7 Pieces of Advice You Didn’t Know You Needed From ‘Parks and Rec’s Leslie Knope
Fans of Parks and Recreation are aware that Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) takes the term “girl boss” to a whole new level. (And those who have yet to see that firsthand can now check out the comedy on NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock.)
Despite having a job that many people would perceive as boring or mundane and living in a town that is less than exciting, she truly lives her life to the fullest and doesn’t let anybody bring her down. She has big dreams for herself, and through her motivation, work ethic, and positive attitude, we get to watch her achieve them, while inspiring those around her along the way.
Leslie truly inspires viewers everywhere to chase their biggest dreams and live their best lives. Through her unbelievable experiences as the Deputy Director of the Pawnee Parks and Recreation Department, as a wife, and as a friend, everybody can learn a thing or two from her.
Scroll down for seven of the best pieces of advice that Leslie has shared on her journey to greatness.
“Winning is every girl’s dream. But it’s my destiny.”
Here, Leslie taught us that you can’t just dream if you want something, you have to believe that it’s yours, and eventually, everything will fall into place. From the get-go, it’s clear that Leslie knows what she wants. She has her entire life planned out: marry Joe Biden and become President of the United States.
Another part of that fantasy is winning the Indiana Organization of Women’s “Pawnee Woman of the Year Award.” So, when a letter from the IOW arrives at the office, she is confident that it is her award. When the award was actually for Ron (Nick Offerman), Leslie was shocked and disappointed. However, Ron ends up declining the award to present it to Leslie for her hard work.
“We have to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, and work. Or waffles, friends, work. But work comes third.”
Leslie is the queen of priorities. She knows what’s important to her and what makes her feel fulfilled, so she goes after that. Although the majority of her dreams revolve around her work, she prioritizes waffles and friends first because those are the two things that make her happiest and make her want to keep working towards her goals. She teaches us to make time for the non-stressful parts of our lives that keep us going. Now that’s what we call “self-care.”
“I am big enough to admit that I am often inspired by myself.”
This is a lesson that everybody can use once in a while. If there is a lack of motivation in our lives externally, sometimes we have to generate that motivation ourselves. We must have faith in our capabilities and our powerful minds. Leslie teaches us that being your own biggest inspiration can do wonders for your confidence and work ethic. She works so hard because she is aware of her dreams and goals, and that is enough to inspire her to keep moving forward.
“Ann, you beautiful, naive, sophisticated newborn baby.”
Take notes on this one. Leslie certainly has the most unique way of hyping up her friends, but she does it when they need it most. Although her best friend, Ann (Rashida Jones), may have no idea what Leslie is talking about when she compliments her in such creative ways, Ann knows it is her friend’s way of being supportive. Leslie constantly makes sure her friends feel loved and appreciated, and she teaches us that, no matter how you choose to show it, supporting your friends makes such a positive difference in their lives.
“Guys love it when you can show them you’re better than they are at something they love.”
If there’s one thing we all know about Leslie Knope, it’s that she is a women’s empowerment icon. She knows what she is capable of, and she doesn’t let anything stop her. So, when she joins the boys’ camping trip for the first time, she decides to give them a run for their money when they go hunting. They may have underestimated her, but she exceeded their expectations. However, she does pull the “incompetent female” card with the sheriff after taking the blame for shooting Ron in the head. She never said societal stereotypes can’t play to your advantage.
“I’m going to be direct and honest with you. I would like a glass of red wine and I will take the cheapest one you have because I can’t tell the difference.”
Leslie is constantly reminding us that honesty is the best policy. Whether it’s admitting she’s no wine expert or she enjoys doing paperwork on a Saturday night, she is true to herself and is not embarrassed about who she is. She will never try and change to give herself a better image in someone else’s eyes. She knows that if someone doesn’t accept her, then they don’t deserve her.
“I love you and I like you.”
First of all, Leslie and Ben (Adam Scott) are the definition of “relationship goals.” They love each other unconditionally, they support each other, they trust each other, and most of all, they are best friends. This line from her wedding vows serves as helpful advice for people in relationships. Not only do you have to “love” your significant other, but you also need to “like” them. As mentioned, Ben and Leslie are best friends, which makes it all the more fun to spend their lives together, raise a family, and geek out together over all of their nerdy passions.
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