I HATE Oprah. When her talk show ended, I celebrated. The only thing that brought me down was the fact that they wouldn’t stop airing repeats, and that other little thing, what was it? Oh yeah, her OWN network. Point – Oprah.
Because I like to keep things positive, I won’t dwell on my distaste for O. You should know me…I’d never blog just to say that I dislike someone. What inspired me to write today was actually the things that I’ve learned from the one-time daytime diva.
1. Money isn’t everything.
We’re not talking the cliché bs that many doesn’t buy happiness, but Oprah’s weight struggles over the years are proof positive that money doesn’t fix problems. I’ve often said that I’d be skinny too (if I had a maid, a trainer, a chef…) but that’s not really what’s holding me back. Of course, this doesn’t just apply to losing weight. Don’t let money be your excuse for anything!
2. Know what you don’t know and surround yourself with people who do.
This is something that I have always felt strongly about, and something that even I’ll admit Oprah does well (think Dr. Oz). If you’ve visited her website or picked up a copy of her magazine (not to mention watched her show), you’ve sees experts on everything from organizing and home decor to finances and health and wellness…you name it. There’s no need to be in expert in everything, you just need to surround yourself with them.
3. Don’t forget your girlfriends.
No, we’re not talking about the tabloid rumors here, but something did spark them, right? I think it’s fantastic that Oprah and Gayle have maintained their close friendship throughout the years, and Oprah has certainly made sure to share the bounty of her success. Never underestimate the power of having your best girlfriends by your side. It’s so important to have someone you can trust and someone who will tell you what you need, not want to, hear.
4. You are a brand.
I know there are people who disagree with this, but I think it is helpful to look at yourself as a brand. You brand may not be a first name only or encompass an empire that makes millions of dollars, but you have one. You should have a personal mission statement and values just like any organization. Your reputation, image, message and style should be consistent and clear. 
5. Live your best life.
If she stopped putting herself on every single cover, I might buy her magazine more often. I can’t argue with its tagline – live your best life. It’s what I strive to do every day, and what I hope you are inspired to do when you read my blog.
Hmm, is it possible I’ve got more in common with Oprah than I might like to think?
You are not the only person I know who dislikes the Big O. I love her personally – but you are right that no matter how you feel about her, you can’t deny that she’s taught us alot. I admire her for her philanthropy efforts too. Not everyone who is in her position would give back the way she does. Great post!
That is something that I didn’t put in the post, so I’m so glad you brought it up Nikki. Not everyone who can give back does. I often feel like those who can afford it the least do it the most.
Great list Kristin and well said Nikki! Oprah might be a bit over the top, but you can’t deny that she has done an amazing job creating herself as a brand and using it to help and inspire others. She came from nothing and had a giant mountain to climb. It wasn’t easy, but she didn’t give up and I think that is a wonderfully motivating story.
That is a great way to word it Deanna, over the top. That is what really gets me about her. Can’t you just picture her screaming “a new caaaaaaarrrrrrr!”
I like that Oprah did not leave her best girlfriend behind instead she gave her a hand up. I am not a big Oprah fan as far as watching her shows in the past but she is an interesting and very smart person.
I love it that you hate Oprah but still manage to come up with a list of things that were good about her!
I think it must be 20 years or more since I watched a whole episode of Oprah as I just don’t watch day-time television. And not much night-time tv either.
No strong opinions either way about Oprah here. I love Number 2. Surround yourself with those that can help you grow, not hold you down.
I agree with Angie #2 is very valuable. No one is an expert on all topics, but if you bring in experts when need be it will actually add more to your credibility than if you tried to go it alone.
Your title really intrigued me. I have had my fair share of disagreements with her. It is so true, money doesn’t buy everything!
LOL. I have heard it said that we often despise in others the disowned parts of ourselves. I used to watch Oprah years and years ago when she first started her show. Of course that was when I watched soap operas.
I broke the television habit about ten years ago though. I have also often thought I would be slender if I had the kind of money Oprah has, but if anything having all that money you would probably want to eat anything and everything because you could afford it all. I finally learned the hard way that all those foods I loved so much and thought I could never live without were actually foods that I am allergic to. Who knew!?
Very interesting point Starlene. I’m going to have to think through that one a little bit.
this is a great post and I have to say i selfishly love point no.1 only cause well… i’m chubbs!
Great list- I especially like the part about branding yourself. Often we are so busy living our lives that we don’t stop to reflect and ask ourselves, “What is my purpose? What do I want to accomplish in any given situation? What do I want to communicate with the way I dress, style my hair, etc.?”
-Viva recently posted Homemade Pizza Dough
I think it’s especially important for parents to think about what they’re communicating and demonstrating to their children. I’m sure I think in more “business terms” because I don’t have kids, but I think it’s incredibly important that parents consider their personal brand and their family brand.
