I watched as Oprah said goodbye to 25 years of the Oprah Winfrey show. As always, she calmly and honestly shared her heart-felt words of wisdom. Oprah is truly an empowered woman who has made a difference in the lives of millions by staying true to her own deeply rooted values and beliefs.
Here some of the lessons I learned from Oprah’s example:1. You don’t have to act like a man to succeed in business. Create your own style of influence based on how you choose to do business. When Oprah began her nationally syndicated talk show 25 years ago, women in business were told to dress and act more masculine – they were like “mini-men.”
I remember from my life, that to be taken seriously I had to dress in a plain navy blue suit, buttoned down white oxford blouse with a dark scarf under the collar to mimic a tie and “sensible” black shoes. I look at the photographs of myself and shake my head in disbelief.
Twenty-five years ago women were told to “toughen up” and not act feminine in the workplace. We weren’t to laugh too loud or smile too big and under no circumstances were we to show emotion.
We’ve come a long way! Women are starting businesses at twice the rate of men, we now have self-made women billionaire role-models and more women than ever before are heading major corporations. We no longer have to be “mini-men.”
2. When your message is powerful enough, the world listens. For twenty-five years, Oprah’s message has been about finding our personal and professional power. I believe she did more for the woman’s movement than any of us “bra burners” of the 1970’s. Oprah gave a voice to those who didn’t believe anyone cared or wanted to listen. When Oprah got behind a person or a book or a cause, the world listened.
3. You can create your own successes no matter your current situation. You can do it! That’s the message Oprah shared with all of us – you can do it! Where you are is temporary if you create positive plans for the future. Learn from wise mentors, set big goals, gather new empowering skills and go steadily and consistently toward your dreams – it can be done one positive empowered step at a time.
4. You have the power to succeed, as soon as you acknowledge your greatness. The only person holding you back is yourself. How you see yourself, inside your mind, is how you are living life. Are you going to give yourself the power to succeed or are you going to walk away defeated by your own self-talk? You have the power – it is a choice.
5. Women are strong, smart and powerful. You are not alone – together we have the power to change history. I believe Oprah Winfrey changed history for many girls and women – she provided a powerful platform and an empowering voice! There is synergy and energy when women, and men, come together for a common purpose. Women are powerful because together, we can make this world a better place for future generations.
The greatest lesson Oprah Winfrey exemplified for me: I am worthy and deserving of success, happiness and unlimited success. Why? Because I am good enough, smart enough and talented enough to make my own dreams come true.
Thank you Oprah Winfrey!
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Sharon Recommends:
Here are a couple of DVDs that truly showcase Oprah's talents. I've linked them to Amazon.com:
The first is a DVD collection highlighting the first 20 years of the Oprah Winfrey Show - The Oprah Winfrey Show: 20th Anniversary Collection
Here you'll see Oprah Winfrey, the actress, in the TV series Brewster Place - Brewster Place
My opinions are solely mine. I am also an affiliate of Amazon.com and if you purchase through this link, I will earn a commission.
