Hi All,

Today’s motivation comes from the Queen of Comedy, Lucille Ball:

“One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore faith in yourself.” -Lucille Ball

In this busy world of ours today, there are times when we need a mental pick-me-up, something that motivates us at the spur of a moment so we can keep going. Sometimes, its hard to find to find people, places, or things that give us that boost when we need it. However, Ms. Ball certainly has it right when she states that, “making optimism a way of life,” as a strategy to keeping the momentum going.

Ms. Ball is one to talk because in her lifetime, there were moments when she felt unmotivated and ineffective. Its odd to think of the Queen of Comedy in that light but early in her career, there were Hollywood execs that believed she wasn’t talented or funny. They even thought she was unattractive. Ball would spend nearly 20 yrs. in the studio system playing bit parts and learning everything she could about the show business. However, she credits being around talented people who were willing to assist her.

By the time she and her first husband, Desi Arnaz, Jr., were working on a radio program together, Ball realized she had the stuff it took to convert that radio show into what was then a new medium, television. Many of Ball’s peers and contemporaries thought it was a shot in the dark but Ball believed otherwise. Had it not been for her keeping herself motivated, none of us would be laughing at the show, “I Love Lucy.” What’s amazing is how she developed herself into one of the most beloved characters on television. Here’s a woman that started off as a minor actress and within her first year on TV, she’s a superstar overnight!

During her lifetime, she became one of the first women to be a star of her own TV series, co-create and head up a film studio, own the rights to her own TV show, create other shows, have one TV hit after another, and discover young talent. Not bad for a woman during the Golden Era of Television. No other woman in television has accomplished the things Ball did on that grand scale. One more thing, during her lifetime, Ball was able to become a millionaire many times over. At the height of her career, she was not only the most powerful woman on television but also, in Hollywood. Nothing never occurred on her show or in her company that she didn’t know about. In addition, at one point in her professional life, she became the first woman in the nation to head up a public company that she helped create with Desi called Desilu Productions. She was able to accomplish these things by making optimism a way of life.

As you travel your journey towards success, take the time to find ways to bring optimism into your life and make it a vital part of your existence. Never wait for others or any other external forces to lend optimism to your life. One of the ways you can self-motivate yourself is to write positive statements on Post-It notes and put them in prominent places where you can see them. Another way to self-motivate is to read motivational books and listen to audio books. Nowadays, you can even upload audio books to your iPod.

The method I use to motivate myself is by writing this blog. It helps me get my thoughts organized and think of things that I feel are important. Another method that also works for me is to identify and listen to certain songs that keep me going. For example, hearing Mariah Carey sing, “Anytime you need a Friend,” is a sure winner. The contemporary gospel group, The Sounds of Blackness, have a powerful song off their first CD that’s appropriately called, “Optimistic.” Every time I hear those two songs I want to rejoice on all levels and forge ahead! Let’s not forget watching certain films can lift our spirits also. Every time I see the film, “The Color Purple,” one of my favorite scenes is when Celie realizes she can rise above her station and take charge of her life and live on her terms. I always rejoice when I see that scene!  Another scene in that film is the scene when Celie has an encounter with Sophia at a grocery store. Poor Sophia is feeling down and feels she can’t go another day. Celie sees her and assist her with her shopping. As Sophia leaves the store, Celie walks out with quiet reserve and points to Sophia and motions to her to keep her head up. That scene always gives me chills because Celie empowers and motivates with one simple gesture.

Whatever method works most for you, use that method to self-motivate yourself. One thing…once you find a method that works for you, one good way to keep yourself motivated is to motivate others. This is why I write this blog. It keeps me optimistic and allows me to motivate others. Never keep optimism to yourself…always share it with others. That’s how we keep the optimism and the hope alive.

Whatever you do, always keep the optimism alive.