I can’t stand oprah either… but when she’s right she’s right. unfortunately lol
I have seen her on tv but I dont really know a huge amount about her. I get the feeling that no one messes with her lol
Love #2 and #5. It’s great that you can see the “good” in someone when most people would only think about the “bad.”
Certainly great lessons to learn there – I guess there’s good reason why the lady is so successful! There’s always stuff to be learned from people who have achieved!
omg – laughed so hard b/c you are hilarious! and b/c these 5 are so true!!! great post! made me smile – thank you!
What did Oprah ever do to you? Did she run over your dog or something?
Enjoyed your humorous take on all things “O”. She turned me off years ago when she never let a person finish a thought–always jumped in with her “this happened to me” anecdote. That said, sometimes she did give good advice and I think, like you, there are many positive things you can take from her.
Would you hate me if I said I love Oprah?
But if I do it’s for the very things you’ve mentioned but couldn’t articulate as well as you have!
Numbers 2 and 4 really struck me. Some good lessons there.
Great post and to me I Love Oprah even though I did not always watch her show. She amazes me with all the things she does and the people she helps. I also like how her and Gayle stay close. I think you do have some things in common with her and if someone told me this I would be proud of it as she is such a savy business women.
Thanks so much for the kind words, I absolutely take it as a compliment!
I’m not an Oprah fan at all, although I do think she did offer some good lessons that would benefit all of us. I try to surround myself with as many experts as possible, so I always know where to go to figure something out!
like her or hate her, oprah has done an amazing job creating her brand- and sticking to her guns. she’s a huge success and that’s deserving of applause. even if you don’t like her. i’m “meh” about her.
I used to watch Oprah when I was in college (a million years ago!) when she was first starting, and I learned a lot from her. She has really tried to live a good life the way I would define it. I admire her for her ability to get things done that she believes in.
You know what? I never connected that she puts her photo on every single cover, but she does, doesn’t she? LOL. I feel sorry for Oprah the way she gains and loses weight. I guess money can’t buy everything.
Well, a lot of people don’t like her but, she always makes you think.
Love your post! I can’t stand Oprah either!!!
Great points! I love how you pointed out money isn’t everything! And is is so true you need to surround your self with other people. I put so much pressure on my self to know everything.
Kristin – you’re right, we can definitely learn how to build a brand from Oprah. One key point in building a brand is consistency. Across her talk show, magazine and now tv network – she works on building the Oprah Winfrey empire. She doesn’t deviate from her purpose or her name.
It’s very generous of you to look for the positives in a person you don’t always like. I’m sure we can learn from everyone. I am with you though, I’m not much of an Oprah girl.
You’re absolutely right, everyone has something to teach us, whether it’s what to do or what not to do
I ended up not watching her show very much, but I wish all people with her wealth gave like she does! It would be so much be such a blessing to other people and to see their faces and gratitude.
I can’t agree with you more. It’s so important to give back!
I haven’t thoughts on Oprah, honestly. Never watched her show, read her mag, nothing of the sort. I can agree with your list though, regardless! Very well put together, thank you!
Wow, I’m amazed that you’ve managed to avoid it!
Haha you are too funny! I love Oprah. I think she should be president, honestly. Not because I love her, but because everything she touches turns to gold. And if we had a black female president, no one would have room to complain that our country is run by “the white man”. I also love that you are in your 30s and fabulous (as am I). Great blog. You just got a new subscriber!
Thanks so much for the kind words! You are definintely right, everything she touches turns to gold. It’s crazy!
#5 is something i’m working on every day…..
Live your best life. Hard to argue with that one! What an amazing women she is, having inspired so many women around the world – including you
I grew up watching her in Sydney, Australia. What an impact she has made…
I love your list about Oprah! She has done a great job creating a brand for herslf and inturn has launched careers/ shows for many. What I find interesting is that she has to be on each and every cover of her magazine- now I think that’s over the top!
I’ll tell you a secret — I rarely watch TV at all!
You put together a positive list here, and I agree that we should try to see the beauty hidden in the most unlikely places.
I’m not a “hater”, but I *am* glad to know that I’m not the only person who thinks Oprah walks on water. I was starting to wonder…
hahaha…not an Oprah fan myself, but I can appreciate some things about her. Enjoyed your post.
You know I never liked her either. But you are right about #1. Money can’t buy everything.
I have never watched Oprah all that much, but I do think she’s a good woman. Money isn’t everything is definitely something to keep in mind!
I absolutely love #4- You are your own brand. I have to be honest that I have never looked at myself in this way but it is so true. I believe those who blog could really use this advice– stay true to yourself, think before you just throw out whatever comes to mind, don’t sell yourself out for money! Now you really have me thinking– and deciding that I need to focus on what my brand is and how I can make it even better. Thanks!
“You are a brand” is true. Mary Kay Ash of Mary Kay cosmetics was known for saying “you are the only Bible most people will read” to remind her consultants that they are the Mary Kay brand. It is certainly something to remember.
I think Oprah has always had some great ideas and she really knows how to find talented people. I just wish it was as easy to follow through.
