We bet you were feeling pretty pumped about your 2016 NY resolution last week. Did you start a 'detox' and join the gym? Or maybe you finally enrolled in that TAFE NSW diploma you've been thinking about?

Today you might be feeling a little less enthusiastic, those goals may seem less achievable and your motivation has dropped. If you can relate, you're certainly not alone, according to TIME magazine a mere 42% of us stick to our NY resolutions. Those who do succeed tend to set more realistic goals and find ways to stay motivated like attending events, joining clubs or finding a buddy that will keep them in check.

The TIME study also found that when we feel positive and inspired it's easier to find the drive to tick things off your 'to do' list; and what's more inspiring than a good film (*cough* rhetorical question)?

So, because it's raining out there (and what else would you rather be doing on a miserable day?) we're sharing our favourite tear jerking, thought provoking films to perk you up and inspire you.

1 Forrest Gump (1994)

I first watched this film as an 11 year old and even then I was inspired by the character of Forrest. From the onset he is shown as what some might call dim-witted but his emotional intelligence, honesty and selflessness send an impactful message – there's more than one form of ‘smart'. Through tragedy, heartache and failure Forrest defines his own destiny. By following his passion, loving deeply, having unwavering faith in people and not overcomplicating things he created a life that most of us would envy.

[quote]"Mama always said, you have to do the best with what God gave you." – Forrest Gump.[/quote]

2. Shawshank Redemption (1994)

I can't remember when I first saw this movie, but it wasn't long after it was released. The type of movie where the story draws itself out, requiring patience from the viewer to let it unfold. Nothing is as it seems...and certainly not Andy Dufrense. What inspires me? The core theme that the main character (Andy) never gives up, despite harsh adversities. He knuckles down and finds a solution to his problem. He doesn't play the victim...just makes the best of what he has, to do what needs to be done.

[quote]"Get busy living, or get busy dying." - Andy Dufresne[/quote]

3. The Pursuit of happiness (2006)

Based on the true story of Christopher Gardner. The Pursuit of Happiness is the story of a struggling salesman living on the streets with his young son. Despite rejection, shame and a mountain of challenges Gardner, armed with nothing but determination, goes from living on the streets to becoming a Wall Street broker.

[quote]"Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Not even me" - Christopher Gardner[/quote]

4. the Iron Giant (1999)

A small town boy named Hogarth Hughes discovers a giant iron robot in the 1950s at the height of nuclear terror threat. A gentle friend, a powerful weapon – Hogarth teaches the Iron Giant the joys of life and the importance of a peaceful existence.

[quote]"It's bad to kill. Guns kill. And you don't have to be a gun. You are what you choose to be." – Hogarth Hughes[/quote]

5. Life of Pi (2012)

A brilliant tale about imagination, loss, determination to overcome life's harsh obstacles, and animals! A visually stunning movie with great insights into how to accept the life you are living, plus some brilliant storytelling by Yann Martel (Adult Pi).

[quote]"To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is akin to choosing immobility as a means of transportation." ― Pi[/quote]