by Lady Gaga is an inspiration to millions of people around the world. Her meteoric rise to fame is a true rags-to-riches story that proves anything is possible with enough hard work and belief in yourself.
As a fan, it’s incredible to see the advice and words of wisdom Gaga herself would share with her younger self if she had the chance. Her humility and willingness to open up about her personal struggles are so valuable for young people looking to follow their dreams.
If she could speak to Little Stefani, the young girl with big ambitions growing up in New York City, here’s the advice Lady Gaga might offer:
Don’t Be Afraid to Stand Out
Even as a child, Gaga had a flair for the theatrical. She was putting on shows for her family and friends from a very young age. However, this desire to stand out also opened her up to criticism and bullying at school.
Looking back, Gaga would reassure her younger self that it’s okay to be different. That willingness to take risks and be true to her artistic vision is what would one day make her a star. She’d encourage young Stefani to ignore the haters and keep expressing herself creatively, no matter what anyone else thinks.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
As an uncompromising artist, Gaga has had to be very selective about who she surrounds herself with. From an early age, she learned that not everyone in the entertainment industry has good intentions.
Gaga would warn her younger self to choose her inner circle wisely. Look for genuine people who believe in you and want you to succeed. Their support will keep you strong during difficult times. Avoid toxic people who try to take advantage of you or drag you down.
Work Harder Than Anyone Else
From playing dive bars on the Lower East Side to performing for millions at the Super Bowl, Gaga’s success didn’t happen overnight. She spent years honing her craft as a singer, dancer, and songwriter.
Gaga would encourage her young self to be prepared to work harder than anyone else on your dream. Success requires real dedication and sacrifice. Know your strengths and constantly push yourself outside your comfort zone. Outworking the competition is the only way to make it.
Turn Pain into Art
Underneath the glam costumes and chart-topping hits, Gaga has struggled with some very painful life experiences. She’s spoken openly about issues like bullying, sexual assault, chronic pain and mental health challenges.
The advice from Gaga would be not to bury the pain, but to channel it into your music. Let your vulnerability become a source of strength. Connecting to your real emotions will allow you to create meaningful art that helps yourself and your fans.
Learn to Love Yourself
As one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, Gaga seems confident and self-assured. But she admits that same girl who was teased at school still lives inside of her. She’s had to work hard to silence her inner critic.
Young Gaga needed to know that she is enough, just as she is. Her value and worth as a person have nothing to do with her fame or accomplishments. She’d remind Stefani to be her own biggest cheerleader and find power from within.
Make Time for Simple Pleasures
While she’s renowned for her colorful costumes, choreography and visual flair, Gaga knows that some of life’s simple moments bring the most joy. She just loves curling up with her dogs or cooking a meal with family.
She’d advise her young self to take time to appreciate the little things. Slow down and find beauty in everyday experiences. Don’t let the craziness of chasing your dreams prevent you from living in the now.
Use Your Voice for Good
With massive fame comes tremendous influence. Gaga recognizes the unique platform she has to make a positive impact on the world. From speaking out against bullying to advocating for mental health awareness, she leverages her voice fearlessly.
The advice to young Gaga would be to remember that fame is a privilege that comes with responsibility. No matter how big you get, stay humble and keep using your art to empower others. Kindness and compassion must guide you.
Believe in Your Vision
From her outlandish fashion to her complex visual albums, Gaga has always been a trailblazer. She has pushed pop music and aesthetics into new terrain. However, that required her to ignore skeptics and believe fully in her own creative vision.
Gaga would tell young Stefani to trust her instincts when it comes to her art. Never compromise just because someone doesn’t “get” what you’re trying to do. Stay authentic to your style and your message will cut through.
Keep Evolving
After exploding onto the scene with her 2008 album The Fame, Gaga could have kept churning out similar dance-pop music and replicated that success. But she was hungry to keep growing as an artist, even when that meant messing with a proven formula.
The advice to her young self would be to resist complacency. Gaga would encourage Stefani to take risks, diversify her skills and keep reinventing herself. Settling for comfort and safety will cause your art to stagnate.
Remember Your Roots
No matter how globally recognized she became, Gaga never turned her back on where she came from. She still proudly reps New York and celebrates her Italian-American heritage. Remaining grounded has helped her handle the pressures of fame.
She’d remind young Stefani to never forget her roots. No matter how high you climb, stay loyal to your background and your day-one fans. Keep the people who knew you before you were famous close to your heart.
Give Back Whenever You Can
Gaga recognizes that she’s been incredibly blessed in her life. The rough patches she endured only made her more determined to succeed. Now that she’s one of the biggest pop stars ever, she makes sure to pay that good fortune forward.
The advice from Gaga would be once you’ve realized your dreams, think about how you can help others achieve theirs. Use your platform, wealth and influence to improve lives. Find your passion project that gives back.
Stay Connected to Your Fans
Unlike some artists who view fans as more of a nuisance, Gaga has always shared an authentic connection with the Little Monsters who made her a star. She takes time to engage with them online and in person whenever she can.
Gaga would remind young Stefani that the fans are everything. Make sure to personally interact with those who invest time, money and energy into supporting you. Let them know how grateful you are for their loyalty.
Practice Unconditional Self-Acceptance
Gaga has been open about her mental health struggles, including fighting depression and anxiety. She wants to use her experience to help eliminate stigma around these issues. Part of her journey has been learning to accept herself unconditionally.
The advice to young Stefani would be that you are enough just the way God made you. Nothing you achieve externally can complete you – that comes from within. Let go of seeking validation and be at peace with who you truly are.
Have Fun and Stay Playful
While she takes her art very seriously, Gaga also wants to enjoy the ride. She doesn’t let the pressure of fame stop her from being goofy and having fun with her music. After all, life is too short not to enjoy yourself.
Gaga would remind young Stefani not to take everything so seriously. Yes, work hard and stay dedicated to your vision, but don’t forget to let loose and enjoy the process. Stay grounded in joyful, childlike playfulness.
Lady Gaga’s journey proves that with dedication, authenticity and belief in yourself, anything is possible. The advice she can now offer her younger self is so valuable to any aspiring artist. She is the embodiment of how passion, work ethic, resilience and compassion can take you to the top. Gaga’s willingness to be vulnerable about her struggles only adds to her legend. She is both an icon and an inspiration.
