Last week, we mentioned Oprah’s LifeClass lessons from the first week of the show. We brought up ego, anger, thinking and believing, the truth, and joy rising. Week 2 brings up even more financial lessons, including another lesson on joy rising.
Lesson 6: Who You Were Meant to Be – Everybody Has a Calling
On this episode, Oprah mentioned her calling, which is to teach, and also mentioned Lady GaGa who knew her purpose was to entertain. Everyone would enjoy going to work if it was a job they loved and they were getting paid for it. Are you currently at a job that makes you spring out of bed in the morning, or one that you take your precious time getting there because the less time you spend there the better? Try to find out what your purpose is, what you’re called to do. Now think if there is a job market for this calling. Look into different careers that will make you happy to go to work everyday. When you love what you’re doing, you don’t consider it work.
Lesson 7: Aging Beautifully
How many times have you lied about your age? Is there a reason why? Some people hate to think they’re getting old. However, it’s inevitable. Every single second, you’re getting older, and closer to retirement age. Have you prepared for retirement yet? Do you have a 401(K) at your job that you’re participating in? How about an IRA? I hope you’re not depending on Social Security! While Oprah talked more about physical and mental aging, financially, you should prepare for the day when you’re done working and ready to start a new chapter in life.
Lesson 8: When You Know Better, You Do Better
One of Oprah’s favorite sayings is one she got from Dr. Maya Angelou: “When you know better, you do better.” This lesson is universal throughout your life. Do you know what the definition of insanity is? Doing something the same way every single time and expecting different results. If you keep mismanaging your money, and wonder why you’re always broke, you’re insane. So when you know better, you do better. Find out what you’re spending your money on, find what you should trim in your budget, and you’ll find yourself saving more money. Whenever there’s a financial situation where you want to make changes, find out what you’re doing, identify what can change, and do better!
Lesson 9: You’re Responsible for Your Life
Have you ever blamed something happening in your life on someone else? Even if it was technically their fault, aren’t you somewhat to blame? You’re responsible for your own life. No one is more invested in your life than you are, so you have to take matters into your own hands. In the same breath, you’re responsible for your finances. Your parents aren’t responsible for how you manage your money. Your boss isn’t responsible for your raise, contrary to popular belief. Take responsibility, and action, for your money, and don’t blame anyone but yourself.
Lesson 10: Joy Rising – Flashmob
Remember when the Black Eyed Peas organized a flashmob for Oprah? She was excited, but the participants expressed why it brought them so much joy as well. Many people expressed that coming together, even with complete strangers, for one common goal was invigorating. They were able to provide joy for someone else, and in turn, got joy themselves. What can you do for free that can provide joy for yourself and others? You don’t always have to pay for joy. Smile at the next person you make eye contact with. Give a compliment to a complete stranger. Assist someone who needs help. Joy doesn’t have to cost you money.
LifeClass is still going strong. We’ll identify the third week’s lessons next. Are you applying these lessons to your life and your wallet?
Briana Myricks is a 20 something freelance writer and blogger. Striving for financial independence as a newlywed, she blogs about young married life at 20 and Engaged.