Anna Agoncillo
Lady Gaga lit up the National Stadium last night with a spectacular, sold-out performance. It was the first of four nights in Singapore and her only stop in Asia for the Mayhem tour. The two-hour spectacle featured dynamic choreography, dramatic set pieces, and multiple costume changes.
What’s more? During her 2010 hit Alejandro, she draped the Singapore flag over a balcony on stage, drawing roaring applause. Beyond the wigs and theatrics, there’s a method to the madness. On that note, here are five key lessons from Mother Monster’s playbook.
#1: SAY NO & MEAN IT
In a speech at Yale, Lady Gaga shared how one simple word helped her reclaim her life. She had reached a point where she no longer recognized herself. Saying “no” gave her back control over her time, energy, and purpose.
Financially, the same principle applies. Saying no to unnecessary spending, to lifestyle pressure, or to things that don’t align with your goals, is a powerful tool. Just because you can afford something doesn’t mean you should say yes to it.
#2: BREAK FROM THE NORM
Gaga doesn’t follow trends. She sets them. As Gaga sings in Born This Way, “Don’t hide yourself in regret, just love yourself and you’re set.” Even in the way she dances, she moves to beats others avoid. Her unconventional choices make her unforgettable.
That mindset also works for money. It’s easy to follow the crowd, whether it’s buying the latest tech, chasing social media-fueled investments, or sticking to a career path that doesn’t truly suit you. But real success comes from doing what fits your own values and vision.
#3: THINK LONG-TERM
Lady Gaga’s stardom wasn’t built on one viral moment. Her success is the result of years of strategy, hard work, and consistent reinvention. It’s the same when it comes to your finances.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
Short-term thinking often leads to mistakes such as overspending, panic-selling, or taking on bad debt. But those who plan ahead, invest steadily, and take a long view of their goals tend to build lasting wealth.
#4: LOOK BEYOND YOURSELF
Behind every Gaga performance is a massive team: stylists, dancers, musicians, designers, and technicians. She openly credits her success to the people who support her, on and off stage.
Good financial decisions also rely on collective thinking. Whether you’re running a business or managing your own portfolio, long-term success means considering the needs of your community, employees, partners, and the environment. Companies and individuals who think sustainably often perform better over time.
“I wanna hold ’em like they do in Texas, please,” she quips in Poker Face, but the message is deeper: know who you’re dealing with, and value every card you hold.
#5: DON’T DO IT ALONE
Even a global superstar like Lady Gaga doesn’t do it all herself. Her massive live shows depend on an army of behind-the-scenes professionals. Her creative process is powered by collaboration.
The same is true with money. You may be the lead in your financial story, but you need a team such as trusted friends, mentors or a supportive partner. Trying to handle everything solo can lead to burnout or costly mistakes.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
Knowing when to ask for help is not weakness. It’s wisdom.
