the White House

Becoming Michelle Obama or Oprah Winfrey Isn’t Some Fairy Tale Story. It’s Real Talk on What it Means to Have a Be+ (Or Better) Lifestyle

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The Fall season feels like it’s just about settling in across many states. Maybe the seasonal winds of change have been blowing briskly in your neck of the woods. Well the political winds seem to be blowing as well as many are gearing up for the mid-terms. The yard signs are already popping up on the block.

For Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey, it’ a different kind of trade winds so to speak. The former First Lady is getting ready for her book release entitled ‘On Becoming Michelle Obama.’ With lots of national tour dates already sold out she’s sure to get fans talking about her good old days in the White House.

Obama has also been doing the media rounds on a Global Education Initiative for girls as well as the ‘When We All Vote’ effort. Both Obama and Oprah have been asked about running for office and said no. But their stories of achievement tell us something about what it means to have a Be+ (or better) lifestyle.

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Whether as college student at night school or campaign worker on the trail the mid-terms can be one of anxiety or enthusiasm. It could bring a little stress before the test. But Obama & Oprah believe it could also be a time of great enthusiasm in doing what it takes to pass the test that positions us for success.

Obama hopes to share a similar message with young girls as they work on expanding their education. Of course in the case of Oprah, it’ something she’s been doing for years in her life’s work. They might also want other folks know that having a Be+ or better lifestyle towards living your best life means you have to:

  1. Be yourself (+conscious)

Oprah often says that if she weren’t an entrepreneur or media mogul she would likely be a teacher. In a sense she sees her true calling as one of sharing knowledge and ‘aha’ insights. Part of being herself means doing the best she can with what she’s been given. She’s also attuned in more conscious ways.

  1. Be clear (+care)

It’s one thing to see life as it is. It’s another thing to see it as it ought to be. Obama and Oprah help us do both. Over time in their professional lives they became clearer on who they are and what they wanted to achieve. They’re not only clear on these things but they also care about people and what matters most.

  1. Be ready (+resourceful)

Others have said that just showing up is half the battle of getting ahead. There’re times we might show-up as a spectator and there’re times we might show up as a game-changer. No matter the reason, we show-up ready for the fun or for making an impact. The difference in getting more done is being resourceful.

  1. Be sure (+secure)

There’s a feature in Oprah’s magazine called “What I know for sure.” It’s been turned into a book where she talks about some of her ‘sure’ experiences. We can be sure of some things like our age, height, color, weight, taxes and more. What we love about these ladies is that they’re sure and secure in such things.

Recently we learned that Oprah’s magazine got spun off into having its own online presence. That’s not just brand talk but also personal and professional talk. We go through similar Be+ stages as well. After all, we admire Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey for how they help us focus ‘on becoming’ and just be for real.

Tip: As you focus ‘on becoming’ what you envision in life you have to go through some Be+ stages towards having a secure lifestyle.

Talkback: What’s your favorite Obama style or Oprah moment?

Tracks: Amel Larrieux – For Real – https://youtu.be/8kN-QJXhu7I

Des’ree – You Gotta Be (’99 Mix) – https://youtu.be/pO40TcKa_5U

#ActLikeaSuccess Book Notes and Reader Commentary (part 4)

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Who knew that Hans and Franz from SNL fame would make a comeback? Their TV ad roles played by alum Kevin Nealon and Dana Carvey are seen getting Green Bay Quarterback Aaron Rodgers pumped-up for the NFL season. Harvey’s also using the airwaves to pump-up careers and dreams for getting paid.

His professional travels have taken him to comedy clubs, TV/radio studios and the White House. The first thought of what he might do for a living came in elementary school. The teacher asked the class to share what they wanted to do as a career. Harvey said he wanted to be on TV. His teacher wasn’t buying it.

There’re different jobs that people have on TV or any other career field. Some are behind the scenes while others out front. Some are in management while others are regular workers. Where we are in our careers is likely built around some professional training. It’s related to skills, talents and ‘gifting’ intellect.

At times we get visions of our professional paths in different ways. Most of us as kids have big ideas and lofty dreams. Harvey has seen his vision evolve and expand over time. He explains in a tweet that he’s come to learn that your career is what you’re paid for but your calling is what you’re made for.

Sometimes a calling comes across as being only for certain people. But one way to move beyond that limiting view is to consider our purpose. In one sense our calling is how we make the Creator look good. Our purpose is how we serve some earthly good. Our career turns passion into us being damn good.

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Harvey has taken his career from insurance salesman to talk show anchorman. With all the money-making roles he’s had over the years he reminds us that success is also about having our professional life be complemented by purpose. This way each day becomes more than just bringing home the bacon.

Moreover, where we are in making a contribution is not limited to the workplace. How we maximize our cred goes beyond the paycheck to the payback. It’s even in matters of public service. Harvey’s foundation provides mentoring opportunities to boys because he sees this as a way of serving the community.

OK, so the NFL season is about halfway thru. Some teams will likely not make the playoffs. The calendar year is almost done and maybe some people are looking ahead. Harvey’s take on getting pumped-up for going to the next level might mean doing a ‘double check’ on where we are and where we hope to be.

Footnote: If purpose is why we’re here then career can help get us there. This way getting paid is more than just filling in the blanks day after day and year after year.