image source popcorn-time-free.com
Last week, I found myself watching Erin Brockovich for the up-teenth time. If you have never seen the movie (have you been living under a rock?) then I highly recommend. It was released in 2000 so I guess, like us, it’s considered a classic by now. It was airing on TCM channel, which was my first hint that I’ve likely seen this movie more times than I can count on one hand. I always get drawn in though. Julia Robert’s fetching portrayal of a feisty and tenacious legal clerk earned her an academy award. Also, her employer/lawyer Ed Masry, played by Albert Finney was superb.
The story itself is compelling besides. David and Goliath. David wins. Sick people are compensated…all around a tremendous and TRUE story.
The thing is this story never would have come to light without this young woman, Erin Brockovich. A legal clerk who split a big case wide open. Where the lawyers were happy to settle it for a pittance, bury it in the back room, ignore the contents of the file—-Erin dove in head first, on principle.
See what I mean?
So, here are 10 things we can learn from Erin Brockovich;
Apologize sparingly
You are who you are. Erin is who she is. She made no apology for her outspoken manner but that didn’t mean she didn’t expect an apology to come her way
Erin: “Do they teach you how to apologize in law school? Cuz you suck at it.”
Ed: Speechless. Mouth open.
Embrace your personal style
Be comfortable in your clothes and you can be comfortable in your own skin. Don’t dress the way people expect you to, dress the way you want.
Ed: “Erin, some of the women here…well, they’re not comfortable with how you dress.” (points to her chest)
Erin: “I don’t care. Until I grow a second ass, I’ll wear what I like.” (head down, back to work)
Lawyers are not infallible
If anyone could pick up a weakness in a person, it was Erin. No matter if they were an educated professional, they had nothing on her. Lawyers, accountants and doctors for that matter, are human beings first and foremost. They’re capable of making mistakes or missing the point, and Erin was aware of this and fully prepared to ‘help’ them along. Just because we are a layperson, doesn’t mean we don’t have something to contribute to the professionals. A great and important lesson, as we need to value our own ideas and share them no matter who we’re working with.
Don’t be afraid to speak up
Erin was afraid of missing out on her kids’ milestones but you know what she wasn’t afraid of? Telling it like it is…she didn’t like to listen to B.S. and she was the first one to say it. She’s the one to call out the phonies and say what everyone else is afraid to…
Tenacity
When you feel like you can’t get out of bed…just put one foot down then the other. Get the coffee on and go again. Why? Because you never know when you’re on the brink of something great. There isn’t a sign posted on your bedroom door announcing “Today’s the day you’re going to make a difference”. Erin could have given up on the case weeks in but instead she persevered against all odds, until she got one break. Then when she got another tiny break, she kept moving forward…until BAM the case was smashed open. If she hadn’t been tenacious, this story wouldn’t have ever seen the light of day and we wouldn’t have a clue about the polluted water in Hinkley, California.
‘Show’, don’t ‘tell’
Take action. Get your evidence. You can talk all day but until you show me anything, it’s just your word. Not that your word isn’t important but let’s face it, until we see and you show, not much is going to happen. Erin went to great lengths to collect information and evidence for her case. She showed up everyday in spite of obstacles facing her.
Don’t let the big guys scare you
Stand up when you know something is wrong. Speak and show even if it’s the big guy who is the wrong-doer. Don’t be intimidated by position, power, size—because you’re pretty powerful when you put your mind to something.
In case of emergency, use your boobs
I’m not talking about a flotation device so much as a decorative distraction.
Ed: “How did you get all these documents, Erin? These are confidential…”
Erin: “They’re called boobs, Ed.”
Try
How can you get anything accomplished if you give up before even starting? This is related to tenacity however, if you don’t try you don’t even give yourself the opportunity to test your tenacity. Always try.
Listen
People love to tell their stories. If we value them, listen carefully enough, there may be some answers for us. Erin took great care in listening to the people of Hinkley. She treated each one like the special, unique individual that they were and not just a case number.
Final scene…
Ed: “Do they teach you how to apologize in beauty school? Cuz you suck at it.”
Erin: Standing, speechless with check in hand.
More on the ‘real life’ Erin here
and here
image source washingtontimes.com photographer: Damian Dovarganes
I told you she was tenacious.
