Life-Changing Advice Can Come From an Unlikely Source - Like Dr. Hannibal Lecter

Success is hard-won. That's why people turn to life coaches. Ideally, a life coach would be passionate, intelligent, and awe-inspiring. Based on those criteria, you can see why Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) turned to sociopathic killer Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to catch Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine) in The Silence of the Lambs. Dr. Lecter might not be your typical go-to guru, but if you look at the example he sets you may find clues to reaching your full potential.
1. Dress for Success
Let people know you take pride in your appearance. As Dr. Lecter tells Clarice, "You know what you look like to me, with your good bag and your cheap shoes? You look like a rube." Nobody wants to be a rube. So splurge on your wardrobe.
2. Make a Fresh Start
Old habits can be stifling. The same surroundings, routine, or acquaintances may be holding you back. Break free! Begin anew. Get yourself out there and mingle. It did wonders for Dr. Lecter (and gave him an opportunity to show off a snazzy new hat and suit).
3. Get Organized
You can't focus on goals when you work amid chaos. Dr. Lecter moved some of his belongings into a rented storage unit, a strategy that is a relatively inexpensive way to deal with baggage no longer in your day-to-day life. For you, that might be old files and clothes; for Lecter, it was a severed head.
4. Educate Yourself
Win friends and influence people with your knowledge. Then reference obscure artists, use Latin phrases, and quote Roman emperors. Have guests over and enthrall them with riddles. It kept Clarice coming back to visit Dr. Lecter time and time again. It could work for you!
5. Want It, See It, Get It!
Dr. Lecter says, "We begin by coveting what we see every day." So seize the day by grabbing what you want. Not to say you should snatch your neighbor's possessions. But allow yourself to be inspired. Just don't covet thy neighbor's actual skin.