10 life lessons from a self made billionaire
That have nothing to do with money.
My pick for one of the most inspirational women of our time: Sara Blakely
This month marks 25 years since Sara Blakely launched Spanx - an idea that started with $5,000, a pair of scissors, and a whole lot of grit and determination. She cut the control top off a pair of pantyhose, turned it into a prototype, and eventually convinced a factory to take a chance on her (I bet that factory owner still brags about that decision today!).
Her story is hilarious, scrappy, and full of obstacles. But she stayed the course and built not only an iconic brand, but a billion-dollar business from scratch. In 2021, Sara sold a majority stake in Spanx to Blackstone for $1.2 billion.
And yet, what I admire most isn’t the business success. It’s the way she’s living her life - her relationships, her outlook, her impact. Sara is a legendary founder, yes, but her legacy as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend is what truly defines her success in my eyes.
These 10 lessons inspired by Sara are not about wealth…they’re about mindset, generosity, and living well. Most of them are totally free to implement. Whether you’re raising a family, building something big, or just trying to be more intentional, I hope there’s something here for you.
10 Life Lessons from Sara Blakely
1. Never forget the people who helped you get there.
When Sara sold Spanx, she gifted every single employee $10,000 and two first-class plane tickets anywhere in the world. The video of her surprising the team is pure joy.
It’s one thing to succeed. It’s another to bring people up with you and to make it fun. That’s the kind of leadership I admire most.
2. Your mindset is your superpower.
Sara’s daily affirmations and “ask the universe” approach are well known and she dedicates a lot of time encouraging and empowering other women to go for it. I believe what Sara often shares: that what you think about, you bring about. She says:
“I’ve asked the Universe for signs my entire life. Ask. Be specific. Spend time alone. Write things down. Honor the sign when it comes. Repeat. Watch your life flourish in magical ways.”
Even her CFO once joked: “I’m really glad the Universe isn’t on our payroll.” People laughed. Peopled douher. But we all watched her win.
Generally speaking, I’ve noticed that negative people tend to attract negative outcomes and vice versa. You may not control the timing, but your mindset absolutely influences your reality so be sure to make your thoughts powerful, purposeful, and positive.
3. Get comfortable being uncomfortable.
I once dedicated an entire issue to discomfort and the need for it to experience real growth. Sara often says: “Get ready to be embarrassed.” And she’s right. Growth only comes through discomfort. That’s just the deal. Starting a business, chasing a dream, switching paths – it’s awkward. It’s vulnerable. It’s scary. Do it anyway.
My own observation: most people are not paying as much attention to you as you fear. And of the ones who are? There are only two kinds: the ones cheering you on and the ones judging from the sidelines. Spoiler alert: the loudest critics usually aren’t doing much of anything themselves.
Take the risk. Try all the things. Fail. Learn. Keep going. That’s the only way forward.
4. Be patient as your life unfolds.
Sara was a bridesmaid 13 times before getting married at age 37 - and she talks openly about how meaningful that timing was.
“I was busy building the life I wanted and waiting for someone who would be my biggest cheerleader. Instead of focusing on WHO you want to end up with… focus on the YOU you want to end up with.”
I love this. There is a biological clock for women, yes – but science has expanded our options, and life doesn’t operate on anyone’s timeline but your own. You are not late. You are right on time.
5. Keep something that’s just yours
Sara’s advice on work-life balance:
“It doesn’t mean splitting everything evenly. The key is showing up for both the best you can – with grace and not guilt.”
She and her husband both continue to work, not because they have to, but because they want to. Sara even launched a new brand called Sneex (a sneaker with a heel). I’ll be honest, I’m not sure I’d wear them but I love her drive to keep innovating and creating.
This may be a little controversial, but I’ll say it anyway: don’t lose yourself in motherhood. Keep a job, a passion, a project, a purpose - something that’s just yours. It will serve not only you, but your kids, too.
In fact, Sara recently shared on her stories that her 10-year-old son had started his own little business: he and a few friends were canvassing their neighborhood offering dog clean-up services. What I love most about that is not just that he’s clearly not behaving like the entitled child of a billionaire but that he’s already modeling the entrepreneurial spirit that’s so present in his family.
6. Nurture your friendships and make time for them.
Sara takes her closest girlfriends on a surprise annual girls’ trip. She tells them what season to pack for, they hop on her private jet, and head out for a weekend of connection and fun. Sure, being a billionaire helps. But the point isn’t the jet, it’s the intention.
Women need women. We’re under unique pressures and demands. Your circle can be your therapy, your laugh track, and your reminder that you’re not alone.
Whether it’s a fancy weekend or a backyard wine night, make time for your people. It matters.
7. Be generous with what you have.
Sara always does a solo hotel weekend on her birthday where she enjoys wine, french fries, movies, and silence. She loves it so much she now gives a weekend away to a deserving woman each year through her Instagram.
“Time alone makes us better humans. Don’t feel guilty for needing it – consider this a guilt-free gift from me.”
She also loans out her wedding dress - 10+ women and counting. I love lending things to my girls and friends – dresses, shoes, handbags, etc. – and I’ve been lucky enough to borrow some really nice things over the years. Let someone else enjoy what you already have – it gives new meaning to our possessions when others get to enjoy them too. Plus it can help justify that splurge ;)
8. Raise curious, considerate kids.
Sara and her husband have a house rule: when a guest visits, each child must ask them a question. She said they take this assignment seriously - so seriously, in fact, that she once overheard her 8-year-old ask an unsuspecting guest, “What is your life’s purpose?” lol
It might sound cute or even trivial, but I think this simple rule is brilliant. It fosters genuine curiosity and teaches basic social skills - something that’s often overlooked. In a world that tends to revolve (sometimes a little too much) around children, this small habit reminds them: other people matter too. I would have totally stolen this rule in our house if I learned about it then - so I hope it inspires some moms out there.
There’s a real art to having a conversation, and honestly, I’ve met plenty of “all-about-me” adults who could have benefited from learning this lesson early on.
9. Celebrate others - even after their loss.
Sara lost one of her best friends as a teenager, and she still honors her memory to this day. She talks about her often and keeps her story alive, which I’m sure means the world to her friend’s family.
In that same spirit, Sara and her husband host an annual event called Hell on the Hill, where 100 participants run up the massive hill in their yard. Each runner dedicates their effort to someone they’ve lost or a cause they care about and the Blakelys donate $1,000 to every participant’s charity.
10. Have fun. Really.
One thing is clear: Sara Blakely is having fun. She works hard and plays hard. She travels solo. She builds new businesses. She throws parties, takes girls’ trips, hosts wild fundraisers, and still shows up fully for her kids.
She doesn’t live a rich life because of her money - she lives a rich life because of her attitude.
Sara Blakely didn’t just revolutionize women’s underwear. She redefined what it means to succeed on her own terms. I hope at least one of these lessons sticks with you. Whether you’re building something big, raising kids, starting over, or just needing a little push to go for it… take this as your sign. You’ve got this.
Thanks for being here. Have a great weekend.
Xx
Linda
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