Oprah’s Master Class provides dynamic inspiration from celebrities, politicians, humanitarians and great innovators, from all walks of life. Their intimate tales prove anyone from anywhere can achieve any unique idea of success. Child abuse, tragedy, failures and every mishap under the sun, each individual overcame huge hurdles eventually elevating themselves to greatness. Hearing these narratives from people who captured Oprah’s admiration, immediately makes you perk up eager to learn how they attained this world renowned idea of “making it”. If Oprah thinks you’re cool, then you’re cool.
When we hear Cinderella stories, a fire of passion is immediately ignited inside and you can’t help but to think, “If they can do it, why can’t I?”.
“Master Class” is great wisdom, from people who have simply lived..just as you and I, only in a different manner.
““Anytime that you think you’ve hit the top of the mountain, the truth of the matter is you’ve just reached another mountain, and it’s there to climb over again.” -Jon Bon Jovi
“Don’t be afraid to do something unconventional, to take a chance, to risk something.” -Tom Brokaw
“My grandmother told me, ‘When you get, give. When you learn, teach.’ These are lessons to live by.” -Maya Angelou
“Just wake up curious.” -Diane Sawyer
Morgan Freeman’s “Master Class” is the most memorable, in my mind.
The episode featuring the veteran actor aired in 2012, and I watched for the first time this summer. His wisdom arrived at the perfect time. While hanging on to his every word, I was in awe of Freeman’s many challenges before arriving at his first breakout role Driving Miss Daisy, which earned a sea of prestigious awards to follow. Freeman, now a legend in his own right at the age of 78, was well past grown when he made it big. While he earned modest roles and earned small buzz, Freeman was in his 50’s before mainstream America basked in his greatness. You would think his driving message would be patience and give yourself time. Yes and no.
This is by far the most powerful quote on this episode.
It made me realize, we look to outside motivation instead of following the guiding light specifically catered to our individual journey. Simply put, watching shows like Master Class won’t get you where you need to be. Don’t get me wrong, uplifting entertainment is what we need to see more off. Continue to support positive images. But while you watch, remember to live for what drives you and not what you see from the stars.
[Tweet “Draw from your own source of inspiration.”]After hearing Morgan Freeman’s story, I began to reflect on three necessary components to finding and following your own muse.
3. Be Intentional
A TEDx speaker passed along this jewel. Spend time on things that will contribute to developing your bigger picture. Everything you do and everyone you do it with should have some sort of payoff. Not as a means of being selfish, but in a “make the world a better place” way.
You cannot get anything done in this world alone, but you as an individual require properly functioning equipment to contribute to any job, mind included. Spend your energy on making you better. Before volunteering for tasks, ask yourself, why is it worth my time? Will I become a better person in the end? Will my efforts change my life and the lives of those around me? Every action you take should have great reason.
2. Rock Out for Yourself
Throw a party for your greatness. Celebrate you. All year long you attend celebrations in honor of everyone, when will you stop and throw confetti for your awesomeness? Celebrate every win, both big and small. Uplift you. Stop looking to outside factors to improve your well being. Be happy for you and stop waiting on everyone else to join the party.
[Tweet “Living the best life ever requires the only R.S.V.P. that matters; you. Show up for you.”]
1. Silence the Noise
Give people a quote making app and the next thing you know everyone is a philosopher. Is it just me or did everyone in 2015 become motivational speakers? Stop buying into the Instagram quotes with people’s faces on them. Most of them are just a different interpretation of what’s already been said. Live life according to your own principles. Everyone will have advice to give, take what you need and move on.
[Tweet “Every word you hear, isn’t directly speaking to you. Tune out unnecessary sound.”]Once you’ve listened to every inspirational podcast, read the New York Times bestseller on living right and wrote extensive notes at each and every church sermon you attend, you will eventually have to make a move. Don’t leap because you see everyone else jumping. Navigate according to your own spiritual GPS.
Morgan Freeman’s thought-provoking advice came in two parts beginning with, “Don’t be different just for different’s sake. But if you see it differently, function that way.” Stop trying to make your life make sense to everyone else. Not everyone is going to support your message or your mission.
I have to leave you with my favorite Michelle Obama quote.
[Tweet “Your strength is weak if you do not exercise it.”]“But eventually, I realized that if I wanted to keep my sanity and not let others define me, there was only one thing I could do, and that was to have faith in God’s plan for me. I had to ignore all of the noise and be true to myself — and the rest would work itself out.” -Michelle Obama, Tuskegee University Commencement Address May 9, 2015