Despite the title of this article, none of the clips below are in fact Toyota Commercials. But just like the undeniably successful Japanese automotive manufacturer, the following clips seek to motivate and inspire on the highest level:
1. Charlie Day Commencement Speech
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IulvPqb1Eus&w=1280&h=720]
You may know Charlie Day from the very popular FX series “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia,” where he does things like eliminate rats and school unsuspecting fraternity types with his Good Will Hunting lingo. Earlier this year, Day addressed his alma mater, Merrimack College, in what can only be described as an extremely well done and powerful speech.
2. Tebow’s Promise
My college roommate and his family were huge Gator fans, and as per the law of annoying sports fan friends, I actively rooted against Tebow and the Gators during the Urban-Timmy era.
Alas, it’s impossible not to appreciate this — for what Tebow lacked in professional quarterback potential, he more than made up in with grit and fortitude. After making this now somewhat-legendary promise*, he proceeded to lead the Gators to a National Championship.
*needs about 5 more years become enter the nostalgia-induced legendary club. By 2020, it’s a shoo in.
3. Freedom Writers – Heroes
The word “Hero” has become a rather heavy buzzword in our society — whereas some people think we’re quick to label ordinary people as heroes, others just don’t have any other word to use when describing their Italian B.M.T.
This clip from Freedom Writers demonstrates that linguistics aside, anyone can make a difference in any sort of situation — ordinary people can always execute acts that some people might consider “heroic.”. Dark rooms need small lights. Pat Carroll delivers this excellently.
4. Coach Carter – Our Deepest Fear
Drawing inspiration from Marianne Williamson’s famous “our deepest fear” quote, the previously troubled Timo Cruz really gets his act together. Samuel L. does a nice job with the understated reaction; this is his greatest achievement as a coach and leader of men, but revealing that fully would most certainly cheapen the moment.
5. Gangs Of New York – ‘Honorable Men’
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdhxL9r9hkg&w=1280&h=720]
In traditional terms, this is far from a motivational speech. But here, you have the crux of the relationship between these two exceptional characters. Bill The Butcher, perhaps aware of who Amsterdam is at this point, describes in exceptional detail his triumph over his father — the “last honorable man” in his mind. You see Amsterdam steaming, but trying to keep it cool. Bill gloating, but also recognizing that, as some sort of demented father figure, his mentee also has the same potential for greatness and honor. A great exercise in figuring out What Motivates You?, and learning how to channel rage into future payback.
Of course it doesn’t always work out that way, but we all need something to keep us moving forward. 