I like you post. I used to watch Oprah on occasion when she would have someone on that I was interested in. Even though I did not like her show very much she did surround herself with people who did know what she wanted to share on her show. It is great that you showed we can even learn from those we don’t care for. Thanks.
I never really realized that Oprah is on the cover of every magazine of hers. Guess I don’t pay that much attention. I do love her though.
This was a very good post, helping to remind me that money isn’t what’s keeping me from everything (staying home with my daughter, having a bigger home, being happy, being organized, having meals on the table…I pretty much try to blame money for anything that’s not going right in my day)! So true about surrounding yourself with experts, we can’t be everything and know everything, what a great way to get to know others by relying on others to be experts in fields that we are not! Thanks for a great post!
These are all great lessons! While she sometimes drove me crazy, Oprah had a lot to offer.
I’ve never been a really huge Oprah fan either, but I did enjoy her Life Class series on OWN. It has just really puzzled me why OWN hasn’t been a success when she was the hottest thing on daytime TV for so many years.
I like the fact that you took time to think about what you DID like and could learn from someone you didn’t actually like – great attitude! Sometimes we can learn a lot from the most unlikely sources.
Great take on the things you learned from Oprah.
Money definitely isn’t everything. It’s sad when people base everything around it. It will never satisfy us.
Oprah doesn’t bother one way of another. I always wanted to win one of her giveaways though. She had some great ones. I love number 2. We all can’t know everything but by helping others and them helping you its a win-win.
I’m not a fan of Oprah either, but I love your list. Especially your are your own brand, that is so true. Whether you like it or not your attitudes,actions, and appearance are your brand.
Honestly I’ve never seen her TV shows since back home we don’t have satellite TV or Cable TV for us to access her show. But, I heard a lot about her.
Anyways, your list are great. I like # 4 and will consider my self as a brand from now on.
I love the lesson you learned from Oprah though you hate her.
Great post, and dwelling on the positive. We can make change in ourselves. I’ve personally never watched Oprah, so I have no opinion really on her or her show.
No matter the situation, you can always find something good. By taking the positive, we can learn from others whether we agree with them or not.
I think Oprah is a bit over the top, but I respect her for the business woman that she is. She may not be ther prettiest, thinnest or smartest, but she made something of herself and that is something I respect. Great Post and valuable lessons:)
Love this post! And you are so right – all points considered. These are great things to live by. I love the idea of having my own brand. I’m going to work on that.
As for magazine covers- I had to laugh. Yep, I think it’s funny that she is on every cover and photoshopped to heck and back. Just saying. But it wouldn’t be Oprah if it wasn’t a show.
suzy
I have never been an Oprah fan, but I do believe you need to be positive every day. Open you heart to God and anything is possible. Have a great day!!
The branding part struck home. I know how I would like others to see me (i.e. to see my actual personality), yet I’m not taking steps to make myself shine through as such. You have to give her credit on that one though.
I’m not an Oprah fan either, but I have to admit you have some good points about how to live our lives.
Wendy
Around My Family Table
Ah yes…Oprah. Love her & hate her all at the same time. But yes, I too can find some positives I learned from her. That’s true for anyone that comes into our lives somehow I guess.
Congrats on learning something from someone you don’t like! That is commendable! I agree with all the lessons learned.
I don’t care for Oprah much, either, but I agree for sure with everything you said. I especially like your point about knowing what you don’t know and surrounding yourself with people who do. Swallowing my pride to ask others’ advice was not my strong suit in my younger years, but I sure have learned that lesson over time.
Thanks for sharing! Great post!
Not a fan….I never watched a whole show. I know she has done a lot of good. But I think she has done some harm too.
What a great list! I have had an on again off again love for Oprah…so I can certainly understand. Mostly, I just get tired of her….but she has been so much to us all over the years!!!
I love that she has done so much in so many ways…but I have never willingly sat down to watch an episode
haha so true!
Oh, I love Oprah. I was sad when the show ended. LOL! And yes, it sounds like you have a lot in common with her.
Blessings!
I love this list! I actually neither love nor hate Oprah, but I do have a lot of respect for her. I agree most with #2 on your list!
I’ve never been a huge fan of Oprah’s but I wouldn’t say I hate her. She’s done a fabulous job of building her company.
I love that you took someone you disliked but made something positive about her. Great list!!!
I’m not the biggest Oprah fan either, but I do have to admit she does know her stuff. I completely love your top 10 lists, those are such great ideas to learn!
Amen sister! i love oprah and you are right on with all five these. grreat, super, simple, read!
It’s like the typical Mother Daughter relationship, she’s the one who drives you the most crazy because your so much alike LOL, Thanks so much for linking up to The Best of Your Best Blog hop @ Miss Information
Great insights, so true how money can’t buy you everything LOVE it! Laura from Real Momma stopping by to say thanks for linking up in the Best of Your Best Blog Hop!