Although I’ve watched a good number of films lately from around the globe, I haven’t been inspired to blog about any in a while. But this past week I watched the Iron Lady, and actually found myself writing down quotes from the movie (BTW, that is not a regular occurrence). Margaret Thatcher may be a controversial character in Britain’s history, but she definitely said some quotable statements during her tenure in British politics. As a woman with a great deal of responsibility on her shoulders, I think there are some lessons we can all take from her. So with a cup of tea in hand, here is what I have learned from the longest-serving British Prime Minister.
Plan your work for today and every day, then work your plan.
These days without the structure of a full-time job, I think I find this advice from M.T. to be the most practical. At least I’ve made it practical and started making my checklist every morning. It’s made me contemplate my goals and write them down, even the little ones. (Today: learn 30 new words for the GRE.)
I do not know anyone who has got to the top without hard work. That is the recipe. It will not always get you to the top, but it should get you close.
I am on the cusp of being a Millennial, a generation known for their access and ease with technology, but also regularly criticized for its characteristics of entitlement. Margaret’s quote was a good reminder that I cannot rest on the shoulders of others to accomplish my goals. It will take my own hard work and perseverance.
To wear your heart on your sleeve isn’t a very good plan; you should wear it inside, where it functions best.
As an emotional thinker, I can certainly benefit from this lesson. If I can allow my heart and mind to function in unison, rather that allow my heart to run the show, my decisions and probably my outcomes would all be better.
Thank you, Margaret, for the tea and for the good advice.
Global From Home 
Being an ardent (probably still an understatement) anti-Thatcherite, I still begrudgingly found myself liking this blog post. While I disagree with 90% of what she did or believed in, it’d be ignorant to ignore her strength as a politician and leadership figure. I think you’ve captured that well! Of course, a Maggie-bashing statement or two would improve this post no end. 😉
Thanks for giving the post a chance despite political differences. 🙂 You’ll find that Maggie and the American fiscal conservatives actually have a lot in common. In the red state of Indiana, I would expect you can get yourself into some good hearty debates. I hope to read about them in your blog!
I’m also far from the hugest fan of Margaret Thatcher’s policies, but I respect that she worked hard to raise herself from grocer’s daughter to Prime Minister, and that she did it all while facing ridicule from so many directions… And I don’t think anyone can deny that she is incredibly quotable! You picked some good ones 🙂