Reboot Your Life Like Betty White

Betty White is a name that transcends decades. She made many people feel like they actually “knew” her.  In fact, most of us grew up watching her antics on television. From guest appearances, game shows, sitcoms, and countless commercial spots. Who hasn’t had a laugh with Betty White? Her legacy of comedy is a testament for us all about how to remain fresh, relevant, and employed way beyond our “golden years.”

Betty Marion White died of a stroke just a few weeks before her centennial birthday. Her career literally spanned five decades. Who else can you think of who’s consistently worked and succeeded for that long? From television to music, her imprint has been marked. Many don’t know she’s won seven Emmy Awards and even a Grammy. Dating back to 1951, Betty has been racking up nominations and winning the affection of fans all around the world. She’s celebrated by folks of all age groups.

As with any person, I want to be successful in whatever I decide to take on. I spend a great deal of time researching the lives of industry icons because I believe that success always leaves clues. And if you’re smart, you will pick up the patterns quickly. Imagine my shock watching a documentary on the “Golden Girl” as I discovered a longstanding pattern of diligence on her part. I mean, after all, she has been a television staple since before I was even born. I want to share a few pointers I discovered from Ms. White:

• Who says the depression is “great?”: White’s family moved to Los Angeles in the ’30s during the Great Depression. That in itself is not amazing. What is amazing is the fact that her father, a successful traveling salesman, arranged for her to be educated at Horace Mann School in Beverly Hills, as well as Beverly Hills High. Many thought the young girl from Illinois didn’t quite fit in at their school. But Betty, a born entertainer, refused to be limited by labels, quickly became a school writer and penned a graduation play. In other words, she defined her season, not the newscasters.

• When You Know You’re Hot, You’re Hot: Betty once told her family she’d be a star. Most cautioned her to be more realistic. As with us, our family and friends aren’t necessarily against our dreams, they just fear us getting crushed. I wonder how surprised they were to learn that Betty landed her first paid acting job only three months after graduating high school. From there, she moved into modeling and radio. Her bubbly, upbeat personality is what many say kept her working. By 1950, White had already won the first of many Emmy Awards. Remember, life changes when we become confident about ourselves.

• Success Is A Journey, Not A Race: In 1985, at 63-years-old, White stepped into her most defining role. Cast by NBC as Rose Nylund, the terminally naive friend. While many are settling down for retirement, social security, and AARP benefits, White was once again heating up her career. This shows us how powerful our perception is. As long as we allow others to think and see for us, we negate the ability to keep on evolving and gaining momentum in life. Every day presents another opportunity to WOW ourselves.

Most TV insiders boast that White’s career from the early 2000s until now has been nothing short of a revival of popularity. She has garnered a cult-like following of all ages. From quirky teenagers to older people, Betty is an icon. I would like to add a new genre to the mix. As business owners, leaders and innovators, we have before us a unique model of success that has been untapped. When we consider the powerhouse business icons, White stands toe-to-toe with the best of them. She’s been consistently profitable since the 1940s and just as popular.

Take these simple principles from Betty White’s life and career, and let them translate into your own personal success story. Happy 100th birthday to the legendary Betty White.

Written by Early Jackson
(Edited by Cherese Jackson)

Source:

CNN: Betty White died of a stroke

Image Credits:

Top Image Courtesy of l David Shankbone’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inline Image Courtesy of Kristine’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
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