"I Love Lucy" is my go to show when I'm looking for something light and fun. Maybe it's Ricky and Lucy's outrageous and out there relationship, or maybe it Ethel and Fred's constant bickering over their age. But what I find most enjoyable is Lucille's courage and determination to make sure she doesn't miss out on anything.
A little history of the famous Ms. Lucille Ball:
Born in 1911.
Her father died when she was 3 years old from typhoid fever.
She and her brother were raised by grandparents when her mother moved away with her new husband leaving the two kids behind.
Lucille moved to New York to attend drama school at the age of 15 but was sent home because she was too shy.
Lucille dyed her hair the iconic red around the year 1942 (the date is debated)
She married Dezi Arnaz in 1940.
When CBS came to offer to make Lucille's radio comedy "My favorite Husband" a Television show, she insisted that her real husband would star as the husband. CBS didn't agree with that so Lucille walked away and she and Dezi created their own show which not long after landed a contract with CBS.
"I Love Lucy" was on air from 1951-1957.
Dezi and Lucille divorced in 1960. And she got remarried to comedian Gary Morton.
Lucille oversaw the production for Star Trek.
She was the first woman to own her own major television production studio.
Lucille Ball came from very humble beginnings and had to fight for her way to the top. But through getting poor reviews from teachers about her shyness, and many small acting and modeling gigs, she finally found herself on the top.
Lucille is truly an entrepreneurial hero. Her ambition and hard work should be an encouragement to both men and women.
It's very easy to realize that at her time it was hard to be a women in the industry. And yes she should be an inspiration to women today. But let's go a step beyond that and notice how her work and desire to never give up in the industry and her relationships and her family is inspiring for all people.
I challenge you today to incorporate these three attributes into your daily routine. Whether that be at a day job, at an office, at home, on vacation, where ever! Think of ways you can use these three things to assist you in becoming the modern day Lucille.
1. Take a look at the people around you and speak.
Sometimes the greatest thing we can do for someone else, is just be present with them. It could be a stranger on the bus or your coworker in the cubicle next to yours. This conversation doesn't have to last a certain amount of time and it doesn't require you to pull out your wallet and search for extra change in your pocket. But it might take receiving a funny look from someone because you're actually noticing them. Don't expect much but just take a minute to get out of your own world and walk through someone else's.
2. Start brainstorming!
Sometimes in life we get so wrapped up in what's going on in the news or in our own bubble of troubles and worries that we forget that we're actually allowed to have different ideas or thoughts. Innovation is something that many businesses today are introducing to their decision making process. This then opens the door to all employees of every level and invites ideas and creativity.
So take advantage of it. At home maybe brainstorm ways to save money without losing the fun. Don't let yourself stay in a constant routine. Allow yourself to have fun every now and then. You may be thinking "she really doesn't understand the amount of stress I'm under right now." And I don't, but I do care and all I can do is encourage you to look for joy in the littlest of things.
3. Work hard NOW so that one day you won't have to settle for second best.
Personal story; I'm a college student about to graduate with my degree and I'm currently trying to get through. I don't have the time or the finances to settle until I get the job I want. I have to work my way up there. But just because my dream job seems so far out of reach right now, it doesn't mean I have to give up. Work hard at what you do now so that one day you won't have to settle. Push yourself to keep on going. You're doing just fine babe, you totally got this!
Lucille Ball came from very humble beginnings and heartbreak. All her life she had to push herself to keep going. She took risks for her dream. And though her dream didn't come true her first, second, third, or fourth try or the way she expected them to, she didn't give up. And she didn't stop when she got to where she thought she wanted to be, she excelled and kept moving! Lucille Ball is not only an entrepreneurial hero and a red headed icon, she is an inspiration for every man and woman today.
