How often do you infinitely scroll through Netflix and can’t find anything inspiring to watch so you settle on Friends or Fresh Prince of Bel Air re-runs?

What you consume effects how you think, your ideas and then your actions and ultimately the results you get in your life. As freelancers and entrepreneurs, you’re paid to think and do. It’s essential to be mindful of what you consume. Instead of wasting hours scrolling, try one of these inspiring Netflix shows I’ve shortlisted for freelancers and entrepreneurs. In no particular order…

Here are 10 inspiring Netflix shows for freelancers and entrepreneurs

1. Jiro Dream of Sushi

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R02NE050Jk[/embedyt]

Watching mastery in action is a powerful motivational force and instills you with self-belief. Jiro Ono owner of three Michelin stars sushi bar in Japan has incredible, exact standards. Watching his dedication to detail in seemingly simple acts like rolling the perfect rice to make sushi, will inspire you to up your game.

2. Dolamite is my name

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ws1YIKsuTjQ[/embedyt]

This biographical comedy of American comedian Rudy Ray Moore is a wonderful story of a man who dared to dream big and go for his dreams. He lacked skill and talent, but he had hustle and determination. This character had a generous dose of delusion and persistence, essential ingredients when you’re carving your own path. This is a story all entrepreneurs and freelancers can relate to. Watching this will put swagger in your stride and dare you to think, “why not me?”

[Afterwards, check out 12 favourite books for entrepreneurs and freelancers to grow their sales.]

3. The Defiant Ones

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhwAuYcInMQ[/embedyt]

The real story of two music industry giants, Dr Dre and Jimmy Iovine coming together to create Beats headphones is awe-inspiring. What I loved about this is how they tell the back-story of each character, charting their rise to success and their struggles.

4. Self-Made

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYDJvnDfB2w[/embedyt]

A rags to riches story about America’s first female self-made millionaire. The odds were stacked up against Madame Walker, a black woman from the southern America in the early 1900s – the knock-backs, the betrayal, and the denial of her rights didn’t stop this woman from building a beauty empire. What I loved about her was her vision and her audacity to dream so big. Watch this and you will think bigger in your business.

5. Homecoming

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB8qvx0HOlI[/embedyt]

Gaining insight into how great people THINK is your key to unlocking new heights for your success. What I loved about this was the behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Queen of music, you got a feel for how she thought. I loved her vision to make it about everyone and not just her – that’s why she’s transcendent. Also, her work-ethic is insane and inspiring: 16 hour day rehearsals for over eight-months to deliver a two-hour legendary show. Most people don’t want to put in the practice when nobody is watching. They just want the glory when everyone is.

6. Tidying Up with Marie Kondo

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvyeapVBLWY[/embedyt]

De-cluttering is an improbable but extremely transformative wellness practice. Watch this to learn how to de-clutter your home. But do take action. You’ll be glad you did. After KonMarie-ing our home I felt lighter and liberated. Attachment to things pulls you down. Letting go frees you to rise.

7. Abstract: the Art of Design

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_k8fVNzbGU[/embedyt]

As a freelancer and entrepreneur, you are paid to think and create. Studying the creation process of masters is a great way to learn and bend and grow your mind to think beyond your bubble, which is where new ideas are born.

8. The Pursuit of Happyness

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00uTFVnWJMw[/embedyt]

Another rags to riches story of a guy who at one point was homeless and went on to run a successful business. Consuming biographical tales of entrepreneurs infects you to dig deeper and aim higher.

9. I Am Not Your Guru

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUHMZf3qwsQ[/embedyt]

Tony Robbins is my mentor, Awaken the Giant Within was the first self-help book I read and it changed my life. I get he’s not everyone’s taste, he can be a bit full-on. But watching the real-time transformations in this documentary shows you how quickly change is possible for you. You just have to want it.

10. The Last Dance

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQCtbVlWUAw[/embedyt]

Watching mastery in action is scientifically proven to be motivational and inspirational. The Bulls was one of the greatest teams to grace the game and Michael Jordan, I think, is the best player. In this documentary you gain interesting insight into his thinking and relentless work ethic. Running your own freelancing business or startup is challenging and the books and role models in the business world are smothered with hustle-porn, the “you can sleep when you die”, mentality, which I think is unhealthy and reserved for the privileged. The beauty about learning from and modelling elite athletes is, they value rest and recovery.

So, these are the 10 inspiring Netflix shows I think freelancers and entrepreneurs will benefit from watching. What have I missed? Share in the comments below.