Elizabeth Gilbert having everything a woman is "supposed" to want—like a husband, house, career, etc.—she wasn't happy. She decides to break free of the monotony and step very far
out of her comfort zone, traveling the world and risking everything to change her life. Eat Pray Love will give you mad wanderlust and ultimately inspire you to find fulfillment
Million Dollar Baby in a nutshell is a rags to riches story about dedication and will power. If you're lacking motivation and ambition, definitely put this on your watch list
Center Stage is like the anti-Black Swan. It's a feel good film where young ballerinas fight for their place in the industry. Of course, there's a lot of downfalls along
Elle Woods in Legally Blonde is forever an inspiration not only to girls, but to anyone who faces adversity in the workforce. If you want to take your career to
To say Wonder Woman is inspiring would be the understatement of the year. Gal Gadot's epic portrayal of Diana Prince is enough to make anyone's jaw drop. But if you
Remember, "a guy who makes a nice chair doesn't owe money to everyone who has ever built a chair." The Social Network, the story of Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, will
inspire you to feel deserving of success, which everyone needs once in awhile. Of course, you'll also see some of the negativity that comes with being successful. But focus on
Though The Shawshank Redemption begins in a grim place (prison), it's ultimately about hope. It has its brutal moments, but in the end it's a feel-good movie that will make
Watching Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda in Grace And Frankie as an entrepreneurial dream team will inspire you no matter what age. If you believe in yourself, don't take any
Big changes start with small steps. That's what The Help will teach you, among other things. It's a film about those who aren't afraid to speak up, those who refuse
to be silent, and those who are striving to change their lives for the better. In 2018, even if you take a small step toward bettering yourself, you'll be making
A writer goes on a trip to Tuscany after her marriage falls apart and she impulsively decides to build a new life. That's the plot of Under The Tuscan Sun.
In Yes Man, Carl Allen (Jim Carrey) perpetually says no to opportunities, causing him to live an unfulfilled life. By learning to say yes, his life takes a turn for
the better. Make 2018 the year of yes. Say yes to things that scare you and yes to things you normally wouldn't do. Ultimately, that's how you'll grow.
Soul Surfer is based on the real life story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a life-threatening shark attack. You'd think after such a gruesome experience,
you wouldn't get back on the board. But Bethany is a fighter. She never gave up on her dream, and this film is a reminder that you shouldn't either, no
Obviously we can't leave TED Talks: Life Hacks out of a list of inspirational viewing. If you really need a jolt of motivation, this collection of TED lectures will easily do
Love story aside, the musical rom-com, La La Land, is really about pursuing your dreams. You'll experience the joy and the pain alongside the characters, ultimately leaving you with the
Have big dreams, but are stuck at a terrible, thankless job? Joy will restore your hope and bring you some inspiration for 2018. In this story, Joy Mangano is a
Arguably Disney's most heroic leading lady, Mulan is the movie you need to watch if you need a reminder that you can do whatever you put your mind to. Now,
The Devil Wears Prada made our list because Miranda Priestly is a boss ass bitch ruling in a man's world. Plus, Andrea Sachs works her butt off, which is also
pretty inspiring. Whichever side you pick, you're in good hands. Both characters deliver a pretty inspiring performance, making you want to get up and go tackle your own dreams.
Is there anyone more inspiring than Lt. Jordan O'Neil (Demi Moore) in G.I. Jane? She plays the first female trainee in the US Navy's elite program as a single trial
candidate. They choose her for her "femininity," expecting her to fail, but boy are they wrong. This film inspires determination, strength, and all-around badassery.
Literally choose any of the Harry Potter films and you're in for some motivating messages and inspiring quotes. First of all, with all the adversity Harry, Ron, and Hermione face,
they still come out on top. Their strength, integrity, and intelligence are unwavering. After watching, you'll walk away feeling like you can take on 2018 no matter what it throws
2018 is here, which means we're in resolution-making mode. While making New Year's resolutions is pretty easy, sticking to them is a whole different story. Sometimes we need some inspiration to light a fire under us and push us forward on our journey to self improvement.
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