Enjoyed this? You’ll love the book:
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sherill
October 26, 2015 at 6:54 pmHi, watched the movie and it was really good !
True indeed that we should learn from the stories of other people, it can be a good motivation and can be very inspiring. Thanks for sharing. Great read.
lisa
October 27, 2015 at 9:03 amHi Sherill, so glad you enjoyed it. It’s a great story and her character makes it even better!
Amin Shah
October 17, 2015 at 6:50 pmHi!
It seems really amazing, I haven’t seen the movie it sounds interesting and meaningful.
Thanks for sharing such an inspiring article.
Vishnu
October 13, 2015 at 12:52 pmSorry i made it late her to this post, Lisa. Loved the movie. And having practiced law, amen to all your points:) It’s extremely intimidating to speak up to the powers that be, corporate interests and influential law firms but if we don’t, who will. Thanks for the memories of this wonderful movie!
lisa
October 17, 2015 at 7:56 pmHi Vishnu, I didn’t realize you were a lawyer. It’s something special to hear that a lawyer can appreciate Erin Brockovich 🙂 It is definitely intimidating to speak up to the powers that be but sometimes necessary in life as you know. Nice to see you!
Charlotte
October 8, 2015 at 12:18 pmUhm, I’m embarrassed to admit that I have NEVER seen this movie before. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? In my defense (and it’s a really really weak one) I’m not a big movie-phile. Bryan is always shaking his head when I tell him “Nope, haven’t seen that one either.” Like Thelma and Louise. SURE! I know what happens at the end, but sat through the whole thing, beginning to end? Nope. Can’t say I’ve done that.
I love the clip you posted of Julia arguing what a uterus is worth and telling the other lawyer the water was shipped in especially for her. BOO-YAH. Don’t you wish you could always have this kind of confidence??
lisa
October 9, 2015 at 3:33 pmHi Charlotte, that’s hilarious that your Hubs is always shaking his head at your lack of movie ‘knowledge’. Hey, it’s ok. Some people really aren’t into the movie thingy. But You should def check out Erin Brokovich because she rocks. She’s a bad girl with good motives. Gotta love that combination.And yes, I wish I could have her kind of confidence 🙂
Liv
October 4, 2015 at 7:24 amShe is one pretty amazing lady – who definitely fought for the little guy (and I understand continues to do so).
lisa
October 4, 2015 at 5:42 pmYes, she still does. She ran into some personal problems a while back but who of us hasn’t hit some snags? Nice to see you Liv!
Kathy @ SMART Living 365.com
October 3, 2015 at 4:56 pmHi Lisa! I so agree that Erin has much to teach me. As you say she was tenacious in the face of those bullies and tough as nails. I tend to think of myself as fairly strong but I don’t think I hold a candle to her…maybe it’s the boobs 🙂 I’ve had to rely on my brains and wits and sometimes you have to improvise in order to get the job done. Thanks for the reminders in this post. ~Kathy
lisa
October 4, 2015 at 5:41 pmHaha, Kathy. Relying on your brain and wits will certainly last longer than the booby thing 🙂 Yes, sometimes we improvise and hope for the best.
Tamara
October 1, 2015 at 7:35 pmI’ve actually never seen it! I really want to, and I’d love to be inspired by her tenacity.. and maybe even her personal style!
I can imagine that I’d be pretty energized by the movie, from what I know about the real Erin.
lisa
October 2, 2015 at 9:10 pmOh, you should watch one evening after the kiddies are in bed 🙂 you will be inspired, Tamara!
Marie
October 1, 2015 at 1:37 amLove the Movie Lisa! Can’t recall how many times I watched it.
Erin is showing us the way.
There are many lessons to remember, great ones so we can unleash the power we have within us.
Awesome post dear!
lisa
October 2, 2015 at 9:09 pmYes to unleashing the power within us 😊 Erin is a great role model for us!
Jane Thrive
September 30, 2015 at 2:25 pmYes, yes, and more yes!! Love this story and the lessons of perseverance and confidence and believing you can make a difference. <3
lisa
September 30, 2015 at 8:50 pmHey Jane, I’m so glad you liked this because when I first posted I wondered if it was just me…:) love Erin! We can take these lessons for ourselves!
