by Megan Winkler, The Good Business Witch

Business lessons are everywhere you look - even in movies! If you haven't read my post on "Encanto," you can do so here. Today, I'm diving into the business - and life lessons - from Elle Woods and "Legally Blonde."

Your hard work will pay off

"What, like it's hard?"

One of my favorite parts about "Legally Blonde" is that although she's presented as a valley girl, she's actually quite smart AND she works her ass off. How many times do we see her studying throughout the film? And she's not the only one who works hard. When Brooke's case goes to court, you see the entire team really putting in the hours. Hard work is part of owning a business, and sometimes we start with more hurdles than others (I'm rolling my eyes at you, Warner Huntington III) but in the end, all those podcast episodes you listen to while working out or the class replays you catch on your way to running errands pay off! Keep up the good work.

There's value in being happy

“Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.”

How iconic is this line? I mean, seriously! And she's right. Happy people don't shoot their husbands, or go off on a problem client, or lose their sh*t at the grocery store. Find something that makes you happy, whether it's working out, a pottery or cooking class, or rescuing dogs.

You can prevail against the patriarchy

“If you’re going to let one stupid prick ruin your life, you’re not the girl I thought you were.” ~ Professor Stromwell

Ugh, yes! We still live in a society where men think they can do shit like hit on their pretty coworkers or demand favors for promotions. It happens less than it used to, but it's not non-existent. Other aspects of our patriarchal system are more widespread - men stealing women's ideas, talking over us, manspreading on the train, mansplaining in everyday life...it goes on. It's hard to smash the patriarchy every day, but the fact that you own a business and you're throwing out the "rules" they've taught you is enough of a daily smash. Keep going, lady!

Trust and believe in yourself

"You must always have faith in people. And, most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself."

Elle says this at graduation and it's a beautiful statement. I love it when I can put faith in other people - it's even better when I can trust them, because trust is earned - but having faith and trust in ourselves is the most important part of being human. This goes beyond business and into every part of our lives. When you learn how to trust yourself, new possibilities open up to you that were closed before.

Stay informed

"I saw it in Teen Vogue a year ago. So if you are trying to sell it to me for full price, you picked the wrong girl."

Elle gracefully stands up for herself at the dress shop at the beginning of the movie - and wins the case for Brooke in the end - because she's informed. Yes, it's about fashion, and she read it in Teen Vogue, but she was still informed and didn't get screwed over at the shop. When you stay informed, whether it's through reading the news, tuning into informational podcasts, or taking a class to stay current on your skills, you remain powerful. You can better stand up for yourself when someone tries to pull a fast one on you. Knowledge is power, after all!

And one further Elle Woods quote that's so timely it hurts:

"For that matter, all masturbatory emissions, where his sperm was clearly not seeking an egg, could be termed reckless abandonment."