Chrys Fey
September 30, 2015 at 8:16 amI adore this movie! I actually watch it like 3 or 4 times this month. I saw it on TV and then kept on watching it…on VHS if you can believe that. I really need to get this on DVD. 😛 I love Erin as a person/character. She’s sexy, smart, and feisty. When I need to write a character like that, I turn to her.
lisa
September 30, 2015 at 11:30 amMe too, Chrys. I was thinking the same thing “why don’t I own this movie?” I’m not sure if it’s on Netflix yet. Great idea to use Erin as an inspiration for strong female character!
Kelly Hashway
September 30, 2015 at 7:25 amIt’s been a long time since I’ve seen this movie, but these are definitely great life lessons to take from it.
lisa
September 30, 2015 at 11:29 amAbsolutely. It’s always an inspiring story. Thanks, Kelly!
Harleena Singh
September 30, 2015 at 6:37 amHi Lisa,
Loved these lessons indeed 🙂
No, I haven’t seen this movie, though seen a lot many others of Erin’s and she is awesome! I think my best one would be – embrace your personal style, as it build your confidence and esteem just the way it ought to be.
Thanks for sharing. Have a nice rest of the week 🙂
lisa
September 30, 2015 at 11:29 amThanks, Harleena. I agree on the personal style note. Have a great week!
Balroop Singh
September 29, 2015 at 10:01 pmHi Lisa,
I may not have seen the movie you have discussed here but I can hear the messages…so profound, which are so meaningful. My favorite one is ’embrace your personal style’. It infuses a confidence and self-esteem, which many people around you envy and emulate.
Thank you for sharing the gist of the movie, very relevant!
lisa
September 30, 2015 at 5:23 amThanks, Balroop! Erin had (has) her own unique style and it was especially noticeable at a younger age. She seems to have toned that down now, unfortunately. The photos I see of her she’s in business suits 🙂 You should watch the movie when you have a chance. Maybe it’s on Netflix now, just a click away.
My Inner Chick
September 29, 2015 at 4:31 pm“Today’s the day you’re going to make a difference”.
LOVE. Love. love.
I’ve only watched EB about 100 times! What a role model she is for ALL women!!!
POWER to the WOMEN!! xxxx
lisa
September 30, 2015 at 5:21 amHa. Absolutely, Kim! Thanks for your positive presence here–power to you. <3 xoxo
Michelle
September 29, 2015 at 7:58 amWoohoo, did I ever need this message today! Finally, after having provided MY initial separation agreement to the ex in June (after HE asked me january 1st via text to start talking about a separation because he wanted to move on…and I got tired of waiting for him to finally follow through on either coming to the table, going to mediation, getting his own financial statement, etc), he responded with a vague email about his financial situation today, threw a few numbers out and then asked me what my starting point was.
Ummm, my starting point is the same as it was in June…$0 owing as I’d waive child support and would pay fully for the 1 underage child if he waives spousal support. From a man who made more than me all of our lives together, lost his job by flirting and intimidating a female his junior while he was a manager, and then couldn’t find the equivalent income again, and now makes less than me, but only has his own self to pay for (AND to BLAME!!).
Anywho, I responded that I can’t understand the numbers, please provide the sworn financial statement (as I did in June) and the last few tax returns (as did I), and what the net worth and debts were when we separated. I’m giving him a month (being generous), after which I will have no choice but proceed with legal action.
I’m soooo done being bullied and threatened…take all my money, I don’t care…there’s not much to take anymore! But do NOT send me nonsensical airy fairy threats when I’ve got my FACTS MISTER! 🙂
Ooooohhhh, it’s a great day!
lisa
September 30, 2015 at 5:20 amHi Michelle, you sound very organized while he’s flailing about likely because he doesn’t want to disclose. It sounds like you’ve offered him a pretty sweet deal. He doesn’t have to pay anything? You’re paying him child support for your youngest. You’d think he would jump at that and sign off immediately. He can’t take all your money—no way 😀 You sound strong and won’t take any more crap…good for you!! A little Erin Brockovich to remind you to stay strong helps a little.
tracie @ beets+birch
September 29, 2015 at 7:14 amgotta love erin!!! she was and still is a real firecracker!
lisa
September 30, 2015 at 5:16 amYes! Totally love the Erin 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Tracie!